Page 81 of Forever Fascinating

“Good hook…” the craftsman whispered, holding her necklace aloft… only to see that it was a little longer.

There was a small bar inserted on her chain with tiny loops that the two pennies now dangled from, with brand new clasps that had been soldered on.

“Oh, my goodness,” Jana breathed, stunned, accepting the necklace back, only to have Matthew take it from her, putting it around her neck. Her fingers touched the little coins and fingered the tiny bar that was perfect, showing them off on display. “Oh Matthew… look.”

“Now, I just need to take my lovely girlfriend to a few more places so we can fill the empty rings on there,” he said gently, kissing her temple, before turning to the man.

She listened, fascinated, as they talked somewhat, and Matthew took a business card. He paid the man, slipping the card in his wallet, and then took her hand, leading her back onto the cobblestone streets of Athens.

The sun was going down behind the buildings, giving the sky a reddish hue as some of the neon lights of the bars started to turn on, casting a weird retro haze over the world, outshining some of the clothing stores. The employees were putting out tiny tables, stools, and other seating while people walked past as if it was nothing.

“I had no idea…”

“I think he was trying to tell us it was a cheap clasp… and it was,” he admitted, touching the necklace. “He soldered the rings closed, so they will never come off, and it looks so much nicer now.”

“I love it.”

“I’m glad,” he said gently, before smiling at her. “Now… do you feel like having a little wild fun?”

“I don’t know… maybe?”

“No Ouzo,” he retorted, rolling his eyes, causing her to laugh. He clasped her hand in his, pulling her towards an alleyway. “I saw this earlier and wondered, but as all the lights came on? I think I know what this is now.”

As she followed him in the crowded streets, she saw hot pink, orange, green, and blue neon lights… just before she saw the massive flowers illuminated – and the psychedelic-looking mushrooms.

“I don’t do drugs…” she balked, yanking on his hand, only to see him turn in surprise.

“I don’t either,” he smiled. “I think it’s a bar and dance hall – but themed.”

“It is?” she gaped, looking around… her eyes taking in everything.

The alley’s view of the sky was blocked by ropes of greenery and massive awnings that looked like playing cards. There were teapots of every size, shape, and color in the windows, and a woman wearing a blue dress was waving people inside.

“You are kidding me…” she breathed, looking up at him.

“Alice in Wonderland…” he whispered. “Does my forever date want to dance the night away with a mad hatter who’s crazy about her?”

She smiled at him, leaning up to kiss him in response as they darted inside, still holding hands and laughing like children. The flashing lights were almost blinding as they made their way onto the crowded dance floor.

Green, pinks, yellows, and purples flashed wildly, streaming down, making everything almost surreal. The music was extremely loud, thumping, as everyone danced around them, jumping and gyrating with their arms in the air.

Moments later, with careless abandon, they did the same.

She couldn’t help but feel enchanted, as one arm was around his shoulders and the other was in the air. He was doing the same, except his arm was around her waist, as if to hold onto her protectively, while they jumped wildly, dancing together to the unknown beat of whatever foreign song was playing.

Both were laughing, smiling, and she knew in that moment, without a doubt, there would never be another man like this in the world for her.

“I love you,” Jana whispered.

She was unable to help herself, almost spellbound in this insane atmosphere that was carrying her away. He had crashed right into her world with a single curious look before sweeping her into his arms in a secret dance… just like now.

“What? I can’t hear anything!” he hollered, grinning.

“Nothing!” she screamed loudly, feeling nervous and afraid that this was too much, too soon.

The music suddenly changed pattern, and everyone began swaying, just before the song began thumping again. There were no elegant steps like they had done on the dancefloor at her brother’s wedding. The throng of people around them were pressing against them, causing her to be extremely close to Matthew.

No, this dancing was wild, uncoordinated, almost primal movements to the music. She could feel him against her as they moved in unison, and it was heady.

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