EVEN NOW ...

Bob and I had eaten Supper in Longview, then went dancing one hot August night in 1974; at a dance club in Longview on Vandercook: above the Chinese Restaurant that was there then.

This song was blaring from the mega speakers that had the room shaking as we paid the door fee, had the back of our hands stamped, and ordered our beers. Mr. Clean was playing with his band ... AND HE LOOKED EXACTLY LIKE the Mr. Clean guy.

Even now, I can see it all clearly in my mind’s eyes, like it was only yesterday.

I was only 17, but I wasn't carded because I was with my 6'2 gentle giant – who splayed the small of my bare back (I was wearing my holey jeans and a halter top) with his large hand as we moved through the crowded room: and the door bouncer figured I was old enough if I was with my protective fella ;-)

I didn’t like other guys putting their hands on me in a possessive way … but when Bob touched me in a way that transmitted to other males, “this girl belongs to me”, I didn’t mind. I liked that Bob wanted to get that message across. I liked that Bob felt protective with/towards me. I loved Bob. And I loved Bob’s hands on my body; I liked the sound of my name coming out of Bob’s sexy mouth. I liked the way my body responded to his fingertips branding my skin with his tender and gentle love – and I liked the way my whole body tingled when he breathed my name.

I miss the sound of Bob’s voice.

I miss Bob’s hands.

I miss the way he could ignite desire by simply touching me and saying my name.

Even now, 44 years later … plus the 19 months/22 days/11 hours & 44 minutes he’s been living in another realm of life … the sky is still burning – and he is still my soul’s desire.

Hot summer nights will always remind me of those hot summer nights with Bob; who my mother thought was ‘bad company’.

Hot summer nights will always remind me of the 4 months when we were young – when we couldn’t stop touching each other – and when the world was our oyster.

I love you, Babe.

Always ~ OX