"This vertigo is mesmerizing, such a sweet fall. The lavender scent in your hair, yet the red roses hold sharp thorns. I can't explain to you who I am now. I am so in love with you. You and only you, even after all these thousands of years. When will it end this torturous waiting? I long to hold you in my arms and dance with you in the moonlight. You, my beautiful maiden, how it pains me that you still hold such sorrow in your eyes. So helpless am I, God of the Oceans, that I can not rid you of a simple tear. Come to me, my love. Reveal yourself and I shall reveal myself to you. Fear not my lovely, for I sense our time is soon."

"Nikko, wake up. Are you coming to the club with us tonight?" Shawn was restless and could see that his best friend was in a daydream. Nikko stood up peering over the wall of his cubicle. "I dont know yet," he said. "It might be kind of tough to get away if more than one of my students shows up. I have no one to cover for me at karate tonight and it looks really bad if I cancel at the last minute. Plus, its not fair to the kids." Nikko and his wife, Kari, didnt have any children of their own but Nikko was close to his students at the karate school. Between working at the software firm and teaching, he found he had little time for much else. Nikko went out with the boys on rare occasion, mostly avoiding these getaways because they made him wish he were single again.

Nicholas Paglione, Vice President, Trident Stars Solutions, was printed on his business card. A strikingly handsome Italian hunk, Nikko was quite a charmer. He and his buddy Shawn were masters in the realm of corporate politics and as a result, they led comfortable lives. "When you decide what youre going to do, let me know," Shawn said. "Youve been saying you want to come out with us for weeks, so nows your chance." As close as the two of them were, Shawn sensed that there was part of Nikko that he didnt know at all. There were times when he felt that his best friend was a total stranger. "And stop daydreaming, will you?" Shawn persisted. Nikko had that far away look in his eyes again and Shawn was trying not to get annoyed.

The truth was that Nikko did have a secret. A secret he never talked about. It was a cold, hard truth that Nikko couldnt quite seem to get around, no matter how hard he tried. He had an intense yearning, an overwhelmingly strong desire to find his real mate, his soul mate. Someone whos eyes you could look into and not have to say a word because they knew what you were thinking. Someone whose hand fit perfectly into yours and when they held you close you could feel their heart pounding, or maybe thats your heart thats pounding, but you cant really tell because maybe, just maybe, theyre the same heart. A relationship with the kind of passion most people only dream about. Nikko couldnt stop thinking about this woman hed never met. And this mystery love of his life wasn't his wife. But, she was constantly on his mind. "Who are you? Where are you?" Nikko wondered. "Do you really exist?" He swore the spirit of his soul mate was trying to find him. But, for the time being this push and pull between reality and fantasy was beginning to get on his own nerves, let alone Shawns.

The sales floor was buzzing with activity that afternoon, yet you could hear a pin drop after five o'clock. Just a few minutes past the hour and the cubicles were empty. "Were leaving now, Nikko," said Shawn. "For the last time, are you coming?" he said. Nikko tossed his headset in the air and much to Shawns surprise ran down the hall after him. "All right. Im coming. Hold up!" Nikko shouted, "I want you to tell me about this hot, new singer at Mark's Place you keep bragging about," a notable bit of anticipation in his voice. "Oh, so you were actually listening when I was talking about Sara. Well then, for now, I'm not revealing anything further," replied Shawn, "You'll get to see Sara for yourself and maybe, if you pay attention, I'll even introduce you to her," he replied condescendingly. As they left the building and walked through the parking garage, Shawn couldnt help but notice an unusual glimmer in Nikko's eyes; a look he hadn't seen for quite some time. The secret, enigmatic part of Nikko was, ever so slightly, peering through. "Nikko, my brother, you need to get out more," Shawn said patting Nikko on the back. The two walked to the parking lot and as soon as the door closed behind them, they raced to their cars. Seeing who could get to their destination before the other one was a game they often played as they sped out of the parking lot taking separate roads to see who could get there first.

Nikko was already waiting at the club by the time Shawn pulled in. "Jesus, you got here fast! How did you do that?" Shawn said in frustration. "You drive too damn slow," Nikko said trying not to smirk, "Anyway, I'm starving!" he said. "Somehow, I'm sure youll survive," said Shawn, "Let's go in and get a table. The music doesn't start for a while anyway." And as Nikko walked passed him, Shawn got the distinct feeling that something unique and special was about to happen to his best friend.

Just a few minutes from Mark's Place, Sara DuPre was getting dressed for her Friday night gig. Singing was Sara's way of channeling her creative energy at a small but attentive audience. It was also an opportunity to give herself a break from her nine to five job as a secretary. "What kind of background do you have that qualifies you for a position with our firm?" she recalled the office manager asking at an interview a few months back. "Well, I graduated from an architectural design school in Paris and speak fluent English, French and Japanese, Mandarin specifically," Sara said. "I see," noted the elderly woman behind some rather thick, cumbersome glasses. "Well, its always nice to have someone on board who understands the business and is able to work with our international clients," she commented. Sara seemed pleased with the direction the interview was taking until the woman continued, "But I'm afraid that the only position we have open at this time is for a secretary. Do you think that this might be something you would consider?" "Why, yes," Sara answered, thinking it best to jump at the opportunity to at least get her foot in the door. But the stuffy setting the corporate world had to offer quickly put a damper on her enthusiastic dreams of someday owning and running her own design firm. Sara was continually overlooked when it came to promotions and other opportunities within the company. Fortunately, Sara's imagination knew no boundaries and she often switched out of the real world and fantasized about becoming a famous singing diva. The money she earned from the club wasn't much, but she had a steady following and it gave her the opportunity to meet new people. Each Friday night, Sara began the process of transforming herself into a pop jazz seductress as she strapped on her tight, leather pants, high-heeled boots and gold lame top. Quite a different outfit from the conservative dress she wore during the day. She applied the final touches of gloss on her lips, another coat of mascara on her long eyelashes, one more spritz of her favorite perfume, and darted off down the driveway, her spiked heels clicking away as she jumped into her car. Her 1980, mint condition, red corvette was an inheritance from her uncle who collected and restored racecars. "This baby really hugs the road and has a personality all her own. It's perfect for you, Sara, it's yours," he told her on her last birthday. Sara felt powerful when she was behind the wheel, "It's like there's a magical connection between me and the car when I'm driving," she confided in him, "It's as though we're one." Sara thought of him fondly, recalling this last conversation as her uncle had passed away just a few months ago. She wished that she could feel the kind of connection she had with her car with another human being, a lover. She desperately longed to find her soul mate and be able to relate to him about her most secret thoughts and desires. Sometimes she could sense the presence of someone with her. She could feel the spirit of a man in her room. And other times, she would be walking down the street and sense that he was walking right beside her. She wondered if perhaps by sensing his presence that he was trying to reach her. Maybe he was looking for her too. She constantly searched for some kind of a sign that she would find him. "I feel like I'm going mad. Like I'm in love with a man I've never even met," she said confiding in her best friend, Abbi. "How do you miss a man you've never met?" she asked. A question even Abbi couldn't answer, but as usual, encouraged Sara to keep the faith. "If you can feel him in your heart, your body, and your soul, you'll find him," Abbi assured her. Sara daydreamed about this invisible man as she drove downtown towards Mark's Place, as she slowly increased the pressure on the accelerator, arriving at the club in record time.

The line getting into Mark's Place went around the block. It was packed with too many people, little ventilation, and too much smoke. "You're late," said Boomer. Boomer, an intimidating man because of his large stature, had the not so highly respected position of collecting cover charges at the door. He enjoyed being a bouncer and he was good at it. "All you have to do," he bragged to Sara, "is make sure that no one too young gets in, and no one too rich walks out." "Go get a real job," she said teasingly. She really adored Boomer. He kept all of the jerks away from her with a mere glance in their direction. Sara admired that kind of power; a quality she personally revered.

"Why is it so crowded tonight?" Sara asked her drummer as she got on the stage to plug in her microphone. "Full moon, baby," replied Curtis who was already, and quite obviously, enamoured with a few shots of Jack Daniels. Sara didnt seem to mind though. Curtis actually played better after he had a few pops in him.

At the back corner of the club stood a hungry, disappointed waiter who had clearly taken notice that his customer finished every morsel on his plate. "Excuse me sir, are you through with your dinner?" he inquired sarcastically. "I'm all set," said Nikko, "thank you." Nikko noticing that the waiter seemed a little on edge, turned his attention to Shawn and the other two guys from the office, Tony and Ron, who were joining them. "So, tell me. What have I been missing?" Nikko asked. "You'll see," replied Tony while stuffing the last portions of his cheeseburger down his throat. "Sara's great. Shell probably come over after her first set and join us. She's really hot and has an awesome voice. But you'll have to ask my permission before talking to her because were dating," he said all too impressed with himself. Shawn gave Tony a quick jab in the ribs, "Tony, youre an idiot. The only woman you've ever dated is your cousin." Nikko got up and looked in the direction of the bar acknowledging that the conversation had taken a moronic turn, "I'm going to go get a drink and stretch my legs. I'll be right back," he said. Nikko had only had so much tolerance for Tony. He felt uneasy around anyone who was so blatantly inept in even the most common of social situations.

There was a sea of people at the bar but once Nikko made his way there, he managed to find a seat. Just as his drink arrived, the lights dimmed casting a soft, romantic hue over the room. The blue and orange lights glazed over the smoke, illuminating the stage with a mystical glow. Unusually enough, the entire club was padded with soft blue-gray carpeting; even the walls were carpeted. The band began to play a sexy blues number that hadnt been heard before that night, yet sounded somehow familiar to Nikko. Sara stood in the center of the stage and sang one of the songs she and Curtis wrote together. The crowd grew still, conversations drifted off and all eyes turned to look at where this sexy voice was coming from. Nikko slowly turned around on his barstool and gazed at Sara. "Wow, shes gorgeous! I'm certain we've never met before, yet I feel I know her somehow." Nikko's pulse began to race and his palms were sweating. He was captivated listening to Sara sing. Who was this woman that she was having such an incredible effect on him? Nikko sat quietly and listened to the beautiful sound of her voice as it washed over him calming his nerves, while simultaneously making his heart race. He felt as though Sara was singing just for him, as though there was no one else in the room. He could feel something special happening to him and he was determined not to leave without meeting this lady.

The bands first set ended and Sara walked off the stage to a receptive audience, lots of applause and flirtatious whistles. She headed straight for the bar and took a seat right beside Nikko. Seizing the opportunity, he turned to her and said, "Hello." "Well, hello," she replied. Sara suddenly felt herself blush as she looked into this strangers eyes and turned her head so he wouldn't notice. "Not much in the mood for socializing?" he asked "Oh," she replied, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be rude. I'm just a bit shy around people I don't know." "That's wise. Please, allow me to break the ice then. My name is Nikko, Nikko Paglione," and he extended his hand. "It's nice to meet you Nikko, my name is Sara, Sara DuPre." As Sara took Nikko's hand, the attraction between them was instantaneous. And for a brief moment, took Sara's breath away. She felt an electrical energy force flowing right through her. Nikko could feel Saras chi (her energy) and sensed her inherent power. "Sara!" they heard Ron shout from the back table. "Why don't you come over and bring that ugly guy sitting next to you?" The yell startled Sara a bit and then she was comforted realizing that she and Nikko were still holding hands. "How do you know them, Sara?" Nikko asked, as he slowly took his hand away so as not to make her feel uncomfortable. "Oh, those guys are regulars," she said, "They've been coming here for months. They seem okay. They don't bother me. Seems like they know you." "Oh, they know me all right," Nikko said rolling his eyes, "We work together. Shawn's a friend of mine and the other two, well, I never said this, but they're more like pathetic amusements." Sara smiled admiring Nikkos candor. "Would you like to sit with us?" Nikko asked. "I'd love to," she said, "but only for a few minutes, until my next set." As Nikko took Sara's hand in his, Sara noticed how perfectly their hands fit together. Nikko led the way, as if protecting Sara from the crowd, and guided her to the table. "Who is this guy?" Sara thought growing increasingly more aware of her desire for this stranger, and wondering what it would feel like to be held in his arms. She could see his muscles underneath his shirtsleeves and the smell of his cologne was subtle enough to discreetly draw her attention and make her want to get even closer to him. Nikko pulled a chair out for her as he sat down. "What would you like to drink?" he asked. "Ill have a white wine," she said and Nikko motioned for the waiter. He ordered a round of drinks and all the while didn't take his eyes off Sara. "I see you two have met," said Shawn. "Nikko? Are you in there?" he asked. But it was obvious that Nikko had not heard a word Shawn said, and he and Sara were caught in their own little world. Shawn, Ron and Tony smirked at each other like schoolboys in the presence of lovers. Sara, realizing that the time was fleeting and that she and Nikko were locked in some kind of a time warp reluctantly broke the spell. "Will you be staying for my next set?" she asked. Though posing the question to all of the boys, it was obviously directed at Nikko. The boys nodded like bobble-head dolls. Sara turned to Nikko and whispered in his ear, "I have to go." "Already? You just sat down," he said. Nikko rose and pulled Sara's chair out from the table as she excused herself. And though she had done it a million times, she was finding it difficult to walk. Her knees wobbled like rubber. She made a concerted effort to keep her smile from growing and was getting giddy. "What's the matter with you?" Curtis smirked as she got back up on stage. "Nothing," Sara said unsuccessfully trying to hide her feelings. She looked at Curtis knowing she couldnt keep a secret from him and they both burst out laughing. "Shut up!" Sara said to him. "I didn't say anything!" Curtis said. "Man, are you see-through!" he said teasingly. Sara took a deep breath trying to calm her nerves before she sang her next song. Her hands were shaking as she held the microphone, careful not to take it out of the stand for fear of dropping it. She turned to look at Curtis who was sitting behind his drum set with his arms crossed and a huge Cheshire Cat grin on his face. "Swallow the canary will you? I'll talk to you about it later, just play the goddamn drums," she whispered to him. And as the lights dimmed once more, Curtis nodded to their bass player and introduced Sara who captivated her audience once more. Only this time, Sara wasn't singing for those in the audience. This time she was singing for the man at the back table who couldn't take his eyes off her. She was singing for the man she had finally met. She was singing for her soul mate.

After the set was over, Nikko appeared at the edge of the stage, "Sara, you have a beautiful voice. I'm happy we met. I wish I could stay for the rest of your sets, but I have some business to attend to," he said. Saras heart sank. She forced a smile and said, "It was nice meeting you too, Nikko. Hey, thanks for the drink." Nikko put his arms around her waist and lifted her down off the stage. Then he pulled her close to him and whispered in her ear, "I'll see you soon," and as he held her pretty face in his hands he gently kissed her cheek. Sara stood there not saying a word as she felt Nikko's soft lips against her skin. When she finally opened her eyes Nikko had already gone out the exit door. Curtis stayed behind his drums inconspicuously watching this whole scene. He couldnt help but laugh noticing that Sara still wasn't moving. He climbed down off the stage, went right up to her and stared in her face. "What the hell are you doing?" Sara giggled. Curtis put his arm around her as though she were his little sister, "C'mon kid, I'll buy you a glass of champagne." "Champagne? Why? What are we celebrating?" she asked. "I don't know," answered Curtis, "I was kind of hoping you could tell me," he replied and winked at her as they walked back up to the crowded bar.

After Sara got home that night, she couldn't stop thinking about Nikko. She hoped with all of her heart that she would see him again. When she climbed into bed she couldn't sleep. She imagined Nikko's arms wrapped around her and imagined him kissing her. Soon she was deep into her fantasy. Sara did her best to resist the temptation to drift off to sleep. Imagining Nikko making love to her felt safe, wonderful and passionate. Sara didn't want it to end. And, as fate would have it, this was the exact same fantasy that Nikko Paglione was dreaming about that night too.