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their “natural look” makeup. Lynn looked radiant.
    They put her bags in the trunk of his rental car, and set off for the MOTAT. The Museum of Transportation and Technology was intriguing. Paul was astounded by Lynn's knowledge and interest in the technology exhibits. They held hands as they walked through the numerous sections. The motion pictures, music boxes and player pianos were Lynn's favorites. Paul inspected the cars, trains and planes with the enthusiasm of a small boy. They spent most of the day touring the museum, and Lynn was filled with remorse as she noted that it was time to leave for the airport.
    “Let's leave now,” she said. “Then we can talk privately at the airport.”
    Paul agreed, yet the drive was a solemn one. Each trying desperately to decide what to say.
    “I'll miss you while I'm in Christchurch and Melbourne,” Lynn confessed. “Isn't that silly? I only met you two days ago.”
    “Not too silly,” replied Paul. “I was just thinking the same thing.”
    They walked directly to the check in counter.
    “Maybe I can come down and see you in Melbourne,” Paul said.
    “That would be lovely, “ Lynn replied.
    Her hopes soared. Maybe she would see him again in a couple of days instead of ten days. They moved to Lynn's gate and waited.
    Paul cleared his throat, “Lynn,” he said. “You have grown to mean a great deal to me very quickly. To be honest, I am a bit overwhelmed by it all. You seem to have touched a place inside of me that hasn't been broached in a very long time. I'm trying to deal with those thoughts and the realization that you live in San Francisco, and I in Sydney. I don't have any answers, only more questions. One being, how dedicated are you to your career?” Lynn was surprised at his question.
    “Very,” she stated simply. “As I mentioned, I haven't even taken a vacation for months, because I enjoy my work. I wasn't working at trying to be a martyr. I get a lot of fulfillment from my job.”
    “So the independent American woman personified,” he replied bitterly.
    “I guess you could say that,” defended Lynn. “I love my work, as you do. And I'm good at it, as you are.”
    “Are you implying that I'm chauvinistic,” teased Paul.
    “I believe imply would be too nice of a word, don't you?”
    “Intimidated might be closer to the truth,” said Paul.
    “What,” laughed Lynn. “You're about as intimidated of me as a rattlesnake would be of a mouse.”
    “Now you are calling me a snake!” he chided.
    They changed the subject to Melbourne. Lynn talked of her plans, and Paul agreed to call her sometime after she arrived. They exchanged private cell phone numbers, and he gave her his number at work, and insisted that she call him if she needed.
    Too quickly, Lynn's flight was boarding. Their good bye was a short one. Intensity shone in their eyes, as they realized something special was coming to an end.
     
    *****
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 

Chapter 5
     
    Lynn tried to concentrate on the view outside her window, but her thoughts were consumed by Paul. Her flight seemed to arrive almost immediately in Christchurch, instead of an hour and 20 minutes later. By 6:00 PM Lynn had arrived at the Hotel where she would be staying.
    The hotel was elegant. Located on the banks of the lovely Avon River, with a panoramic view of the 'Garden City' and the distant Southern Alps. The large lobby had marble walled elevators and a beautiful stairway to the mezzanine. After a relaxing meal in the hotel's cheerful grill, Lynn returned to her room to plan her stay. She found a Church across the river on Worcester, and she planned to attend in the morning. Lynn spent the next two hours going over all of the other information the concierge had given her.
    After church the next morning, Lynn walked through the center of town. Christchurch Cathedral at Cathedral Square, the Bridge of Remembrance, Provincial Government Buildings, Victoria Square and the Floral