effortless

I "awaken" in the dream on a plane, first class. I am in the aisle seat, the window seat next to me is empty. I am reading one of my favorite books which is unique for having a blank cover.

I can tell at least a year has passed from the last chapter, I feel my dream self has seen all of the United States I have wanted to see, and am now trying to travel elsewhere, starting with Europe.

I hear a man clear his throat, and realize that my row is not empty. He is sitting in the aisle seat across from me. I do not look up, and continue reading.

After some time passes, he finally speaks. "Excuse me, I couldn't help notice your book...what is the name of it?"

I look up and see the man clearly for the first time, meeting his gaze. Crisp white dress shirt unbuttoned at the neck, plain black suit pants. Short peppered gray hair and tanned skin. He is considerably older than me, by around twenty years, but I still notice I am attracted to him.

I recognize him as a famous actor, but I don't let on, instead focusing on the nature of his question.

The corners of my mouth upturn into a smirk. "It doesn't have a title..that's why the cover is blank." I try to smile politely and look back down at my book and continue reading.

The man looks after me quizzically, shifting in his seat to question me again. "Wait, I'm sorry. It doesn't have a title? Then who's the author?"

I look up again, still smiling, trying hard to contain my laughter. "It's not actually written by just one person, there are no names attached to it..hence the blank cover." I try to look annoyed now, enjoying messing with him.

The man is exasperated now, but still curious. "Okay well then what's it about?"

Looking up once more, I smile wider "It doesn't really have much of a plot..." My voice trails off, waiting to see his reaction.

He laughs "Of course it doesn't, why would a book with no author or title have a plot?"

I grin while closing the book, offering it to him. "Pick a page, read a little. You'll see what I mean.."

He reads a little and hands it back, now having a full understanding "And it just goes on like that?" He asks.

I nod and say "Pretty much. I always take it with me when I travel, I just pick a spot anywhere in the book and start reading. I've yet to finish it, but I don't think it would matter if I did."

He smiles "You're right, I don't imagine it would matter much."

Our conversation ends, and I go back to reading. Two hours later, the flight has touched down in Lake Como. As we all stand up to depart, the man and I make eye contact and smile at each other, but don't say a word.

True to form, I have no other luggage than my laptop bag, which also holds my camera. I make my way to the outside of the airport and wait on the curb for a taxi to come by, looking expectantly in the distance, hoping one will appear soon.

In front of me is a black sedan, which the man from before strolls up to with his one carry on bag, making pleasantries with the driver in Italian who takes the bag and puts it in the trunk.

He sees me now, waiting for a taxi.

"Waiting for your ride?" He raises his voice to be heard.

I look to him nonchalantly "Just waiting for a taxi, yeah."

He motions to his driver to hang on and walks over to me. "It might be a long wait, there aren't a lot of taxis here."

"Great. Well, I'll just start walking then, thanks for the heads up." I start walking the other direction.

"No luggage?" He says, following me.

"No," I sigh. "No luggage, I was planning on buying everything I needed in town. I like to travel light."

"Well where are you staying?"

"I didn't have a place planned, I was just going to ask the taxi to drop me off at a hotel."

"Well I can give you a lift," Off my unsure look "come on, it beats walking"

I relent, and we walk back to his car.

"My name's Geo" he says.

I grin and say "I know.. I'm Sera." and we shake hands.

"Nice to meet you, Sera."

"Nice to meet you, Geo."

The driver takes my bag, commenting in Italian to Geo that I have a nice ass. Geo looks to see if I react, and I don't, so he assumes I don't know Italian as we both get in the car and drive away from the airport.