"Cuba," She said

“Cuba” she said.

Before I could answer, my mind raced.

To the dark alleyways accented in neon lights, Colonial and Baroque buildings all painted in pastels

Cadillacs with tail fins and convertible Chevys

I could almost feel the sun and smell the salt in the air, and on her skin

My mind raced

to exotic dinners served by waiters in snazzy white tuxedos, sipping mojitos, and raising hell. All the while sharing smiles along the way.

My mind raced

to her in cocktail dresses, reminding me of how great of a dancer she was,

…is

and then my pulse brought me back to the moment. And, I swear, I could taste the cigar on my breath as I answered “yes.”