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THEDivineSUMMIT:A Love Story
Dr. Steven Panzer
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This book is dedicated with love and gratitude to my dear mother,Helen Panzer.
I lost my mom at the tender age of ten, but I shall be forever grateful forthe brief time we spent together.
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Contents
Preface
Acknowledgments
Book 1: Descent into Darkness
Book 2: Transformation through Grace
Book 3: A Sacred Path to God
Epilogue
About the Author
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Preface
I had a painful childhood. When I was 10 years old, my loving mother
had the first of several debilitating strokes. My younger brother and I were
severely traumatized when we came home from school and found my mom
lying on the couch paralyzed. Both of us suffered from feelings of abandonment
and unworthiness into adulthood.
My beloved brother took his life at the age of 28, and my mother died a
year later in 1979. Within a month I endured the heartache of a broken
engagement and soon thereafter the loss of all of my income.
Overcome with loneliness and hopelessness, I was struck with the stark
reality that my efforts to heal and find love had failed.
At the age of thirty-seven, I felt as if my entire world was a barren
wasteland. I was convinced I could never be happy until I found my soul mate.
Unfortunately, my ingrained fear of abandonment sabotaged every meaningful
relationship I encountered.
I was a broken man. I never could have anticipated how God was preparing
me for the great blessing He was going to bestow on me.
From the depths of my despair, I cried out to God to rescue me from my
pain. Thankfully, the Lord answered my prayer. What I experienced in my
moment of complete surrender and weakness transformed my life for eternity,
healing me of my deepest sorrow and setting me on a sacred path to God. It was
that life changing experience that I wanted to share with my spiritual brothers and
sisters, and was my inspiration for writing this story.
The Divine Summitis a suspenseful story of intrigue, intimate love and
spiritual growtha celebration of the crowning glory of Almighty God. It is a tale
of the miraculous power of Christs love to heal us of our deepest pain and fears,
and reveals a profound intimacy between a man and a woman that can only be
experienced through the grace of God.
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Ultimately, The Divine Summitis a journey to become one with Christ in
your heart and share Him with those you love.
All who proclaim that Jesus is the Son of God have God living in
them, and they live in God God is love, and all who live in lovelive in God, and God lives in them And as we live in God, ourlove grows more perfect.
1 John 4:1517
Dr. Steven Panzer, 2013
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Acknowledgments
I wish to express deep appreciation to all those whose assistance wereindispensable in my efforts to craft this story. I am especially thankful to my wife
Holly, who not only supported me in writing this project, but also lent her editing
expertise.
I am particularly beholden to Dennis Nehamen, an author and my lifelong
friend, as well as my insightful literary editor Donna Mazzitelli. Both made
substantial contributions to the development of the story and characters as well as
the initial line editing. I also want to thank David, my editor with Westbow Press,who did the final line editing and polishing of the manuscript.
During the spring of 1999, I had a three-hour private life changing
meeting with Pastor Rick Warren of Saddleback Church in Southern California.
The purpose of my visit was to present the mission of my newly founded
ministry The Community of Champions, an outreach to mentor Christian
business owners in their growth as Christ-centered servant leaders. When
Pastor Warren offered to be my spiritual mentor, I gratefully accepted. Under
his guidance, over the next four months I was able to set a clear course to Christ.
Additionally, I was inspired to break free of my own flesh limits and rely on the
awesome power of Almighty God.
Several pastors and writers have had a profound influence on my
spiritual growth and the development of this story.
Pastor Jack Hayford, the founder of the Church on the Way, whose
treatise on progressive sanctification brought me closer to the Lord through all
the my trials and tribulations.
Pastor Bill Gillham, whose brilliant book, Lifetime Guarantee, provided me
with a biblically based psychology of sanctification framework that enabled me
to overcome the adversity in my life.
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Pastor Charles Stanley, whose inspiring sermons and books, particularly
The Blessings of Brokenness, gave me the insight and courage to endure the Dark
Night experience and emerge as a new man in Christ.
Brother Dana Nafziger, a true servant leader to the Lord and my close
friend and client, who encouraged me to overcome my initial doubts in writing
this story.
Finally, I want to thank the Lord for his undying love and grace that has
given me a new life of freedom. I pray that he will use my humble offering to
inspire my readers to relentlessly seek Gods love and healing.
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Book 1
Descent into Darkness
My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor detest His correction;
For whom the Lord loves He corrects, just as a father the son in whom he
delights.
Proverbs 3:1112
And we know that all things work together for the good to those who loveGod, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:28
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Prologue
The sky was a sea of thick, black clouds shrouding the land in a deathlike
shadow. It was growing darker by the minute, and every few seconds, lightning
fluttered across the black backdrop, followed by the rumble of thunder. The wind
had increased steadily since noon and now howled across the desert with such force
that it whipped swirls of sand and dust high into the air. The landscape was
desolate, a world of unending sand and rocksso dark and bleak that the spirit of it
seemed to defy life.
But there was life on the desert.
A Jeep, its engine whining as it jounced and pitched over the rocky terrain,
forged ahead, speeding into the Mojave. It passed columns of spine-covered cactus
and other sprawling desert plants that grew low to the ground.
Michael Salter clutched nervously at the steering wheel, his eyes straining to
pick out the speck of a cabin that should appear at any moment. Trembling inside,
his heart pounded incessantly. His instincts warned him that something was wrong,
dreadfully wrong. Lord, please spare Brian, he cried inwardly.
He had offered to take his brother into his home, but Brian had refused.
Michael had never seen him in such desperate straits, so disoriented and lost. His
brother needed help. Michael shook his head. He should have insisted that Brian
come home with him.
Brian, his younger brother, was all the family Michael had left. Their dad had
been killed in an army helicopter accident while serving overseas, and their mom
had died of a stroke five years later, leaving the two boys to an orphanage. Michael
was only ten, and his brother was six. Being the oldest, Michael had always looked
after Brian, taking care of him and protecting him like the father neither one of them
ever really had.
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Brian was a kind, sensitive soul who never developed the self-confidence to
stand on his own two feet. Life was a never-ending struggle for him. Nothing
seemed to go right. Everything seemed difficult and overwhelming, and last month,
when he was fired from the only decent job hed ever held, something snapped
inside him. Despite Michaels vehement protests, Brian fled into the desert, taking
refuge in an abandoned miners cabin that hed discovered last year.
Where is it? Michael agonized, still straining to pick out the cabin as he drove
on through the sandstorm. It had been nearly a week since hed last brought food
and provisions to him. And right before he left him, Michael caught something in
Brians face, something strangesomething so faint that it had been barely
noticeable to Michael. Yet Michael had felt it. He had sensed a look of resignation, a
sense of futility in his brothers eyes. And it had scared him. Dear Lord, spare him.
Dear Jesus, please let me take him home. Let him live. Jesus, please dont take him from me.
Suddenly, Michael saw the cabin. He felt a tightening in his stomach.
He pulled to a stop and turned off the engine. The wind was gusting and
moaning, almost like a foreshadowing of Michaels worst fears.
Then reality hit him. There was no smoke coming from the chimney. And the
door was ajar, creaking in the wind. No! he screamed as he leaped from the Jeep
and rushed to the door. Please, Lord
He looked inside.
Horror seized him, stopping his breath and paralyzing every muscle in his
body. What he saw in that moment imprinted on his brain with such glaring clarity,
with such detail, that he would never be able to forget it.
And in that instant, he felt something within him break. Michaels secure
worldthe reality it had taken thirty-two years to constructshattered instantly
into oblivion. Nothing would ever be the same.
Thunder cracked loudly overhead and the wind whipped rain against
Michaels face, but he felt neither. Flies buzzed over the corpse, and the stench of
death overwhelmed his senses. He stood paralyzed, staring down at his beloved
brother, until finally he cried out, Brian! Brian!
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Michael fell to his knees, crouched over his brother, and wept uncontrollably.
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1
Suspended from the arched ceiling overhead, ornate chandeliers sparkled like
jewels, and out across the ballroomadorning the tables of yellow linen, fine china,
and crystalcandles glowed amidst bouquets of yellow orchids. The Crystal Room
of the Beverly Hills Hotel was crowded, buzzing with the chatter and laughter of
hundreds of people. From the orchestra came the soft murmuring of violins.
Every corner of the great ballroom was overflowing with people. All of society
was thereactors and actresses, wealthy businessmen, journalists, and politicians. It
was the social event of the yearthe engagement reception of David Granik, one of
the most influential tycoons in the cityand the elite of Los Angeles, attired in the
flaunting costumes of the rich, were conspicuously on exhibit.
Michael Salter stood alone at the entrance, looking out across the grand
ballroom. He was focusing intently on the faces in the crowd, searching for someone.
Other than the guest of honor, he didnt think hed know a single person in
attendance. Yet his body trembled with anxious anticipation.All because of that dream,
he thought.He couldnt shake his premonition that he was supposed to meet
someone significant tonight. This is delusional. What am I doing here? I dont even belong
with this crowd.He shook his head.
For an instant, the strange faces, the fine black tuxedos, the elegant evening
gowns, and the jewels and diamonds all blended into a dreamlike impression. But
then the illusion dissolved and he was struck by the absurdity of it. People appeared
to be babbling at each other, nodding their heads, and pretending to be listening
while stealing glances at the illustrious personages all around them.
Its all so contrived, he thought. Its not real. From where Michael had been,
from the world in which he had lived for the past thirty days, this scene was simply
mind-boggling. He had returned to Los Angeles that very night after a month of
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backpacking in the High Sierras, where he had managed to survive in a remote
region some eleven miles from the nearest road. The wilderness was so isolated that
he had not spoken to another human being for one solid month. The last ten days
had been particularly grueling, as he had run out of provisions and been forced to
live off the trout he caught in the lakes.
Like his brother had done two months earlier, it was in complete desperation
that Michael had fled into the Sierras. He was beaten and disillusioned, a man who
had lost all hope and faith. The mountains were a refuge, his only escape from a
world that had scorned him, laughed at him, and cast him out as some kind of a
madman.
The final and most painful rejection had come from his wife, who delivered a
punch to his solar plexus as she turned on him. I wont have any more of this!
Patricia shouted when she walked out. I wont be shamed! Can you imagine what
people must be thinking?
She packed her bags and moved to San Francisco to live with her parents.
The strain of everything that was slipping away had been too much for him.
Although completely shattered by his brothers death, something more, something
even deeper, splintered and disintegrated when his wife left. Michael had become a
fragmented shell of a man. Too beaten and crazed to function any longer in the
civilized world, he escaped.
Yet just three months ago, back before he had found his brothers body lying
stiff and cold on the cabin floor, Dr. Michael Salter had appeared to be living a
normal, respectable life. He was a devoted husband and a highly respected clinical
psychology professor at UCLA. He had a lucrative psychotherapy practice in
Westwood Village and owned a beautiful home in Benedict Canyon. On the surface,
everything seemed just fine.
But in reality, Michaels soul was dying. He was living a life that hed been
programmed to live, with a demanding career that constantly kept him on the go.
Driven by his intense desire to overcome the restraints of his impoverished
childhood, Michael had been determined to be successful in his field. He realized
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now that his obsessive work ethic had served to mask the pervasive sadness and
loneliness within his marriage.
It was clear now that finding his brothers corpse in the desert had been the
first jolt and catalyst for the ultimate destruction of his well-fashioned life. Like an
8.5 magnitude earthquake, it uprooted the very foundation of his existence. For the
subsequent two months, powerful aftershocks had continued to demolish any
remnants of his former life, until his entire world had been leveled to a barren
wasteland.
The first three nights after finding his brothers corpse had been absolute
torture. Waves of anxiety and grief tormented him endlessly, preventing him from
sleeping. By the third day, his mind and body were exhausted and he had lost his
mental capacity to reason or act rationally. Hour after hour, he vacillated between
unbearable grief and intense anger. Like a man possessed, wherever he went, he
ranted and raved, ripping into hypocrisy and deceitfulness wherever he saw it.
Then, within just a few weeks, he was fired from the university, his colleagues
turned on him, his friends deserted him, and his wife of seven years walked out on
him, cutting off all communication with him.
And saddest of all, he had become disillusioned with God. He felt betrayed
by the Lord; Michael had lost all faith and trust in Him. The pain of his brothers
death thrust him into an abyss from which there was no escape. Once again, like
with his father and mother, God had abandoned him and left him in a state of utter
despairhopeless, lonely, and defeated. How could he ever believe in a supposedly
loving God that had allowed the destruction of his entire family? How could he
once again have faith in a God who had been deaf to his prayers to protect his own
child in his wifes womb, subsequently leading to her miscarriage?
Once again, the Lord had kicked him in the gut. Michael was completely
alone, abandoned by God, and ostracized by the people in his life.
Tonight was Michaels initiation back into that other reality, the world of
civilization. How strange, he thought. Of all places, to be here at the Beverly Hills Hotel.
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Im becoming a regular in this scene. This was the third time hed attended an affair in the
Crystal Room in the last two years.
Loud laughter interrupted Michaels thoughts. He looked out over the
ballroom at the hundreds of strange faces. He was still searching for someone, for a
spark, a clue for why he was there. Tremors of nervous anticipation continued to
wreak havoc with his stomach.
Two nights earlier, while still in the Sierras, he had experienced a powerful
dream in which hed received a premonition of this very ballroom.
He had dreamed that he was on a great mountain in the Sierras and
wandering aimlessly in the dead of night, under a black sky darkened by a sea of
thick storm clouds. He was exhausted, his muscles aching with fatigue, his throat
parched, and his heart crushed with hopeless despair. Completely spent, he fell to
his knees and looked up. Suddenly, he became mesmerized by a brilliant golden
light emanating from the summit. A surge of energy shot through his body,
instantly revitalizing him. Knowing he had to reach the light, he rose to his feet and
staggered up the mountain.
As he reached the summit and looked toward the glow before him, Michael
slumped to the ground. His eyes were dazzled by the glaring light. Unexpectedly,
he found himself in the midst of a crowd of people in a great ballroom with a high
ceiling and crystal chandeliers. He immediately recognized his surroundings. Off in
the distance, his eyes transfixed on a man and woman approaching him, but he
could not make out their faces. His despair vanished and was instantly replaced
with an inner peace and joy, as well as a sense of freedom he had never before
experienced.
At that moment, a loud clap of thunder abruptly pulled him from his dream,
destroying his tranquility. Hed been left hanging, not understanding the significance
of the dream. At the very second when his despair had turned to joy, hed been
rudely taken from the Crystal Room and left in a state of intense anxiety and
frustration.
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Tonight, however, Michael felt that something profound was about to unfold.
He was struck by the startling reality that his dream had taken place on his last night
in the wildernessand the night before Davids engagement reception. Michael had
tentatively planned to attend without Patricia. He knew if he ever wanted his wife to
return to him, he would win big points by attending Davids celebration. The dream
solidified his decision to attend tonight.
Michael shook his head and laughed. When they had received Davids
invitation, Patricia had insisted that they attend, and he had reluctantly agreed. He
shook his head again. His wife had left him soon after, and he hadnt seen or spoken
to her since. The truth was that Michael couldnt really stand David. Hed always
tolerated him for Patricias benefit. She and David had been close since college. So
tonight, had it not been for his dream, this was really the last place he wanted to be.
Yet here he was.
He thought about Davidhis great wealth, his power. Patricia idolized him,
but Michael had never felt comfortable in his presence. How badly he wanted to turn
and run. But where? Where was he to go? There was no place to hide. To run now
would be utter defeat. And if there was any glimmer of hope for his marriage, being
here tonight might just be the olive branch he needed to show Patricia that he was
trying.
His month-long pilgrimage in the Sierras had partially healed him; the intense
anxiety and emotional attacks had dissipated. He felt stronger, determined to go
back to Los Angeles and build a new life from the ruins hed left behind. He could
not bear to go on living in isolation as a hermit in the wilds. He had to attempt to live
in the civilized world againa world that he now felt estranged from.
Michael took a deep breath. He adjusted his tie and sports coat and walked
through the doorway into the ballroom. He had forgotten that this was a black-tie
event, and he suddenly felt even more uneasy being the only man wearing a sports
coat. In addition, his hair had grown out considerably over the past two months and
he had not had time to get a haircut. People seemed to take notice, as many turned
their heads to stare at him when he walked by. He was now in the midst of the
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tumultpeople bumping against him, pushing him, and pressing in on him on all
sides. He couldnt handle it. He needed a drink.
Michael spotted the bar and began squeezing his way through the crowd. He
had gone just a short ways when he bumped into a woman, nearly spilling her drink.
Excuse me, he said. Im sorry.
Such a lovely party, she said as she smiled, flashing her bloodshot eyes at
him. Dont you just love it?
He studied her intently. She was obviously high and her perfume was rancid.
Lovely, he forced out. Just lovely.
Do you know David or Laura? she followed.
Laura?Right, right. Shes Davids fiance.He remembered seeing her name on
the reception invitation.
Well, is it David or Laura? she repeated, unashamedly looking him over.
Michael was a handsome man with broad cheekbones and a sturdy jaw. He
was a little over six feet tall and had a deeply tanned face. His brilliant blue eyes
projected a passion and intensity that frequently made people uneasy. It was as if he
could look right through you to your soul.
Well? she insisted nervously.
David, he said as he shrugged and turned away.
She laughed and pursued. I find you attractive. You dont mind me saying
that, do you? I mean, most men are intimidated by assertive women. Now, youre
not one of those, are you?
He pointed to his wedding band, smiled wryly, and walked away.
Michael took a long, heavy breath. Welcome back to civilization, he thought,
shaking his head. Youd better control yourself.
He pushed onward through the throng and over to the bar. He ordered a glass
of white wine, turned, and while sipping at his drink, he looked out across the
ballroom. Where is David? Huh, I wonder what this Laura of his is like. I can imagine, if she
fits into this scene. These people are so lost.Come on, he pleaded with himself,get with it.
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You can play this game. He turned to the older man at his elbow. Great party. Dont
you just love it? He smiled.
The old man smiled back. Ach, what do you think? Do I look like a
socialite?
Michael laughed. So why are you here?
I was invited. Im Lauras uncle. The man spoke with a German accent, but
it was the light in his eyes that struck Michael.
And you? Why are you here? the old man added.
Out of obligation to my wife, he replied, laughing under his breath. I dont
quite fit in with this crowd though.
The old man laughed and broke into a broad smile. Neither do I.
Michael could not help but laugh. The man had dark-silver hair and pale blue
eyes that seemed to miss nothing. He stood a few inches shorter than Michael and
was a robust man with a face burned brown by the sun and lined with character and
an intensity of feeling. The face spoke of having lived and experienced a very full
life.
Youre the first person Ive been able to talk to, Michael said.
I know what you mean. At least, we found each other. Hermann smiled.
But come. The festivities are to begin. You will share a table with me, yah?
Id like that.
Good, the old man said, shaking his hand. Hermann Haller. You are?
Michael Salter.
You are a friend of Davids? Hermann asked.
No, no. My wife is close to David. Theyre good friends. She couldnt make
it tonight. Shes out of town.
Hermann put his hand on Michaels shoulder and escorted him to the table.
Michael was intrigued with this elderly gentleman, and once seated at the table, he
began to inquire about his life.
He learned that Hermann was Swiss, born in the village of Montagnola in the
foothills overlooking Lake Lugano, during the summer of 1928. At the age of forty-
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five, he had moved to the United States with his wife and five-year-old son and
settled in Malibu. But he now lived alone on the beach; his son had been killed while
serving in Desert Storm, and his wife had died of cancer a few years back. With the
exception of Laura, all of his closest family members still lived in Switzerland.
Hermann disclosed that he owned a sailboat and spent most of his time on
the oceanfishing, sailing, meditating, praying, enjoying his intimate bond with the
sea, his dear companion. He spoke with feeling and animation, and the more he
shared, the more Michael was drawn to him. There was something unusual about
this mana softness, yet a tremendous conviction in his voice, accompanied by a
warm smile that conveyed an inner peace.
I have been talking too much, Hermann said. And you? What about you?
Michael shook his head and said in a low voice, Thats a long, crazy story.
I see, Hermann said tenderly. You are married? Have children?
Michael looked down at his silverware as he spoke. Married, no children. Well,
I think Im still married. My wife left me. Shes been gone a little over a month.
Hermann saw the hurt in Michaels face. I am sorry, Hermann said softly,
pulling Michael from his brooding. She wants to divorce you?
I dont know. I havent spoken to her since she left. I was going through a
really bad time, and she wanted no part of it.
Michael saw the compassion in Hermanns eyes, and needing so badly to talk
to someone, he began to share what hed been through.
Throughout his outpouring, Hermann just listened, openly and receptively.
When Michael finished, Hermann remained silent for a moment.
Ah, for such a young man, youve experienced a lot of pain and suffering,
Hermann finally said. Are you a spiritual man? Do you believe in God?
I did at one time, but not now. Not after what Ive been through. Michael
shrugged his shoulders. Ive lost all faith in Him. Truth be told, Im angry with
Him.
I am very sad to hear that, Hermann replied with great compassion in his
voice. Ah, but I can appreciate your pain. You see, Ive also suffered great tragedy
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in my life. I lost my dear brother at the age of forty-nine, then my son was killed in
Iraq, and then a few years ago, my wife died of ovarian cancer. I was very angry with
God and rejected Him. I was determined to make it on my own but failed
miserably. He shook his head. It took many painful lessons. Ultimately, I reached a
place of complete desperation and cried out to the Lord to save me.
He broke into a compassionate smile. He healed my pain and brought me
great peace. Perhaps one day, He may do the same for you, my friend.
Michael was speechless. Even though Hermanns faith in God put Michael on
edge, the mans wisdom and compassion washed away his anxiety and left him
feeling a sense of connection that was inexplicable. God was the last topic he wanted
to talk about, yet he felt drawn to Hermann, experiencing a warmth in his heart
toward this man. For the first time since his brothers death, other than during his
dream experience on the mountain, he felt a subtle peace and happiness within. His
dream seemed to point to Hermann. Michael sensed a powerful connection with this
stranger and felt thankful that he had been drawn here tonight to meet him.
Suddenly, the lights of the Crystal Room dimmed and a hush came over the
crowd. Michael felt the electricity in the air, the anticipation. The orchestra leader
announced the entrance of David and Laura. The guests applauded politely and
violins swelled with the theme from Dr. Zhivago.A spotlight flooded the great doors
as they slowly opened.
Like royalty, David and his beautiful fiance promenaded into the ballroom.
Whispers and murmurs rose in waves from the throng as the couple strolled down
the aisle, and when they reached the dance floor, David took Laura into his arms and
they began to waltz.
Michael glanced at David. His face was dark, frozenin an expression of
arrogance, with piercing, dark eyes. He stood tall in his black tuxedo, his posture
proud, sturdy, and erect. His physical presence demanded respect; he had broad
shoulders and big hands with burly wrists. His movements conveyed a boldness
exemplifying a supreme confidence that he could not fail.
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Yet as striking as David was, he seemed subservient to the woman he held in
his arms. Davids image, along with the lights, chandeliers, orchestra, and the dance
floor, faded from Michaels awareness. All that remained was the radiant splendor
of her.
Michael lost his breath, stunned by Lauras presence.
He was struck by her brilliant blue eyes and the expression on her faceher
sensuous lips pressed firmly together, the high, rounded cheekbones, firm chin, and
Grecian nose with nostrils slightly dilatedproud, as if she stood above it all. There
was no doubt she was beautiful, but it was her eyes that were truly extraordinary.
Her cool, poised demeanor was sharply contradicted by their radiance, teeming
with life and passion.
Michael began to breathe again. Warm blood rushed up from his heart and
flushed his face. He watched Laura sweep over the dance floor, her movements
strong and fluid, as graceful as a ballerinas. She was tall and slender; her body
appeared firm and strong with a shapely figure. Her silken, light-brown hair flowed
to her bare, tanned shoulders, which were accentuated by the pale-blue evening
gown that draped her body. He was struck by the spirit in her expression; he could
picture her riding a great stallion, domineering and proud as if she were
accustomed to giving orders.
She seems so distant and unreachable, he thought, but shes so spirited, so full of life.
He shook his head. How absurd to be drawn to a woman who is engaged, especially the
woman that David Granik is going to marry! Shes a wealthy socialite, and she fits perfectly
into this scene. She lives in a different world. Whats wrong with you?
When David and Laura finished their waltz, the orchestra quieted for an
instant. Then the violins swelled once more and a great many couples joined them on
the dance floor, obscuring Michaels view.
Michael lifted his head and stared blankly up at the crystal chandeliers.
Hermann was watching him. Its Laura, yah?
Michael nodded, took a deep breath, and then slowly exhaled. I dont know
whats with me, he mumbled. Ive never felt anything like this.
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Hmm,Hermann grunted. Youre attracted to my niece?
Michael shook his head with a look of anguish. Im sorry. I know shes
engaged. I dont know whats gotten into me.
Hermann closed his eyes and remained silent for a moment before replying.
So what do you think attracts you to her?
Im not sure. I was mesmerized by her. He shook his head. I cant explain
it.
Hermann nodded.
Michael turned his head toward the dance floor and caught another glimpse
of Laura and David in conversation with a group of people. He took another breath,
trying to quell his anxiety. What is it about this woman? This is craziness? Im enraptured
with her. This is not like me! Hermann, Ive got to meet your niece.
Go congratulate David. Im sure youll get the chance to meet Laura at the
same time.
Right, I do need to congratulate him, especially since my wife isnt here
tonight. I want David to know I was here.
Hermann gestured for Michael to proceed, adding a little wink.
Michael rose. Well, here I go. I cant believe how hard my hearts pounding.
Michael headed straight for the dance floor where a crowd surrounded the
couple; they were all listening intently to Laura and then burst out laughing.
David caught sight of Michael and came forward to greet him. Mike Salter!
He was all smiles and hands, inflicting a few hard slaps on Michaels arm. How have
you been?
Ah, things couldnt be better. Congratulations.
Thank you, Mike. Wheres Patti? I was looking forward to seeing her.
Frisco, ah, visiting her parents. He knew he couldnt tell him the truth.
Sorry she couldnt make it, David said. I wanted Laura to meet her. Well
have the two of you over for dinner real soon. David glanced over at Laura. She was
still surrounded by a mob. Hold on. Ill introduce you.
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Michael watched David plow his way through her entourage; they were all
animatedlaughing and gesturing. David put his arm on Lauras shoulder and she
looked at him. As he spoke to her, she let out a little giggle and they then headed
toward Michael.
He watched them approach, conscious of only one.
Babe, this is Pattis husband, Dr. Michael Salter.
How nice to meet you, Laura said indifferently.
Congratulations, Michael said as he smiled.
Laura turned to David and nuzzled up to him. Thank you for rescuing me
from that lot, she said.
David laughed and looked away when someone called out his name.
Entertain Mike for a moment. Ill be right back.
Laura turned to Michael and stared directly into his eyes, studying him. You
dont look like you belong here, she said with a playful smile. You look like you
just came in from the wilderness.
What gave it away?
Well, I dont want to be impolite
He laughed and his pulse quickened. You really did get that one right. Ive
actually just returned from backpacking in the Sierras for the past thirty days.
By yourself?
Yes. I was eleven miles from the nearest road. I hadnt spoken with another
human being for the past month and then I show up here tonight at the Crystal
Room. Ive got to say this scene is kind of blowing my mind. He smiled.
Laura laughed. I can only imagine what you must be experiencing. I guess
its like youve just walked into a different reality.
He was struck by her insight and the captivating light radiating from her
eyes. She doesnt really belong here.I feel a little like Alice in Wonderland, like I just
dropped down a rabbit hole. Woof. Instead, Im in Beverly Hills, he finally replied.
She laughed. I guess its all in your outlook, isnt it? She smiled back at
him. I must say you truly dont seem to fit into this scene.
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Do you? he blurted out impulsively, without thinking.
Laura grew silent, scrutinizing him closely. And then with a playful
expression, she purred, You look flushed. Youd better get yourself a drink. Bye.
She walked away, laughing under her breath.
Michael just stood there for a moment, trying to make sense of what had just
happened. He was still trembling when he headed back to Hermann.
Well, how did it go? Hermann asked when he returned to their table.
Michael shook his head. I think I might have offended her. He frowned,
beating his fingers against the table. What is wrong with me? I feel like a
schoolboy.
Hmm? Hermann pondered, rubbing his head. It is understandable that
you would be attracted to her, yah. Laura isa beautiful woman. Hermann looked
at him with compassion. Many men in the past have found themselves attracted to
her.
Youre probably right, Michael replied with a heavy sigh. Wait a minute! He
inhaled deeply as he recalled the events of two nights prior. The woman in my dream,
in the light of the ballroom. Could it be Laura?
A waiter served their salads, but Michael shoved his to the side. He couldnt
possibly eat; his stomach was in knots. Hermann, you said earlier that Laura is
your only family here in the States. How did the two of you end up here together?
Thats a long story. I wont get into all the details. Hermann swallowed a
mouthful of salad and continued. But my brother died soon after Lauras mother
divorced him. Laura was seven years old. Shes my departed brothers only child. I
was very close to her while she was growing up. Ive always adored her, and I
wanted to provide a connection to her fathers side of the family.
Could you tell me a little about her?
Ive said too much already.
Please, Im going crazy sitting here.
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Hermann nodded and then wiped his mouth with his napkin. Laura worked
as a fashion model to put herself through college. She graduated with honors from
Berkeley, a double major in philosophy and psychology.
Berkeley? Michael asked. Her? He shook his head in dismay.
Philosophy and psychology?
Hermann nodded. Shes very intelligent and has been blessed with an
inquisitive mind. Even as a teenager, she sought inner peace and truth. She has a
special zest for life and thoroughly enjoys the things of this world. She was an
internationally renowned model before she took a break; she worked hard to rise to
the top. Shes driven, I must admit, and can be very competitive. A high-achiever
type personality.
Hermann finished the last of his salad and pushed his plate to the side. Shes
always busymillions of friends, tennis, dancing, traveling. Ach, and she is a
talented artist. She paints, you know?
Wow, Im really surprised. Shes done quite a lot for someone so young,
Michael interjected.
Yah, artistically, she seems to have more talent than even her father I think,
and he was very good. Hermann paused. A look of sadness came over his face as
he continued. Most worrisome to me though is that it appears she too has pulled
away from God. I know she believes in Him. She received the Lord as a child and
His Spirit lives in her. But it seems that shes lost interest in Him. He took a drink
of water.
It seems we have that in common. Michael spoke with a note of irony in his
voice.
And men, they have always been after Laura for the wrong reasons. They
dont appreciate her inner beauty, her great compassion, and her love for life. Oh,
there I go again. Ive really gone on way too long.
No, I really appreciate everything you shared. Your niece is truly a very
beautiful woman, Michael added.
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Ah, that she is.
With that, the two men resumed eating, both returning to their individual
thoughts.
Throughout dinner, Michael tried to put her out of his mind and not look at
her, but his attempts were futile. He watched her talking to Davidhugging him,
kissing him, and laughing.
After dinner, David went off to socialize with some dignitaries while Laura
took to the dance floor. Michael watched anxiously as she danced with five different
men; he counted them. Laura was making a great time of it, laughing and smiling,
her hips and shoulders twisting and undulating, her movements free and light.
Michael could sit still no longer; he had to dance with her. His pulse
quickened as he nudged his way through the crowd toward the dance floor,
knowing shed be finished dancing in a few seconds. The music stopped and
Michael moved toward her.
Laura caught sight of him, studying him intently as he approached. Her lips
were parted as she breathed through her mouth, and she appeared flushed from
dancing. Then she smiled coyly. Well, are you going to ask me to dance or just
stand there?
Im thinking I might twirl you around a few times.
What took you so long? she said playfully. I expected you to be first in
line.
Well, Im a little bashful, he said, his eyes locked on her face.
I dont believe that.
Ah, Im sorry about what happened between us.
Laura met his gaze and smiled. No need to apologize. I enjoyed our little
exchange.
He nodded.
The vibrant tones of violins filled the air. Michael broke into a radiant smile
and extended his hand. Laura smiled back at him, and her eyes met his as he took
her into his arms.
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Michaels heart beat rapidly. His feet seemed to move effortlessly as he glided
with Laura over the dance floor, never betraying how nervous he was. Michael held
Laura firmly, the vigor of her body answering his movements, yielding to them,
enticing them with feminine tenderness. How softly her face and hair brushed
against his cheek, and the fragrance of her cologne, so delicate and enticing. The
thrill of holding her so close was intoxicating.
He caught her gazing at his face, and she looked away.
As the music swelled, Michael felt a chill ripple through him. He felt the
change in Laura too; she was with him. Oh, she was with him. He was sure of it. He
sensed her vulnerability as her body embraced his in perfect surrender and harmony.
The music stopped. Michael felt her tighten in his arms, but he held her close.
He could not let go. Not yet. Their eyes embraced.
Laura stood motionless, head up, eyes dilatedlike a frightened fawn
surprised by an intruder. He held her captive for a brief moment longer before she
freed herself of him, turned, and rushed off.
Michael stood there dazed. Whats happening to me? he cried inwardly. I cant
believe this! Who is this woman?
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