LET'S GO ON AN ADVENTURE!

Since The Magician wasn't interested in being in a relationship, I settled on remaining friends. He was as sweet as he was intoxicating, and it was still absolutely impossible to resist him. Our chemistry was undeniable and that magnificent summer night we shared heightened the sexual tension between us.

I don't remember the series of events that led to our little arrangement, but The Magician and I began to see each other casually. Dirty Martinis at Devons. A smoke at a cigar shop in River North. Bandera. Myopic Books. Nick's Beer Garden. The Magician was more than just sex, he was an experience.

I will never forget the time I visited The Magician at his new apartment. I brought along a bottle of wine and we toasted to his new place. Channeling my best Rita Hayworth, I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed his tender lips. I felt wanton and brave. Aggressive. Feminine. Beautiful. Loved. Special. The Magician took me in his arms as my legs buckled beneath me.

When I moved into Wicker Park, The Magician was the first person with whom I explored the neighborhood. We ventured into Nick's Beer Garden and enjoyed some live jazz. We befriended the waitress and like me, she fell for The Magician's doting affections. We ended the night back at my place and were lulled to sleep by Billie's mournful blues.

My last encounter with The Magician took place last year. "Let's go on an adventure," he exclaimed. He picked me up and we drove to Chinatown. It was as if The Magician had commissioned the city to shut down the neighborhood just for us. The stores were dark and the streets were quiet. We walked hand in hand down the main drag, illuminated by neon signs and city lights. We found a quaint little restaurant off the main strip and had a marvelous dinner.

The Magician and I gradually fell out of touch with one another. Once again, I am scarce on the details that led to the dissolution of our arrangement. Whenever I needed him most, The Magician appeared out of thin air and brought along a little razzle dazzle. For that, I am eternally grateful. I don't know if I'll see The Magician again. All I know is that he left the magical imprints of many wonderful adventures in my mind and on my soul.