11:52 – I’m always early, so it doesn’t surprise me he isn’t here yet. We both enjoy walking outdoors, so I’d suggested a park near my house with some lovely trails. Except for the clouds, it was a perfect fall day and I was looking forward to our first official date.
11:55 – Damn! Rain began to fall steadily, soaking me and the bench I’d been sitting on. My jacket helped, but the umbrella was in the car and I didn’t want to risk missing him by going back for it. I probably looked like a drowned rat by now, and wasn’t that going to make a good impression?
11:58 – Where was he? I was careful to give him good directions so what’s the problem? Maybe he got into an accident on the way or had a flat tire. Did he forget? Was he sick and couldn’t make it? Was he standing me up?
12:04 – This was a stupid idea! Why did I ever agree to meet him anyway? My fool head tricked me into thinking I was still desirable and look where it got me. Waiting in the park, alone, for someone who apparently wasn’t coming. I’m such an idiot!
12:10 – The ten minute rule has always served me well. With no one in sight I turned and started walking back towards the car: humiliated, angry, disappointed. Serves me right, I suppose, for thinking somebody would want me. It was fun while it lasted, but never again. My heart just can’t take it.
12:11 – The sound of shoes on wet pavement barely registered as I hurried to reach the car and get home. Up ahead, someone with a large polka dot umbrella ran towards me from the parking lot, calling my name. It was him!
“Sorry I’m late! My umbrella was broken and I had to stop on the way to get another. It’s kind of ugly, but big enough for two. I was hoping…do you still want to walk with me?”
My heart pounded as his free arm slipped around my shoulders, pulling me in for a soft, gentle kiss. Shivering with cold, I walked, warm on the inside.
Oh that could totally be the dialog in my head in a similar situation. Such a beautiful photo. You just never know what turmoil a person might be experiencing even in such a peaceful setting!
True! Even extracting the truth from our own heads is sometimes difficult, and romance is really tough. Thanks for stopping by!
This is such a lovely story. I can feel the nervous anticipation of the main character. I bet you *are* good at writing romance, haha!
Thank you! I didn’t mention how true-to-life the MC’s thoughts really are. Some get to experience the romance, the rest of us write about it.
That’s such a sad way to put it! 🙁
Just imagine – it can happen anytime! 🙂
Well, life is often sad, particularly relationships and romance. Relatively few end up spending life with their soul-mate, but millions dream about it. That’s one reason I want my love stories to be filled with romance and happy endings. I think it’s why the romance genre is so popular – if you can’t have it for real, you can enjoy it vicariously through the characters in a book. Powerful stuff for an author.
So, hope springs eternal, eh? I don’t see it happening to me at this stage of life, but you never know…