Valentine’s Day was busy from the time she opened up that morning, til she closed that evening. Every flower, plant, and teddy bear along with balloons that dealt with the day was gone. She had a few floral displays here and there, but frankly, she was afraid that her orders would go undelivered even with her part-time worker helping. She was ready to leave by the end of the day.
Faith closed the gate and locked it, walking to her car, she noticed the balloons on the side mirror. She took them off and opened her door to put them in so they wouldn’t fly away. Taking the note off, she read it. “555 West 89th St 2nd floor”. Faith looked around expecting Joe to be around, but he was no where. She was too tired for games, but she would play his.
Faith went to the address and knocked on the door. The area was fully lighted and she could see Joe’s car sitting in the parking area. The door opened slightly and she went in. Noting the smell of vanilla and spices, she also smelled the fragrant aroma of food. Her shoes squeaked on the hardwood floor and she saw his shoes on the side area and a pair of pink slippers with a note on them. “Put me on, please.” Faith laughed, but did as she was told. The slippers were comfortable and she soft.
She was taking off her coat when Joe’s figure appeared in front of her with a single yellow rose between his teeth. Faith laughed. He wiggled his eyebrows and took it out his mouth, giving it to her with a soft kiss on the cheek. Joe took her coat.
“Thanks for coming.” He grinned.
“Did I have a choice?” Joe nodded. “Hmmm, then thank you for inviting me.” She replied. She watched as he went to a closet near the foyer and placed her coat and purse up. Joe pulled her into the rest of the spacious apartment. Hardwood floors covered with a beautiful black and beige, navy, Persian rug. Two black leather chairs with a love seat in the middle. A mahogany stained coffee table centered in it. Toward the left end of the room, were his entertainment center with flat screen on the wall, a fish tank near the hall which he led her through toward the kitchen. A cozy two seat glass table was covered with yellow and pink rose petals and two standing white candles candles. Two plates were covered with silver covers.
“Have a seat, madam.” Joe pulled her chair out and she thanked him. Joe gave her a hot towel to clean her hands and he sat on the other side. “Dinner is served.” He exclaimed, pouring them both a glass of red wine.
“Wow, I can’t believe you did this!” Faith exclaimed. She pulled the top off her plate and a loud laugh escaped. “Oh my goodness, Joseph! What the…?” she laughed, picking up the heart shaped construction paper. Faith opened the heart and looked at the squiggly decorated inside. With huge box letters spelling out the words “BE MINE, AGAIN”. Faith chuckled and looked at him. “You’re too much.” She tittered.
“Well?” he asked, pulling his top off his plate and exposing a huge plate of food for two people, but clearly for a reason.
“Yes, again.” She answered. Joe held up his wine glass and they toasted. Joe shared the lamb chops, roasted fresh mixed vegetables. “Mmmm, good. Did you make this?” she asked.
“I would lie and say yes, but then you’d see the bag that I ordered it from and be mad.” He grinned. Faith laughed lightly.
“At least your honest.” She noted, teasingly. “I’m so surprised by all of this. I really didn’t expect you to do this.” Faith told him.
“Faith, I know when you saw me in your shop and recognized me you weren't expecting this to happen, right?” he asked.
“Of course not.” She agreed.
“Neither did I, although I did think you were the cutest thing ever.” He noted. “Maybe you peaked my interest before you pointed out that we knew each other a long time ago. Who knows, but I like you, woman.” He ended. Faith giggled.
“I like you too.”
“Good, so let’s enjoy getting to know one another, again, and see where it takes us. How about it?” Faith looked at her plate, then him. “I’d like that.” She whispered a wide smile on her cherubic face. “I’d like that, a lot.” Joe reached across the table and opened his wide hand. Faith put hers in his and felt comforted, relaxed, and at ease when he gently squeezed it.
*****
Valentine's Day, Mrs. Donovan's Fourth Grade Class - 20yrs ago
The classroom was a buzz with everyone passing out their Valentine’s Day cards to one another. Faith had given hers all out and was counting the lollipops, chocolate, and sweetheart candies from the other children. Sitting beside her was Joseph, watching her quietly, deciding whether to give her his Valentine’s or not.
“Faith.” He whispered. She looked at him, chewing the gum that had come with one of the cards. She smiled widely at him, showing the whites of the two teeth that were coming in. Joseph handed her a big red heart. “I made this for you.” Faith giggled and took it.
“Thank you, Joey.” Joey smiled and watched while she opened the card and read it. It was simple, with a drawing of both of them holding hands on one side and the words “Be Mine” on the other. Faith giggled again. “Do you want a chocolate?” she asked him. He nodded. Faith handed him a few pieces. “Yes.”
“Yes, what?” Joey mumbled opening up the wrapper. Faith waved the card in her hand and raised her eyebrows. Joey nodded, understanding, but focused on the candy mostly.
Recess was called a few minutes later and everyone lined up to go outside before going home. While outside, Faith held out her hand and Joseph took it. They walked together to the swings, where they took turns pushing one another.
Later that day, Faith arrived home bursting in the door screaming to her mother that Joey asked her to be his Valentine.
“Oh really!” her mother laughed.
“Mmmhmmm” Faith nodded and showed her the big red heart. “See!”
“Oh, wow!”
“I’m going to marry him when we get older.” Faith told her. Her mother’s mouth made and “O”
as she held in her chuckled. “Yeap, we’re going to be like you and Daddy. Together for a long
time, but instead of one baby, like me, we are going to have a whoooole lot of babies.” Faith
continued on as her mother listened to her daughter recite her future with “Joey”. Her mother
replied positively, “oh really?”, “Of course, sweetheart”, and surprised laughter at her
excitement. She tried to put a face to the young child, but then decided that if what Faith said
was true she'd meet her future son-in-law soon enough.
The End
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