A Memory Of Love

“I don’t know Cyn, It just feels like it hasn’t been long enough” Steve said. “Stevie listen, It has been 2 years since Mary died” Cynthia responded. She had a very mother like tone in her voice, stern but soft and caring. She wrapped her arms around her big brothers neck and looked at him the way you would a sad child. “I loved Mary too, but you have to let go and move on'' She said “You have to find a way to be happy again” Cynthia hugged him tightly. He felt warm and safe. Since Marys car accident, the only time he ever felt warm and safe was when Cynthia was around him. “Ok Cyn,” He said reluctantly “I’ll give it a shot, call her and set it up.” “Yay!” She exclaimed, almost jumping up and down. She kissed him on the cheek. “You two are going to be so cute together!”

By the time the night of the date came, Steve had all but forgotten about Cynthia's plan to help try and heal him. He was sitting out on his back patio enjoying the cool autumn afternoon. These were the times he could get lost in his memories of his beloved Mary. She loved being outside in nature. Mary had a childlike quality about her, so carefree and wondrous. He used to sit outside and watch as she danced around in circles. He could see her, her eyes closed and her skin seeming to glow from the caress of the sunlight. He was watching these almost holographic memories when his phone rang. “He sis, What's up?” he said “Don’t forget to dress nice tonight” She said. Suddenly a wave of anxiety rolled across Steves face as he remembered the date. “Ugh” He moaned “Listen Cyn, I don't think I can do this. I just don't feel ready” he said in his best pleading voice. “Stevie, you are going tonight. Sara is one of my best friends and I will not have my brother be another guy who has stood her up ” Cynthia responded. He could tell from the tone of her voice that it was a losing argument. “Okay, okay I’ll go” He surrendered “I just hope that you told her not to expect too much” “Don’t worry about that.” Cynthia said “No one is expecting you to get married tomorrow. Now the reservations are at 8 get there a little early and order her a glass of Merlot, that's her favorite.” “Ok Cyn” Steve said “And hey, I love you sis” “I love you too” She said “Now go have a great time tonight and if you drink too much call me!”

Steve arrived at the restaurant, LaBella, at 7:30 that night. He gave his name to the maitre'd and followed him to the table. It was a very intimate place, couples were dining by candlelight, completely lost in each others company. The sound of romantic music wafted gently through the air, it almost lifted you off of your feet and danced for you. The smell of the food was intoxicating, it made you feel dizzy as soon as you entered the room. The sweet aroma of basil and mint hung in the air so thick you could taste it on your tongue. Steve understood why Cynthia had picked this place, it almost forced love upon you. “Here you are, Sir” the maitre’d said, pulling out a chair for Steve. “We will bring your guest to the table as soon as they arrive. In the meantime, Can I offer you anything to drink?” “Yes, a bottle of merlot” Steve responded almost questioningly. He was uncomfortable in these types of places. He much preferred just staying home and avoiding any social interactions. “Yes, Sir” The maitre’d responded. Steve checked his phone hoping for some message or call from Cynthia calling this whole thing off, but no such luck existed tonight.

The moment Sara entered the restaurant, all the feelings of nervousness and anxiety left Steve. He could not believe how much she reminded him of Mary. He sat there for a moment, watching her, as she scanned the room looking for him. The sunlight shining through the window gave her face the same glow as Mary. She was a truly beautiful woman, and he was mesmerized instantly. He barely even noticed that the maitre’d had walked her over to the table. “Steve?” She asked. He was lost in a purgatory of feeling and thought between seeing Sara for the first time and Mary for the last time. “Steve?” She asked again, a little louder. He snapped out of it “Oh yes, yes” He said “I’m sorry, I was kind of lost in thought” He stood up and shook her hand “You look amazing” “Aw, well thank you” She said blushing “I’m Sara it’s nice to meet you. Cynthia told me so much about you” He couldn’t help but stare into her eyes, they were the same shade of blue as Marys. He smiled back at her as they both sat down. “Cyn told me you liked Merlot so I got us a bottle” He said, nervously pouring her a glass. “It’s my favorite” She giggled taking her first sip. He watched as the glass came away from her lips, Both her lips and the glass seemingly not wanting to part with each other. The wine was the same shade of bluish-purple as the lipstick she was wearing and it made her eyes glimmer. Even in the slight darkness of the candle light, they were bright. They reminded him of the color of the ocean as the sun went down. Just before it turns black and calm, there is a whirlwind of chaos in the color, like the blue is trying to hold on to the sky. He could see why Cynthia chose her to set him up with.

They talked, ate and drank for what seemed like hours, each of them trying to one up the other with compliments and humor. They spoke of their interests and beliefs, their past and future plans. He told her about his past plans to become an engineer and become the worlds next great inventor and she told him of her passion for art and music. The moments slipped away in that conversation, without either of them realizing. Without either of them caring. “I know it’s a sensitive subject and its none of my business” She said staring down at her glass of wine “Cynthia told me what happened to Mary and I just wanted to say that I’m so sorry you had to go through that” He never understood exactly how to respond to those types of statements, he didn’t want to. Why couldn’t we come up with a different sentiment then “I’m sorry'' It seemed so impersonal. He wanted to erase that moment from the night and move back to the laughing and flirting. “Thank you” He said, sadly “It’s been really hard on me, but I am trying to move on” “Well” She said placing her hand on top of his “I think you are doing an amazing job” He could feel the warmth of her hand and he wanted to take it. He wanted to lean over the table and taste her wine flavored lips. He thought it might take him back to her, to his Mary.

At the end of dinner, they walked outside to go their separate ways. There was a light mist but it was warm and comforting. The feeling in the air was lustful and neither one of them wanted the night to end. Sara turned and looked at him. Her piercing eyes were trying so hard to get through the sadness in him. She put her arms around him, and he felt safe and warm. Safe and warm. They stared at each other, Her longing for him to kiss her and him fighting in his head whether he could or not. “I’m going to have to go home” She whispered lovingly. There was an invitation in the tone of her voice. “I know” He said, trying to figure out which of the emotions he was feeling he should display. “I had a great time tonight, you are incredible” He finally said. “You are too” Sara leaned in and kissed him. It was a kiss like you would see in the movies, in a great American love story. Poetic, passionate and energetic. He felt the stress and fear he had been feeling for the past two years being chased out of his body by the electricity. She was reviving his soul in that very moment and they could both feel it. It was as if their feet had left the ground, and neither of them wanted to come back down.. Suddenly the horn from the cab interrupted them and the both jolted back to the reality of where they were. “That's my ride,” she said. She slowly turned her body to walk towards the cab, but they never took their eyes away from each other. Her arm ran down his as she walked towards the car, feeling every inch and stopping for a moment at his fingertips. “Call me sometime,” She said, hopefully. He didn’t respond, he couldn’t lie to her. He closed her door and watched her drive off, their eyes locked for longer than they could see each other. His phone rang as he turned towards home, “Hey sis…”

The End