Prologue
It was early February and I was once again alone for the 'lover's holiday'. Valentine's Day is so sad when one is alone. I started to remember better times and the fun that Valentine's Day had been when I was in a relationship.
It hit me then. I knew why all the dating sites and blind set-ups by friends had been dismal failures. The men I had met just were not right because I was already in love with someone, and I knew who it was. Now the big question was - did I dare take a chance on rejection by contacting my old lover?
The Meeting
I got out of my cab in front of the restaurant. I was glad I had dressed up as this was definitely not a burger joint. I was ushered into the restaurant by an elegantly dressed hostess and as I was about to ask, I saw him.
It had been about 12 years since we last saw each other. Somehow that didn't seem to have changed our friendship other than deepening it.
He was sitting there, dressed in a well tailored suit and rose to greet me with a kiss and a strong hug.
"I am so glad you called and came down. It has been too long, but you look amazing."
"You do not look too shabby yourself sir" I said, while taking the seat he offered me.
The waiter came around and we quickly chose our meals and drinks. As soon as the server had left, he asked me, "Why did you decide to call me out of the blue and then come to visit after all these years?"
I looked him straight in the eye and replied. "Because I was an overly romantic young girl in my mid twenties then and now have come to the realization, that I still love you."
He sat there looking stunned and we were saved from the moment by the server arriving with our drinks and appetizers.
"Look," I said. "Back then I had this foolish notion that we should get married and live happily ever after. You didn't and were the wiser person."
"No, not wiser, just aware enough to know that I was no where near mature enough for that step. Is that what you want with me now?"
I choked on my food and managed to finally say, "No, I am wise enough now to not care about it. I don't care if we get married, live together or apart, or stay with the two hour drive between us. I just woke up one day and knew that what I really wanted was you in my life, whatever comes of it."
He grinned a little sheepishly and admitted that he had missed me too and hadn't figured out a way to contact me and test the waters. "I am glad that you were brave enough for the both of us to take that step."
"So, we start with dinner and see how things progress then?"
"Sounds like a workable plan to me."
With that we concentrated on our wonderful meals and caught up on what had ever happened to various mutual friends.
When the meal was done, and the hour late, he asked, "This will sound very 'high school' but, would you like to come to my place with me?"
"I was hoping you were going to say that."
We hailed a cab and got out at his home. He unlocked the door and ushered me into the living room after stowing our winter clothing into a closet.
"I love your home. It is very you. My lord, you still have that painting we bought together way back when."
I went over and looked at it and he then showed me other things from our past time together. I think it was at this point that we truly realized that although time and space had changed us, our friendship and love for each other was still as strong as it ever had been.
"Now give me one of your hugs, a proper one this time."
He enfolded me into his arms and I felt like I was home. I had missed this man. After we finally unclasped, he offered me some wine and went off to get it. I settled into a comfy sofa and curled my legs under me. Thank god I had worn a long skirt.
I heard some noises and he came into the room holding a bottle of champagne and two tulip glasses.
"Do you always have champagne on ice?" I inquired.
"Only in hopes that you would agree to come here."
Well as we were both hopeless romantics, it seemed fitting. He looked up at the mantle clock and announced that it was 12:05 and he had a toast to make. I held my glass and waited.
"To the woman who has already given me the best Valentine's present I could ever wish for!"
I fought a serious blush at the toast he had just made.
We clinked glasses, drank champagne and felt even more relaxed in each others company. It felt so normal and comfortable to be with him and I could see that he felt the same way.
I had to use the washroom and asked for directions. I went up the stairs and found it on my left just as promised. After primping a bit, I stepped into the hall and saw a flickering light that hadn't been there when I came upstairs. I walked over to the door and pushed it wide.