“And happy Valentine’s Day,” she added.
“To you too.”
“Cheers.” I tipped my glass next to hers. “To many more, Richards.”
“This is the best surprise. Actually, nobody’s ever surprised me before, so thanks for being the first.”
“Drink up. I also ordered us the prix fixe dinner. We get a different drink with each course.”
“Perfect,” she whispered, but I heard.
Later I asked, “Dream house?”
She frowned.
“Aw, come on, I know you love yours, but if you had to pick a dream one.”
We were making small talk, asking for tiny “truths.” We’d gone over dream vacations: beach in Hawaii for her, hiking in Arizona for me. Best dog breeds: Lab for both of us. I was also partial to black and tan coonhounds. First kisses: on Mount Washington in Pittsburgh for her, spin the bottle behind the bleachers for me.
Then I’d gone and fucked it up with my house question. My impatience was getting the best of me.
Oh well, Claire would have to get out of the past eventually.
“A pool. It definitely has a pool. And a balcony off my bedroom where I can drink my coffee every morning.”
“Sounds awesome.”
“It wouldn’t have to be a big house. I’m only one person.”
“Or maybe it would be for two people.” I winked.
“Maybe. This is all such a dream. I never imagined having a second chance. I always felt too weak, like my heart didn’t have any more to give. But you make me stronger. You make my heart stronger.”
I didn’t care that we were in public. I leaned in and kissed her, taking my time savoring her lips, anticipating her tongue later this evening.
“Should we take dessert to go?”
“I thought you’d never ask. Now, eat up,” I told her before digging into the rest of my meal.
