He waited at the window table so he could watch down the street. She was late, as usual. She would have the same excuse she always did. “It was the rain, darling.” Or “the train was behind schedule.” And he’d smile and accept it. Like he always did.
The red umbrella stood out against the grey sky. He knew without seeing the person beneath that it was her. She came inside on a gust of wind and brought enough water to create a puddle. Her laughter charmed the host and he waved off her apology as he ran to get the mop.
She turned, her eyes scanning the cafe until they settled on him. She smiled and his heart went to his throat. With purpose, she crossed the room and slid into the chair beside him. Not across from him, no. Beside him. So they could touch each other. Her knee rested against his leg as she leaned over to kiss him softly. She smelled like rain and lilies. He breathed in her scent as their lips touched.
“I’m sorry I’m late,” she said. “The rain has everything slowed down.”
He laughed out loud and kissed her again. “You’re wonderful.”
She touched his cheek. “You’re happy today.”
“Yes.” Happier than he’d been in the last five years. Maybe happier than he’d ever been in his life.
The waiter brought a basket of fresh bread and soft butter. He broke off a piece and buttered it, held it out to her. “Eat.”
As she took it from him, she asked, “Are you going to tell me why you’re so happy?”
Melting butter dripped onto her fingers from the bread. He watched it run in a tiny rivulet from one finger to the next. He wanted to lick each little drop. Instead, he waited as she chewed and swallowed before speaking. “It’s official,” he said and placed the documents on the table in front of her.
Wait….what just happened here? I was cruising along, caught up in this lovely romance – then I think my heart got left at the Train Station. You’re killing me here Meg….so good. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! I leave you to decide what the documents contain. 😉
LikeLiked by 2 people
😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
I need better sleuthing skills….must read again!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Great story: lots of tension and then the suspense at the end. Who says we must strive for closure? There are always new beginnings.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Roger!
LikeLike
It’s even better on the re-read. You do have a talent for this, Meg.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, I appreciate that so much, Roger! I’m reposting today but writing furiously to wrap up the finale. And I’m bursting with ideas for a couple of short stories. Must be the nice weather (finally!)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Creativity is like that, Meg. Get it all down while you can. I, too, am feeling creative right now. It’s the season!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Excellent! Write on!
LikeLiked by 1 person
And as you can see, I couldn’t get my mind out of the cafe from earlier!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is so similar to a small part of a story I wrote (that I never finished…)! I know what I think those documents are…..
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, they could be so many things… 😀 But I know that you think like I do so you are most likely correct!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s actually related to something we talked about recently…
LikeLiked by 1 person
The direction a story could take? And the time for all of that to happen?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Exactly
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love to speculate. In my head I have to finish this!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yep! I finished it in my head, too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
So many choices…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
LikeLiked by 1 person
And by that I mean this is fabulously written, Meg!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah…sneaky with the ending there, Meg. Lovely little vignette! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Eric!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wait! Are those documents what I think it is? 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Those documents can be whatever you want them to be!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great twist at the end! (Love your new pic too, btw – you look great!) 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you and thank you! Someone pointed out that being backlit like I was in the last one made me look distorted in the small version of the photo!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Can’t say I’d noticed, but this one looks crisper 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, good. Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You left us hanging Meg. Good write. You have us curious. Also wanted to say when I looked at the image you used, I thought you were born in the wrong era. It appears as if the early 20th century appeals to you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
But in Europe not America! 😍
LikeLiked by 1 person
Too many wars for me. I could go visit you, but with my luck I would return to America on the Titanic.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh no! 😱
LikeLiked by 1 person
Left hanging! Agh! 😩 but great story!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Heh! Thanks, Mari! You can decide how the story ends!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am intrigued
LikeLiked by 1 person
And at the top of the page it read: ZZXYZ in decrepit Gothic script….
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am really intrigued
LikeLiked by 1 person
Shall I keep going?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ok, I want you to see it before I post it. If you don’t like it, I’ll shelve it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I would be honoured thank you
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m happy you’re letting me run with my wild ideas! I’ll start working on it right away.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful writing Meg, don’t stop now!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
most welcome!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is most certainly the best story I’ve read, that leaves it to the imagination of the reader. Everyone would first think the documents are one thing, and then in their minds go, ‘hmmm.. let’s make it more interesting.’ It’s got so many different possibilities. I can think up of a dozen myself. I also loved it for the part that the characters are nameless. Don’t know why but have a certain fascination for not naming my characters early on in the story. Also, as a writer, learnt something important – one doesn’t always need detailed descriptions (of people, venues etc) to make the scene come alive. Amazing, vivid, engaging!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much! I have a plan to take this story in an unexpected direction!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Is it a series? YAY!!!! Can’t wait.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well… at least one more installment 😜
LikeLiked by 1 person
Arrgh! You leave me hanging in anticipation. Just great 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is excellent. I love the imagery and can see the red umberella quite clearly, her puddle, the butter… All of it
And that ending! Bravo
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks Lula!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I don’t know what to feel. It was simple but it caught me right at the end. Fantastic! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The mystery at the end makes this story commendable! 👏🏻
LikeLiked by 1 person
Left hanging. Thanks PJ
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love the way you described her entrance. I can picture her perfectly. 😃
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome! 😃
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a fantastic journey. Captivating is an understatement. It’s an adorable story and so damn beautiful.
Just fantastic ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Cameron! xoxo
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure
LikeLiked by 1 person
I see a new novel here……..at least I hope I do!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah, interesting that you should mention that… I did think about expanding this and then took a hard left with a sequel to it, based on one of Mr. Cake’s stories. We were going to do something together, it never materialized and I now I’m rethinking what I could do with it myself.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I look forward to whichever.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much! I/we will not let you down!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I remember this. There’s more, isn’t there?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes. I wrote a sequel that tied to one of Cake’s stories. We never continued after that… too many other irons in the fire!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good plans, maybe later.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hopefully!
LikeLike