Prompt 53: We spoke of many things that night

(originally posted December 30, 2006, on LiveJournal's "Prompt A Day" community)

We spoke of many things that night. That morning. Whatever. I don't think it was that late when I ran into Kristin at the Jump Java Whale. I'm not even sure what made me go there that night. I was just in the neighborhood when the skies opened up and it started pouring a freezing rain, and the smell of fresh-brewed coffee and the warm lights were more than I could resist. I don't know what she was doing there that night, alone, either. That was one of the things I didn't ask, either....and to be honest, I didn't care. It was the shock of seeing her face again, for the first time in almost five years...since she told me she was getting married.

I couldn't bring myself to go to the wedding. The only woman I'd ever loved, marrying a man I could barely stand. Biggest mistake she could have made, I thought...but if that was what she wanted, if that was what would make her happy, then I had to force myself to be happy for her. Even if I still dreamed of her every night since then.

We talked about her going to university, getting a degree in graphic arts and getting a great job in advertising, how her husband was still working for the same airline he did back then (which surprised me, I didn't think he'd be able to hold a job that long) and had even been promoted. We talked about the half-dozen jobs I've held since last time I saw her, and how I hoped the job I have now at the tv station works out. We talked about her daughter, and my latest (former) girlfriend. We talked about so many things that it all became almost a blur. The thing I remember most, though, was that she was just as beautiful as I remember. Her hair just as blonde, her eyes even bluer, and her smile even more dazzling. It was like a preview of heaven.

The only thing I didn't ask...couldn't ask...was if she loved Mark. If she had ever loved him. I didn't think I could bear to hear the answer, no matter what it was.

When our jaws were too sore to talk anymore, I grabbed the check and left, but not before doing something I'd dreamed of doing for years. I kissed her...a quick kiss on the lips, and I turned away before she could react. I didn't look back from the register, and I closed my eyes when I opened the door so I wouldn't see her reflection in the door. Some things are better left to the imagination.