I do give credit where it is due. Thanks, CB. You helped me in a big way.
*
I cut class (yes, I did) to wait for him. Instead of being seen leaving together, it was best to meet there.
The bookstore, of course. Where all good things reside and all pleasures of the known worlds can be found.
On the ride to the bookstore, I wished to hold his hand but my empty hands just sat on my lap, curled slightly. Waiting to be filled with his strong slim fingers.
I beat him by about six minutes. Like a stone I stood, as the waves of passersby flowed over me.
He perched upon me, as a bird does, to keep it’s feet dry. As usual, he slid up behind me, wrapped his fingers across my eyes and whispered in my ear. (What he said is lost to time but he did say something witty and wicked.)
In that glass enclosed doorway, I cocked my head to the side and wondered if things were going to ge better or worse. He smiled at my expression and used his right thumb to smooth the furrow created between my carefully trimmed eyebrows.
Placing a kiss there, he told me that I would get a permanent mark if I kept it up.
He was wrong but maybe it is there, unseen, under my unmarked skin.
*
Purchases in hand, we went out into the sunlight. After the hush and soothing soft glow of the interior aisles, the light seemed twice as bright.
Heading over to our favorite café, he slipped his fingers into mine and gripped tightly. I suppose he wished to make sure I would not float away.
But I was not planning on leaving him too soon. Not too soon…
*
He liked to order for us, so he did. I sat. Jacket and purse on the back of my chair. My purse that doubled as a book bag at my restless feet.
Under my stroking fingertips-nails glossed with a slight lavender blush-was a book. We promised each other to not read ahead, to not give in to the desire to take it to bed with a cup of warm milk. Not lie about reading it the next day, fingers crossed behind our backs. (Is it a lie if you did not mean to do it but were too weak to persevere?)
