A Valentine Surprise Read online

  “I love your new look, Joshie, it's so sexy. I've missed you so much,” Ashley cooed.

  “You missed me? You're the one who broke up with me, remember?”

  “I was a stupid kid. But we had some great times together. Amazing times, if you know what I mean. Wouldn't it be fun to relive some of those memories?”

  Kendra felt like she was kicked in the stomach. She was about to turn the corner but stopped herself when she heard Josh respond.

  “Ashley, you are still a kid. A foolish kid who has a lot of growing up to do. You are here with your own date but followed me to the restroom for pete's sake. What does that say about you? You know nothing of trust, integrity, character. Those are the things that I want in a relationship, and you have none of them. I wish you the best, but you are a part of my past that I want to keep in the past. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to get back to Kendra.”

  Kendra stood up straight as Josh turned the corner and bumped into her. “Kendra! How long have you been there?”

  “Um, I was just coming to find you, um, Benny brought the check and I thought it was taking you awhile.

  Josh smiled, figuring out what she'd been up to. He leaned in and kissed her, gently, on the forehead. Then he took her by the hand as they walked to the table. She looked over at Mark, sitting by himself at his table, waiting for Ashley, who had left him to go hit on her ex-boyfriend. She actually felt pity for him, though he was getting what he deserved. Karma. Shallow people belonged together. They don't love each other and will soon probably move on to new partners, always searching but never satisfied.

  “Before we go,” Josh said, “I have one more thing I'd like to do.” He led her past the table and to the area where the quartet was playing. “Would you care to dance?”

  Kendra looked around her. Though there was a small dance floor, no one was dancing-everyone was seated at their tables eating their dinner. But she couldn't refuse so she nodded yes as Josh took her in his arms. They swayed together as all eyes in the place fell on them. But they didn't notice. They only had eyes for each other and were oblivious to the attention. Josh leaned in and whispered in Kendra's ear.

  “This night has been full of surprises, hasn't it?”

  “That's the understatement of the night. You know what's surprised me the most? Not finding out that Ashley was your ex, or that I was able to see Mark for what he really is, or even that you have a cousin named Hercules. What surprised me the most was realizing how I feel about you. And what started as a pretend date, well, it's not pretend anymore.”

  Josh looked her in the eyes, his blue eyes twinkling under the chandelier. “I have a confession to make. It never was pretend for me. I've had a crush on you since the first day I laid eyes on you. You are so beautiful, Kendra, inside and out, and you've just made me the happiest guy in the world. Happy Valentine's Day.”

  He pulled Kendra closer and and as their lips met, they heard applause erupting all around them. The night had been full of surprises and Kendra couldn't wait to find out what the future held for them. She coudn't have dreamed of a better Valentine's Day.

  The End