Just as I parked my car in the parking lot, my phone buzzed. It's a message from Marilyn.
'Don't forget to pick up some candles and lubricants.' Marilyn texted.
I let out a smirk as I texted back, 'like I would ever forget.'
Marilyn and I have been married for nearly two years, and it has been the most thrilling years of my life. I have never been a supporter of marriage, to death do us part, me and you together forever or whatever it is people say. I enjoy being free and I'd hate for my freedom to be taken away from me.
When I finally introduced Marilyn to my family, they were more than excited. For so long, they've pushed the marriage agenda and failed to get me to accept it. I had vowed never to get married, talk more of having children. So introducing Marilyn as my fiancée, and eventually getting married was a big deal to them.
On the surface, my wife and I seem like every normal couple, however, our marriage was only based on an agreement. We both shared the same belief about marriage and having to be with one partner for the rest of our lives. We both agreed that it's okay for us to see other people, as long as our families don't get a whiff about it.
I stepped out of my car and made my way to the entrance of the mall, my thoughts still lingering on her message. I was reaching for a trolley when someone bumped into me. Groceries scattered around the tiled floor, oranges rolling away like startled mice.
'Oh God! I'm sincerely sorry', she blurted, dropping to her knees to gather the scattered items. 'I honestly didn't see you coming.'
I crouched too, reaching for the loaf of bread that had skidded toward my foot. But when I looked up, I froze.
Her sharp dark eyes filled with glow caught me and held me there. The world seemed to blur around us, the noise of the mall dimming to nothing. Her cheekbones, perfectly sculpted. Her nose, sharp and pointed. Her lips, soft, full and begging to be admired.
She was stunning, effortlessly stunning. She looked like what would cross your mind when you hear the word 'beauty'. For the first time in years no other woman came to my mind, not even my wife, Marilyn.
'Oh! No.. I should be sorry.' I stammered. 'I could have drifted, I wasn't paying attention.' I said, forcing a grin to cover the sudden rush I felt.
'I'm Fernando.' I extended my hand, reaching for a shake.
She hesitated for a second before sliding her palm into mine
'Tia' she responded.
Her palm felt so warm, I had to remind myself to let go. We locked eyes for a moment and before I could stop myself, the words slipped out, low and unfiltered.
'You're… beautiful.'
She snatched the loaf of bread from my hand. Her fingers brushed mine for a fraction of second.
'Thank you.' She murmured. Her eyes dropped as if embarrassed by my words. Without another glance, she turned away and made her way to the exit.
Just as I was still wallowing in the moment, replaying the curve of her lips and the warmth of her palm, my eyes caught one of the oranges that had slipped away rolling lazily across the tiles. I picked it up, as if holding on to the last piece of her and dashed to the parking lot, my heart pounding harder than it had in years.
I searched the parking lot, scanned rows of cars, looked around, hoping, no — praying silently to catch just a glimpse of her. Maybe she was still loading her bag in the trunk. Maybe she had a flat tire. Maybe.. But she was long gone.
The orange was still clutched in my fist like some cruel reminder. Feeling defeated after an endless search, I made my way back to the mall entrance. She was gone, but I knew one thing for certain.
I had to see her again.