An open sign flashed in the window
of Mojo’s Espresso.
Alivia and I finished our coffee
and left the crowded cafe.
After fishing online for a partner,
we dated for a couple of months.
The scent of hazelnut and mocha
clung to our clothes
and eavesdropping on conversations
had their problems on the tip of our lips.
Darkness stretched over the day’s rays.
The sliver moon hung above suspicion
of the crime being committed.
The jitters soak up my adrenaline,
building bridges to what I’d call love.
I lost my footing and spread my arms eagle-wide
and kicked through a frosty breeze.
I landed directly as snow broke my fall
onto my back.
People shoveled sidewalks and driveways
but forgot to sprinkle salt.
My cheeks reddened, and warmth washed
across my embarrassment.
Alivia covered her mouth in amusement.
God. I miss autumn.
I raised my arm for a hand.
Alivia held in a laugh before
doubling over in a roar of laughter.
At least she wasn’t calling it quits, I thought.
She zipped her coat to her chin
and guided me to my feet.
“I love you,” Alivia said, still giggling.
My eyes widened. “What did you say?”
“I love you,” Alivia said, approaching me.
She missed a step and danced for footing
and landed on her back.
We both pointed at each other
and laughed.
We garnered our romance
as a verb, not a noun.
We helped each other up, and our
actions turned to romance.
I told Alivia that she had stolen my heart.
And I’d never turn her in.