Free EXcapades by Debra Kay Page A

and peeked out for another glimpse of him. He was gone.
    And with a couple of minutes separating us, my thoughts became a little clearer. I quickly realized seeing him again reminded me of a way I used to feel. Unfamiliar thoughts raced through my mind. And a wave of emotions cascaded through me. I recognized for the first time in years what had been missing from my life: passion for a man, but most of all passion for life. I couldn’t help but wonder if the universe was sending me a message. And I am listening!
    It took a little while longer to regain my composure and then I raced from the building. I scurried toward my car with the intent of returning home, freshening up, and regaining my thought clarity before meeting Blake.
    From the car, I called the doctor’s office and apologized profusely, fibbing that I couldn’t make my appointment today. I explained, rambling in too much detail, how I needed to review my overbooked schedule before I could set a new appointment.
    And then I tossed the telephone into my purse and pushed the thought of rescheduling the doctor’s visit to the back of my mind. I felt excited all the way home, like the first time he asked me on a date, so many years ago.
     

 
    Chapter 5
     
    The coffee shop, Main Street Bakery, where we agreed to meet was around the corner from my house. The business had changed hands a couple of times since I started coming here as a child. The brick front had been repeatedly painted over in a creamy white, and the black awning looked new. It took only a few minutes to get there, but I spent the entire hour getting ready. I had makeup to put on, hair to brush, and clothes to change.
    With my stomach tied in knots at the thought of our reunion, I walked slowly to the entrance. How many years had it been since we dated? Many . I hesitated in the doorway, smoothed the wrinkles from my skirt with hands that trembled slightly, wet my lips, and threw the bakery door open.
    I was met with the sweet smell of warm cinnamon and fragrant coffee wafting through the air, a heavenly blend of aromas. Before stepping beyond the entryway, I took a deep breath and viewed my surroundings. The coffee shop was nearly empty. There were a couple of cashiers working and one attractive man sitting alone reading the local newspaper, The News and Observer . I looked across the empty seats. Even from a distance, it was obvious that was Blake because there’s no mistaking his flawless profile.
    The moment seemed surreal while I walked to his table. I could see his head tilted down reading, and I wondered if he could feel my presence. My mouth suddenly went dry as I observed him pull the paper closer to his face and shift in his seat.
    In the next instant, he tossed the paper onto the table, glanced up, and instead of saying a word, he just smiled broadly. It was an exuberant, maybe relieved, grin. For a minute, our eyes fastened; I felt my heart beat faster, but neither of us said a word. As my eyes stared into his, I was dazzled by their sparkle; they still had their mystical powers. Quit hypnotizing me with your eyes, Blake.
    His jaw appeared to flex as if rehearsing what he was about to say. When he finally found his words and spoke, he did so slowly, with emphasized pauses and a hint of a drawl. “I’m glad to see you again. Your smile still warms me up inside.”
    “Well, that’s quite a greeting. Thank you.”
    He motioned to the empty chair across from him for me to sit down. “Seriously, you have grown into such a lovely woman. How is it possible for you to be more beautiful now than in college?”
    “I have to compliment you, as well. You left me fumbling for words earlier. You’re a handsome man.”
    “Thank you. Don’t take this the wrong way, but that awkward young girl I once knew has blossomed and matured into a sophisticated and poised lady,” he said, making me blush. His kind words were music to my ears, and just what I needed to hear. I couldn’t help but wonder