Free Forgive Me Father For I Have Loved by Tiana Laveen Page B

make up stories in her head about what people were doing and thinking. She’d even make up songs, but the one about him was far more serious. She paused, singing the lyrics inside of her head...
    Thaaaaman, doesn’t stand....he sits, bent like bows, under the tree limbs....
    He flees inside himself, carrying a heeeeavy load,
    The wind, will carry his sorrows away...on some empty road...
    There was just one problem now. She didn’t want to guess anymore. She wanted to really know what his deal was. It was killing her. Her inquisitiveness was on a rampage, and somewhere deep within, she demanded answers. He appeared aloof, but not cold. His smile at times was warm, at other times, obviously manufactured as a simple courtesy. And good Lord, he was a handsome son of a gun—and conversant, from how she’d seen him interact with some people. She hated it. She prided herself on her memory, and something tugged at those strings, but she couldn’t figure out what.
    Where do I know that face?
    Rhapsody surmised he was about six-two, maybe six-three and definitely in good shape—not that that was important to her; not that she was looking for a boyfriend or anything, of course.
    She smiled at her own thoughts.
    His medium brown hair was streaked with highlights and went darker to a rich brown closer to his nape, blending into his short, almost black sideburns. Almost too perfect hair—unnerving, as if he had an expensive colorist taking care of those strands, and something mystical kept every strand in place, like the damned wind would go straight to hell if it dared to blow that coif out of place. Yet, it didn’t look hard or stiff, just obeyed his command. His light blue eyes popped against his tanned skin in a classically handsome face with a keen nose, fleshy lips that appeared soft, dark eyebrows and an undeniable boyish charm. She was certain he looked younger than he actually was. He had wisdom about him...
    She’d occasionally watch him glide his fingers over his hair as he appeared to be in deep thought. She rose from the ground, huffed and gripped her water bottle. Removing the cap, she took a big chug, and smirked. He was staring at her now, and this time, he didn’t look away or offer a nod. He just...well, he just glared.
    He might be a drunk...Nah, I doubt it. How would I know? But he is sneaking sips from a damn liquor bottle. What’s wrong with him? Hmmm... It’s none of my business, I don’t know him ... or do I?
    She grinned mischievously.
    I’m a little tired today, but I did think of you inappropriately...well hell, I’m only human.
    She gave free rein to the thoughts in her head, let them roam freely, and relished in her silliness.
    Why do you keep coming to this park, sitting in that same spot, looking the same way? Why do you smile at me more times than not? If I didn’t know any better, I’d think you were looking for me... It could be just wishful thinking...That’s just what I need, to get a crush on an unemployed drunk...
    She turned away from him and returned to the grass, stretching her arms high above her head. She closed her eyes, mediating, enjoying the sounds of the water and people going past. In her mind, it was just her, all by her lonesome. Today was her ‘staycation’ that she’d promised herself. She planned the type of dinner she’d make that evening, and what she’d watch on television, and the new song she’d practice...and the calls she needed to make...oh yes, and the emails! Don’t forget the emails...
    But then, he touched her...
    Before she even had the chance to fix her face and look casually over her shoulder, she felt his fingertips run smoothly across her shoulder blade. She knew it was him before she even looked up, and their eyes met. She squinted in the sunlight, and used her hand as a visor. He stood there for a moment, looking down at her, smiling so beautifully. She offered her own smile, hoping it wasn’t too big or too small. No, this needed to be like