Love Me Then, Love Me Now

How we met

I woke up on the floor confused the next morning. I picked myself up and walked to the bathroom. I turned on the light and caught my reflection in the mirror. My eyes were bloodshot and swollen. Suddenly everything from last night replayed in my mind. “I don’t love you anymore!” “I hate coming home to you everyday!” I heard my husband’s voice echo in my head. I wanted to cry again but I think all the tears were gone from my body at that point. I peeled off my clothes and sat in the shower and let the warm water run over my body. I sat there for what felt like forever until all the hot water ran out and the sudden blast of cold water jolted me from the shower floor. I turned off the water and got out of the shower and looked into the mirror again. Chubby face and a scarred body stared back at me. I looked myself up and down and scoffed. How could a man like that fall for someone like me anyway? I shook the thought away almost immediately. He wouldn’t have married me and stayed for eight years if my face and body was the problem. I thought back to the day we first met.

“Thank you so much. Please come again,” said the friendly cashier at the flower shop I was at as I paid for my orchids and was leaving out. Today was Mother’s Day and the store was packed with customers making last minute flower purchases. Me and my mom never had a great relationship before she passed but I always bought her favorite flowers and would leave them at her grave twice a year, her birthday and Mother’s Day. “Ooof!”I exclaimed as this barrel of a man knocked me down as he rushed into the store as I was leaving. “I am so sorry,” he said. He held out his hand to help me up from the ground. I took it and he lifted me up effortlessly and steadied me on my feet. I looked up at him and let out a small gasp. He was absolutely stunning. I had never seen a man more handsome in my life. I gave out a small chuckle and said, “It’s ok. I should pay attention to where I’m going. I had my head down.” He smiled and said, “You should definitely keep that pretty head of yours up from now on. Show the world that face.” I blushed and put my head down. “You don’t have to say that. I know I’m not that pretty.” He looked at me in shock and shook his head. “That should never be a thought in your head. You’re gorgeous.” I gave a small smile and said “Thank you. I hope you have a nice day and you get what you need as I see you’re in a rush.” He laughed heartedly and said, “I was looking for flowers for my mother. She loves orchids and I haven’t been able to find them anywhere today. This was my last try.” I looked down at the orchids in my hands and held them up to him. “Here, take these. I brought the last brunch just now. I’m sure your mother would appreciate them more than mine would.” He looked at me and said, “Why do you say that?” I shook my head and said, “ It’s not a big deal. My mother passed away a couple years ago. I bring her flowers twice a year. Today and on her birthday. I’m sure they would appreciate your mother more than dying on top of a grave. Sounds harsh I know, but it’s truly how I feel.” I held them out to him again. He took them from me and pulled two out of the bouquet and gave them to me. “Take these to your mother,” he said. “I’m sure she’d appreciate them more than you know. But that’s a conversation I would love to have with you another time as I am in a rush. Could I have your number and maybe we can pick this conversation up again over dinner?” At first I was too stunned to speak. There was no way this walking Adonis was asking to take me to dinner. “Are you sure,” I stammered. “You don’t have to take me to dinner. It’s really ok.” He took my hand and looked me in my eyes and said, “ Darling, I would love to do more than take you to dinner but that would suffice for now. Number?” I laughed nervously and blushed as I rattled off my number to him and he gave me a final smile and a wave and walked out of the store.