One Year Ago Today.....

One year ago today, a boy and a girl made a date. A blind date. Being the (over) cautious sort that she is, the girl opted to meet the boy at his home, rather than allow him to pick her up at hers. Nervously, she got out of her car, palms sweating, high-heeled sandals already biting into her feet as she clicked up the walkway to the door. She took a deep breath, knocked at the door, and waited.

One year ago today, the boy opened the door. There was a brief pause, nervous laughter, and a handshake that turned into a quick hug. There he stood, in freshly pressed khakis, still warm from the iron. A crisp white undershirt peeking from the neck of his button-down shirt (also freshly ironed). When he smiled, she thought to herself, 'His eyes actually glimmer.' Deep blue eyes. Smiling eyes.

One year ago today, they walked to the car. He opened her door, and helped her in. They drove to dinner, chatting away like old friends. At some point during the drive (she didn't notice exactly when), he placed his hand on hers, which were folded in her lap. She didn't pull away.

One year ago today, the boy and the girl enjoyed dinner at a Spanish restaurant that had been highly recommended to both of them. It was a Tuesday. It was 9:00 p.m. They were nearly the only people there. They ate paella. They drank Sangria. They joked with the waitress, who shared the same first name as the girl. They talked. They laughed. They sat and looked at each other. Really looked at each other.

One year ago today, the boy stared across the table at the girl. He took her hand in his, and looked into her eyes. Really looked into her eyes. The intensity of his gaze almost made her uncomfortable. Almost made her want to look away. But she didn't. Instead she blushed, she giggled, and probably made some lame joke about having broccoli in her teeth. Then he realized that he, too, was blushing. That he, too, was probably feeling self-conscious, and yet, he didn't look away. Instead, he told her she was beautiful. And he meant it.

One year ago today, the boy and the girl left the restaurant, finding themselves in a deserted neighborhood, neither wanting the date to end. As they stood outside the restaurant, unsure of what to do, or what to say, they embraced. Briefly, nervously. As his grasp on her loosened, her lips brushed his cheek. Softly, barely noticeable. Only he did notice. In a split second, he turned his face toward hers, brushing his lips across hers.

One year ago today, the boy and the girl laughed together at this botched attempt at a first kiss. Only it wasn't really botched. It was wonderful. It was sweet. It was tender. And they both knew it. She actually felt butterflies in her stomach.

One year ago today, the boy took the girl by the hand, escorting her down the street. They walked, they talked, they stopped at the corner and kissed. This time they got it right. They continued to walk, stopping to sit on the sea wall in front of the fortress. And there they sat, and talked more. And more. And more. They continued to talk until the streets were deserted, until all the bars and restaurants had closed down. Until there was no one else in sight.

One year ago today, the boy and the girl got back in the car, and drove to his home, back to her car. They realized it was 3:30 am, and both had to wake up to go to work in only a few hours. And yet, neither wanted the date to end. They sat on his couch, looking over his photos of Italy, Spain and Turkey. They talked more. And they kissed more.

One year ago today, the girl realized it was 5:30 am, and it was time for the date to end. They embraced. Neither wanting to let go. But both knowing they had to. At least for a while. She left, driving home, a silly grin plastered across her face. In a daze, she showered, dressed for work, and drove to work, without so much as a moment's sleep. She had never smiled so much. Later that morning, he called her at work. He was still smiling, too.

One year later, the boy and the girl are still together. It hasn't always been perfect, and it hasn't always been easy. But neither pulled away. The boy and the girl are still talking. And still kissing. And still smiling.

Happy Anniversary, Jeff. I love you.