She walked into the pool hall, nervous and shaking. The hall was crowded and rock music was blaring but all she could hear were her thoughts. “Why am I doing this? What have I gotten myself into? Should I turn around?” Then she saw him. He looked exactly like his online profile picture. Defined muscles accentuated by his tight, black shirt, like bark on a log. Her heart fluttered. She walked over and introduced herself, but really she didn’t need to. It was as if they had known each other forever.

The evening went on with pints of beer and shooting pool. He was a man of few words, but he stood tall and confident. In a room full of people, he spread his feathers like a peacock. After the last round, he asked her if she would like to go somewhere more quiet where they can talk. They went to an Italian restaurant that had a nice bar and a quiet setting,almost too quiet she thought. They talked about everything under the sun. Discussions of hobbies and sports, careers and aspirations. He asked her if she wanted to walk on the pier to see the full moon over the ocean. “A walk in the cool air would be good before I drive home” she thought.

On their way to the pier he subtly put his hand out to hold her hand. Her hand fit into his hand like a glove, simply perfect. They talked more and laughed. She hadn’t laughed that much in what felt like ages. He stopped walking suddenly and before she could ask what was wrong he grabbed her, pulled her in tight and kissed her. It was a kiss that could only be on a silver screen. She felt like she was swirling around like a snowflake. He let her go, held her hand and kept walking without saying a word. She felt baffled and confused but still swirling. Then and there she knew he would always keep her on her toes.

Almost to the pier he could tell she was cold from the ocean breeze. He offered her a jacket from his truck. They went to the parking lot, and he gave her the jacket and another world shattering kiss. They walked to the end of the pier. There was no one around and the sound of the waves created a relaxing atmosphere. With no clouds in the sky the full moonlight shined like diamonds over the calm ocean. He held her close to keep her warm. He was naturally warm like a hot spring making him the yin to her always cold yang. Her head nestled into his chest perfectly like a puzzle piece. Never had she felt so close to someone so quickly. She felt safe, warm, and wanted. She hoped he felt the same.

As it got later it was time for them to go home to their separate lives. A sweet kiss goodbye. She didn’t know what the future held. She wrapped up the way she was feeling and put it in a box for safe keeping. She got in her car and five minutes later her phone chimed like a bell. Her heart fluttered knowing it was him. He wanted to see her again. A final “Goodnight beautiful” ended the evening perfectly like a cherry on a cake.

She got home, the house was quiet. She took off her date night heels that hurt her feet but she wore them anyway to pronounce her best features. As she was removing her jewelry she looked into her jewelry box and glaring at her was her wedding ring with a loud sense of disapproval. She put on her pajamas, an old t-shirt and ratty shorts with paint stains. She knew she would never dress like that in front of HIM but in her current situation she didn’t care about putting effort into her looks. He didn’t look at her like that anyway. She went to the babies room. He was sleeping soundly as she pulled a blanket up and tucked him in like a little burrito. She stroked his soft, whispy hair and kissed his forehead and promised him a life of new beginnings. She just wasn’t sure how to get there, yet.