Q: What is your ideal Valentine's Day date?
A: A floor picnic on a rainy day.
***
Drew and the girls met Sera at Faye’s Cafe and ordered one picnic hamper to go.
“Welcome to our humble abode.” Drew opened the door for Sera. “Madison, grab a quilt from the linen closet.”
The girls made short work of their sandwiches, but Drew became suspicious when they turned down dessert—their favorite part of any meal—and disappeared into their bedroom.
He shared a conspiratory look with Sera. “I think we have two matchmakers at work.”
“You mean you didn’t put them up to it?”
“No.” His face turned bright red. “Uh—”
“You look adorable when you blush.” She stroked the side of his face. “Today’s been a lot of fun.
“But?”
Sera frowned. “But I gotta go.”
“Right now?” Drew leaned toward her, capturing her lips in a gentle kiss. When he pulled away, Sera had a slightly dazed look on her face.
“Maybe I can stay a little longer.” She licked her lips as she swayed toward him.
“Yeah?” With a knowing smile, Drew caressed the side of her face. “I’m sure you’ve heard this a million times. And, I swear, it’s not a line. You’re beautiful.”
Sera gazed back at him, the same wonder he felt mirrored in her eyes. “People throw around words, like, all the time, and they’re completely meaningless. You tell me I’m beautiful, and I can believe it’s true.”
“I’ve never met anyone like you.”
Sera arched an eyebrow. “You mean, famous?”
“No.” Drew shook his head slightly. “Without pretense. High school is just a bunch of posturing kids, pretending to be someone else.” He shrugged. “Even me. And, you— You could be the biggest fake of them all, and you’re not. You’re real.”
“Stop, Drew. You’ll make me blush.”
“Yeah?” He leaned in, grazing the edge of her ear with his teeth. “I can make you blush.”
She shivered in response to his insinuation, shying out of his reach. “I’m sure you can.”
***
