23 January 2013
I sucked in a breath. “Mark?” I blurted. He looked up from his phone and his face lighted up upon seeing me. “Ally?” I grinned and went over to where he was sitting in the coffee shop. “How have you been?” I asked. “Good. I’m a certified firefighter now,” he said, smiling proudly at me. “I always knew you would be able to do it. Congratulations,” I praised. “Thanks. Want to sit with me for a bit?” he asked, gesturing to the comfy seat across from him. “Sure.” As I sat down, I became very aware of his gaze. My cheeks ignited and I took out my phone to distract myself from his analytical stare. “You look really good, Ally,” Mark complimented. “Really good.” I scrolled aimlessly through the contact list in my phone. “Thanks,” I said. “You too.”
I refused to look up and stare appreciatively at his biceps that bulged through his shirt.
“So what have you been up to lately?” he inquired politely. “Finished with college?” “I’m in grad school,” I replied. I reluctantly put my phone back in my pocket so I would seem invested in the conversation. “Is there anything else new with you?” he asked, looking keenly into my eyes.
His eyes. I almost forgot how green they were. They always seemed especially green after we had s-
I violently shook my head to rid myself of memories of him. I hated him...but I could no longer remember why.
“I have a steady boyfriend,” I exclaimed.
No I didn’t. I haven’t even had a second date with anyone.
“Is he good to you?” I nodded sheepishly. “Good, you deserve a great guy,” he said, looking at his drink on the table between us, which was half-empty. “Somebody better than me. I was a dick, and I’m sorry, Ally.” He looked up when he said my name, and his expression was so earnest that I squirmed from the intensity of it. “I got over it, Mark.”
No, I never did.
He nodded his head and reached for his disposable coffee cup. “I ought to go, but maybe I’ll see you around sometime.” I shrugged. “It was nice seeing you, Ally.” “It was nice seeing you too,” I said. He smiled at me through closed lips and stood up to head for the door. “Hey, Mark?” I asked quietly. He looked down at me expectantly as I sat in the seat. “Be safe. Fires are dangerous.” He grinned, his perfectly straight teeth showing, and I felt my heart speed up. “I’m always safe,” he admitted. Then he headed for the door.
Boy did I wish he could put out the fire in my heart.
Fires • Opuss № I