© 2005 by Eliza Marie



Rays of sunshine sprinkled through the trees dotting the Valencia, California sidewalk. The outdoor Tuscany-style café shaded its patrons under canvas canopies. Mimi Sanders shared a table with her friend and coworker, Julie Hamilton. As they studied their menus a warm spring breeze wrapped around them.

“Do you know that man?” Julie asked casually.

“Man?” Mimi’s eyebrows shot up from behind the menu. “What man?”

“Three tables to the right.” Julie darted her eyes in the handsome man’s direction. “He keeps staring at you.”

“Really?” Mimi used the old compact mirror trick, feigning interest in her lipstick. The mirror offered her a perfect view of his reflection. His long legs sprawled out below his table. At least six-foot-one, Mimi calculated. He wore a pair of tan corduroy pants and a light blue polo shirt. His blonde hair flipped up in unruly curls and his eyes shone in a kaleidoscope of hazels.

“I don’t know who he is.” Mimi’s heart did a black flip. “But I wish I did.” He’s the type of man I’d like to know better. She snapped her compact closed and tossed it back into her purse.

Feeling bold, she flung a smile over her shoulder. Her clever eyes zoomed in on the bracelet he wore. She’d seen the bracelet before. It read: WWJD? It stood for “What Would Jesus Do?”

He’s a Christian. Mimi’s heart tap-danced in her chest at the realization.

Under her scrutiny, he straightened his spine. Their eyes locked and the corners of his mouth flipped up. Dimples too. “He’s adorable,” Mimi told Julie, her tone bubbly. “Don’t you think so?”

Julie didn’t have the chance to respond. A waitress marched up ready to take their order. “Share a club sandwich?” Julie asked.

“Sure,” Mimi said, distracted. Who is this mystery man? Does he live around here? Is he new in town? Where does he attend church? Another quick glance told her he wore no wedding band on his left hand. And he dined alone, another good sign.

“How about some hot boot soup?” Julie teased. “Nothing like overcooked leather.”

“Sure,” Mimi said, obviously not listening. “Whatever you say.”

“A club sandwich and two sodas,” Julie told the waitress. The waitress smiled before she sauntered off to place their order. “Earth calling Mimi,” Julie said.

Mimi gnawed her lower lip. “How can I make his acquaintance?”

“Here’s an idea,” Julie said dryly. “Introduce yourself.”

Mimi scrunched up her nose. “I don’t want him to think I’m too aggressive.”

“It’s up to you.” Julie shrugged. “Look, there’s a phone booth right behind him. Pretend you’re making a call.”

“Hey, great idea.” Mimi shot her friend a knowing wink. “Don’t worry. I’ll invite you to the wedding,” she teased.

“Just hurry up,” Julie said. “We have to get back to the hospital soon.”

Mimi nodded. She stood up, smoothed her nurse’s uniform down. She smiled toward the mystery man. Her pulse dropped to her knees. “He’s gone.” She slumped back into her seat. Her eyes scanned the area. Gone, nowhere to be found. Mimi let out a disappointed sigh. She’d lost her chance to meet Mr. Perfect. And it was Valentine’s Day too.



The afternoon shift tiptoed by at a sluggish pace. Thoughts of the handsome stranger threatened to dominate Mimi’s every move, but she loved her job at the hospital and she cared deeply for her patients. She did her best to thrust her curious thoughts aside and concentrate on her duties.

She looked forward to clocking out, but a coworker coaxed her into covering part of his shift. “It’s Valentine’ Day and I want to surprise my wife,” he said.

Mimi’s romantic heart couldn’t refuse. She worked half his shift in addition to her own. By the time she jammed the key into her apartment door her feet ached from her workday. Mimi kicked her shoes off and dove onto the plush sofa. She stretched and yawned, delighted in the fact she’d made no plans for the entire weekend. She intended to spend the next two days indulging herself. Eat, sleep and goof-off. What a wonderful plan.

Mimi dozed off almost immediately, but the telephone rang her awake. “Hello,” she said groggily into the receiver. “Hi, Shelly,” she said to her sister-in-law. “What’s up?”

“Wondering if you still plan to join us for dinner tonight.”

Mimi slapped her forehead. She’d completely forgotten about her dinner plans. “Don’t suppose I could take a rain check?”

An uncomfortable pause followed. “That’s fine.” But Shelly sounded disappointed.

Guilt flowed through Mimi. She hadn’t seen her brother or his wife in weeks. She’d cancelled on them at least three times in the past month. “Tell you what,” she said, regaining her energy. “Give me a chance to take a shower and I’ll be right over.”

“Great,” Shelly said, a smile in her voice. “The girls can’t wait to see you.”

Mimi wanted to see her nieces too. She’d catch up on overdue rest over the weekend. “Tell them Aunt Mimi is bringing dessert.”

After a quick stop at the local bakery Mimi drove to the nearby town of Newhall. The warm shower along with two cups of coffee revived and refreshed her and she felt ready to face her seven-year old nieces. She rang the doorbell.

As she waited for an answer, the evening begged her attention. The moon’s halo glistened; its silver rays ricocheted against the stars. Funny, Mimi contemplated. I’ve never had a date on a Valentine’s Day. The handsome stranger’s face popped into Mimi’s mind. Maybe she’d see him again. Maybe he’d return to the café some afternoon and she’d have the chance to meet him. Who knew? Maybe she’d see him at church some Sunday morning.

The door swung open and her brother welcomed her with a quick hug. “Hey, stranger,” Troy said. “C’mon in.”

The twins, Tina and Tawny, ran towards her. The two girls clutched Mimi’s legs in a double bear hug. “I brought chocolate cake,” Mimi shouted above their giggles.

Shelly appeared, rescued her. “You girls go wash up for dinner,” she ordered. She shared a quick hug with Mimi. “How does spaghetti sound?”

“Yummy. My favorite.” Mimi yanked off her sweater and tossed it on one of the matching Queen Anne chairs.

“I need to check on my sauce,” Shelly said, nodding towards the kitchen.

“Can I be of any help?” Mimi asked.

“In a minute,” Troy said. “There’s someone I want to introduce you to.”

“And he’s awful cute,” Shelly said before she headed towards the fragrance of tomato sauce.

“He?” Mimi fluffed her hair. “Cute?” She checked her reflection in the mirror above the fireplace. “Who is he?”

Troy tousled his kid sister’s hair. “An old college friend,” he said. “He moved to Valencia a few days ago. C’mon, he’s in the den.”

“You messed up my hair.” Mimi pouted at her reflection, quickly maneuvered every strand of hair back into its rightful place.

“You look fine.” Troy grabbed her by the elbow and dragged her towards the den.

Mimi stepped inside the masculine room. Troy’s friend sat on the sofa, his back toward them. She snapped a double take towards his blond, curly hair. A shiver ran through her at the sight.

“Jay,” Troy called. “I want you to meet my kid sister.”

Jay stood up and turned around. Dear Jesus, she prayed quickly, her legs wobbly. Keep me from keeling over. “Hello.” She offered her hand. “Nice to meet you.”

Jay grasped her hand, shook it gently, and didn’t let go. “It’s her - the woman I was telling you about,” he said to Troy.

“This is the woman you’ve been pining for?” Troy laughed. “This pipsqueak?” He turned to his sister. “He’s been going on for hours about how he saw some beautiful stranger at the café this afternoon.”

Beautiful? Hardly, Mimi thought while her cheeks flamed.

“Troy,” Shelly yelled from the other room. “Help!”

“Let me give Shell a hand with the twins.” Troy slapped his friend affectionately on the shoulder. “Take a seat, you two. Mingle.”

“I’d like that,” Jay said, still gazing into Mimi’s eyes.

“Me too.” Mimi let her fingers relax in his warm grip. She led him to the sofa where they both took a seat.

“When I saw you across the café, I wanted to introduce myself,” Jay admitted. “But I chickened out.”

Mimi smiled, fully enjoyed the attention. “I know what you mean,” she said.

His eyes traveled across her face. “After I left the café, I was afraid I’d never see you again.”

“Well, I’m glad we were given a second chance,” Mimi said.

Jay nodded in agreement. “It may sound foolish, but I prayed we’d meet again.” His voice sounded deep and welcoming.

“Doesn’t sound silly at all. In fact, it’s sort of sweet.”

“I was sitting here a few minutes a go feeling sorry for myself – new in town – Valentine’s Day and all.” He dimpled. “God has a way of answering our prayers.”

Mimi let out a light laugh. “I can relate to that.”

Jay’s hazel eyes glistened with mutual affection. “I should warn you, I’m not letting you get away so easily this time.”

Mimi edged a little closer. Sounded good to her. Worse case scenario, she’d have to change her weekend plans.



HEY! and don't forget to e-mail Eliza Marie if you have a comment!


elizamarieclancy@yahoo.com



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