"Be My Valentine" - A Love Story

Part 1

 Part 1

 The morning sun shone brightly. Its light cascaded through the windows of a little shop, overlooking the ocean. Situated just on the water’s edge, The Pearl was a specialty boutique. It carried with it an air that suggested it was either a part of its beautiful surroundings or it was built merely to enhance them. Inside, there were a few customers admiring the latest creations of their favorite brands, whether it was Coach, Vera Bradley, Brighton, UGG Australia, or another label they had loyally bought for years. The light wall colors and many windows made The Pearl feel bigger than it was, and although it was a fairly small shop, it was open and spacious. Music played softly as the delicious aroma of hazelnut coffee filled the air. The employees of The Pearl had always offered coffee to customers who came in early. Most of them were regulars and on a first name basis with the employees and manager. For many, it was like a home away from home.

      “The sapphires in that necklace really bring out the color of your eyes.”
      “Do you really think so?” asked a lady, while admiring herself in the floor-length mirror. She was probably in her mid-sixties or seventies, and by the looks of her, she must’ve spent a good amount of money on clothing and jewelry.
      “Yes, Mrs. Thomas, I definitely do,” Mindy answered sincerely.
      “I’ll take it then,” the woman said cheerfully. “And the earrings, too. They’ll look beautiful together.”
      “Alright. I’ll ring it up for you.” Mindy brought the jewelry to the counter while Mrs. Thomas began a new conversation, speaking to both Mindy and Trish (the other employee behind the counter).
      “So, Valentine’s Day is only one week away. Are you two doing anything special?”
      “I am,” Trish said excitedly. “My husband and I are going on a second honeymoon. Just for the weekend though. We can only get off work that long,” she laughed lightly. Trish had only been married for two years and didn’t have any kids, but she hoped to have a couple someday.
      “Oh, really?” Mrs. Thomas asked. “Where are you going?”
      “A hotel.” Again, Trish laughed, but much harder this time. Both Mindy and Mrs. Thomas laughed also. Trish and her husband had married right out of college and were still paying off student loans so they couldn’t afford much. Mindy knew that just staying at a hotel for the weekend was a stretch for them, but she loved how, no matter what, Trish and her husband, Matty, were always happy together.
      “We are hoping to get a room with a view of the water though. I’m really looking forward to it. It’s going to be so much fun. And nice to finally relax.”
      “That’s wonderful,” Mrs. Thomas said softly, with a sweet smile. “What about you, Mindy?”
      “Oh, I’m not really doing too much this year.”
      “What about your boyfriend?” Trish asked. “Isn’t he coming down for Valentine’s?”
      “Uh, well. No, actually. He can’t get away.” Mindy acted like it was no big deal, but in truth, she was really disappointed about it.
      “Seriously?”
      “That’s too bad,” Mrs. Thomas interjected. But trying to brighten Mindy’s spirits, she added, “I’m sure you’ll have many romantic days in the future though.”
      Mindy smiled, appreciating Mrs. Thomas’ positive outlook.
      “What about you, Mrs. Thomas?” Trish wondered. “What are you doing for Valentine’s Day?”
      Mrs. Thomas brightened up. “John and I are having a Valentine’s Dinner! And you two are invited, along with the Valentine of your choice. You can bring Matty, Trish.” Then placing a hand over Mindy’s, with the sweetness of a caring grandmother, Mrs. Thomas said, “You can just bring a friend, Mindy. He doesn’t have to be your boyfriend.”
      Mindy smiled again, realizing that Mrs. Thomas wasn’t trying to come off as condescending or proud, but at the same time, Mindy didn’t think the special treatment was necessary.
      “I haven’t sent out the official invitations yet, but they should arrive in the mail very soon.”
      “We’re looking forward to it,” Mindy said as she handed Mrs. Thomas her bag.
      “Good,” she smiled. “I’d be delighted to see you both there.” Then Mrs. Thomas turned and walked out of The Pearl.
      “My goodness,” Trish began saying. “She does have pity on you, doesn’t she?”
      “I know,” Mindy had to laugh. “She is sweet though. She just needs someone to look out for now that her kids have all grown up and moved away.”
      “And you’re the lucky one she picked, hmm?”
      “I guess so…” Mindy glanced at the clock. It was 10:36 a.m. Her shift was already over. Normally, she didn’t get off until 1:00, but today she had requested to get off early, and Trish said she didn’t mind handling the extra customers until the next employee was scheduled to come in.
      “Well, it’s quitting time,” Mindy announced, quickly untying her apron and hanging it up.
      “Say ‘hi’ to Tyler for me,” Trish reminded her.
      Mindy grabbed her purse and jacket. “I will.” Then she was gone.
     
      The crisp air was made even colder by the soft breeze that played off the choppy ocean waves. Mindy was glad she had brought a warm jacket from home that morning. She walked along the deserted beach, arms crossed, trying to stay warm. There weren’t many sandy places left in Savannah where people were scarce (or in this case nonexistent), but very few knew about this one. You could only get to it from The Pearl or one of the small homes nearby. It was a private beach and extremely secluded. It was also how Mindy got to and from work every day. She preferred to walk. She could enjoy the weather and the view, and get a chance to think things over. Like why Bradley wasn’t coming home for Valentine’s Day.
      They had been together for over two years now. They met as seniors in college, and when they graduated, Mindy had gotten a job at The Pearl while Bradley had moved halfway across the country to study law. They had already gone a year with him at school successfully, but he had come home a lot more often then. Less than a year ago, Mindy would’ve sworn that nothing could’ve kept Bradley from coming home, especially on Valentine’s Day. But over the past few months, they barely saw each other at all, and lately, Mindy felt like keeping in contact was becoming strained.
      He couldn’t have found someone else, could he? He wouldn’t have cheated on me, right? Maybe that’s why he doesn’t want to come home for Valentine’s Day. What if he’s spending it with someone else… Mindy began thinking. No, he’d never do something like that. I know him too well. He loves me. And I love him. I shouldn’t think such horrible things about him.
      Even though Mindy tried her best to be positive, there were always small doubts invading her mind. She was afraid she’d lost him to someone else. Someone he was with every single day. She hated not knowing exactly what was going on. But then again, if he had found someone else, she’d rather not know at this point. She would be too heartbroken. Maybe Tyler would let her down easy. After all, he was Bradley’s best friend. If she didn’t know what was going on, he would.
     
      Mindy reached one of the small homes on the water that backed up to the private beach she had been walking along. It had steps up to a narrow front porch, with a white bench swing that was ready for a new coat of paint. To the left, there was a single front door. In the center of it was a circle of stained glass, colored with all the shades of the sea. Window boxes hung on the first story windows, where wildflowers grew. Mindy slid the key into the lock, until she heard it click open. This was her home.
      Actually, it had been her parents’ house when she was a little girl, but her father left when she was still young, and then her mother moved away and left it to her to do with as she wished. Mindy loved the house and wasn’t about to give it up. So even though it was a bit rundown, she had decided to live in it herself. Besides, its location couldn’t be beat.
      She had about fifteen minutes before she had to pick Tyler up from the airport, so she decided to give Bradley a call. Speaking to him would definitely make her feel better and cause all of her recent doubts to totally disappear. She dialed his number, then waited as it rang… But it kept ringing. He didn’t pick up.
      Hey. This is Bradley. I can’t get your call right now, so please leave a message…
      His voice was right there, recorded on the phone. It was so familiar to Mindy, but it sounded so much further than usual.
      …Beep.
      “Oh, hey. It’s Mindy. I was just calling to see how you were doing. I hope I’m not calling while you’re in class or anything. I’m about to go pick Tyler up from the airport. I’m doing pretty well. Call me back when you get the chance. Alright. Love you. Bye.”
      Mindy felt even worse now. She couldn’t bear to think about Bradley any longer. She needed a distraction. She looked at the time. It was still early, but she left for the airport anyways.
     
      “Mindy! My gosh! I frickin’ missed you!” Tyler was headed towards Mindy with giant strides.
      “Tyler! I missed you, too! Like so much!” Mindy had really missed Tyler. After Bradley, Tyler had more of Mindy’s heart than anyone else on earth. They had been friends for years. He was actually the one who had introduced her to Bradley.
      “You know, every time I see you, you’re even more beautiful than before,” Tyler said as he hugged her.
      “Thank you,” Mindy laughed.
      “So. Do you have any plans for us this week while I’m here?”
      “No, I don’t. I’m sorry. I’m very unprepared.” Mindy admitted in mock seriousness. Then she quickly remembered Mrs. Thomas’ Valentine’s Dinner. “Wait— Actually, yes…” Mindy suddenly took on an authoritative tone and continued, “There is one event we must attend, or else a dear old friend of mine will think I skipped it, out of embarrassment, because my boyfriend is not present.”
      Tyler played along, deepening his voice with feigned disappointment, “For shame, Mindy, for shame. We can’t have that, now can we?”
      “I should say not,” she agreed indignantly.
     
      Mindy and Tyler went to the baggage claim to get Tyler’s luggage, then headed to Mindy’s car to drive back to her house. When they got there, Tyler built a fire in the fireplace to warm up the room as Mindy made lunch. As soon as they sat at the dining room table and began eating, Mindy began talking.
      “Trish says ‘hi.’”
      Tyler nodded. “I’ll probably see her while I’m here. Unless, of course, you come up with something for us to actually do.”
      “Oh, come on,” Mindy complained in an exaggerated tone. “I knew well enough to leave our schedule open because whenever you’re here, things are crazy, and nothing ever goes as planned.”
      “What? I always follow our schedule to a tee,” he objected, pointing his index finger into the air. “You’re the one who always alters our plans.”
      “Me?”
      “Yes.” Before Mindy could reply, he quickly added, “But I don’t want to argue.” He smiled that mischievous smile of his, and Mindy just rolled her eyes. Sometimes there was nothing she could do about him. While Tyler continued to eat, Mindy had other things on her mind.
      “Have you heard from Bradley lately?” She tried to sound nonchalant, like she was just making conversation.
      “Not for a week or so.” He looked up and saw her staring down at the table. Suddenly, he got the feeling that maybe Mindy and Bradley’s relationship wasn’t as solid as he’d thought. “Haven’t you?”
      “No. I haven’t heard from him for almost two weeks. I don’t know why either.” The sadness was evident in her voice. “I was kind of hoping you’d know what was going on. But…” She just stopped. Before the pause lasted too long, Tyler said, “Hey. Law school’s a lot of work. He’s probably just behind.”
      “I know. But I’ve tried calling, and I’ve texted him… He still hasn’t gotten back.”
      “I’m sure he will.” Tyler hated to see Mindy down. But then he got an idea that he thought might brighten things up. “You know what though? It’s a good thing you didn’t come up with a schedule for us. Let’s go.”
     
      Grabbing their coats and putting out the fire, Tyler led Mindy back outside to her car. Except this time, he took the wheel. No matter how much Mindy pleaded, he wouldn’t tell her where they were going. She could only sit in the passenger’s seat and wait.
      She gazed at Tyler behind the wheel as he drove. He looked just like a regular guy in this setting. Not one with enough money to buy out the closest mall’s entire inventory. She couldn’t imagine what’d it’d be like to see him at that mansion of his, surrounded by so much wealth. This may have been the first time he had even been in a car with torn leather and worn-out controls.
      “So, what’s it like to drive an average car?”
      His face took on a pained expression. “I miss my Ferrari.”
      Mindy shook her head in disbelief. “You know, you’re like the only person in the world your age who owns a Ferrari.” Rich kids drove BMWs and Mercedes, not Ferraris. Compared to Tyler’s family, most of the wealthy were barely getting by.
      “I happened to save up a lot of money for that car,” he stated. “It took several birthdays to get that much cash.”
      “You mean you bought it with money that your parents gave you?” Mindy thought about it for a second, then as if she had put it together, she continued, “So it was their money. Which means it’s actually their car, isn’t it?” Mindy laughed.
      Tyler paused. “I don’t think so.”
     
      When they arrived at the Owens-Thomas House Museum, Mindy realized that Tyler was really making a sacrifice. The Owens-Thomas House Museum boasted beautiful historical art consisting of both architecture and paintings, which Mindy loved. But she knew that Tyler didn’t care much for either of them.
      “Are you sure you want to spend your time here while you’re home?” she asked before opening the car door.
      “Yeah,” he answered, not very convincingly. “I find it… almost interesting. It’s definitely interesting that you’re so amused. Besides, we’re not spending the entire week here, just a couple of hours.”
      Mindy smiled. Tyler was so good to her.
     
      Exploring the museum had definitely lightened Mindy’s mood. “Thanks, Tyler,” she said as they walked back to the car. “That was really sweet of you, and you didn’t have to do it.”
      “Oh, but we’re not finished.”
      “What do you mean?” Mindy couldn’t imagine what else he might have in mind.
      “Just wait,” Tyler replied. There was that mischievous smile again.
     
      Seamlessly, the day turned into night. Tyler took Mindy to the movies, where they saw an easygoing, romantic comedy. Then they got some fast food and ice cream, before heading home. After getting back, they were both exhausted. They didn’t even bother going upstairs. They just dropped to the coach and fell fast asleep.
     
      When Mindy woke up, she found Tyler still asleep, with his face buried in the pillows. She smiled to herself before wondering if he could breathe like that. He must’ve been sleeping like that for a while now, so I imagine he’ll be okay. She climbed the stairs, took a quick shower, and got dressed. When she finished, Tyler was unpacking his things in the guest bedroom.
      “Anything planned for today?” Tyler asked, yawning. “Or have we been blessed with freedom again?” He was trying to be flamboyant, but it was pretty obvious he hadn’t quite woken up yet.
      “I have work this afternoon.”
      “Oh, no. A working girl. I forgot you did that,” Tyler winced, disappointed.
      “Yes,” she said. Then, as if trying to make sure he could understand the concept, she continued very slowly, “That’s how I live. Some of us don’t have rich daddies to pay for everything we need, remember?”
      “Okay, okay. Thank you for my weekly reality check.” Tyler was used to her ragging on him for having so much money just like he teased her about all of her schedules.
      “Are you even reminded of everybody else’s reality as often as every week?” she asked humorously.
      “Not even close. But however often it is, it’s certainly enough.”
      “Well anyways, since I have to work today, we could meet Trish for lunch beforehand if you’d like.”
      “Yeah, that sounds cool. What time do you get off work?”
      “Five.” After thinking about it for a moment, Mindy asked, just to be sure, “You’re not going to be bored while I’m gone, are you?”
      “Nah,” he said, laughing. “I’ll just catch up with some old friends.”
      “Alright.”
     
      Mindy went to her room to get ready for work and to call Trish to ask if she wanted to go to lunch. When she picked up her phone, she noticed she had gotten a text earlier that morning. It was from Bradley. Finally! she thought, quickly opening it and reading:
     
      “Hey, Mindy. I got your message. I really miss you, too. Sorry, I can’t talk now, but we’ll talk soon. Tell Tyler I said ‘hello.’”
     
      Well, that was a letdown, Mindy thought. Her heart felt two tons heavier. And right after she had gotten so excited just to see his name on the screen. She thought everything was going to go back to normal. That maybe he had just had a rough couple of weeks. She thought that any form of communication from him would’ve convinced her that his feelings hadn’t changed. But in his text, he hadn’t even said he loved her…
      “Now, wait a second there, Mindy,” she began talking out loud to herself. “Don’t start thinking anything like that. Of course he wants to stay with you. Always. And forever. He loves you. He will always love you… He couldn’t just abandon me like that. His heart wouldn’t permit it. We’re too attached. We’re just too in love for anything like that to happen.” She paused, shaking her head. “I’m going to drive myself crazy if I keep this up.”
      “Me too!” Tyler interjected from the next room.
      “Please stay out of my thoughts!” Mindy shouted back at him.
      “Then keep them quiet enough so they stay out of my room!”
      “This is my house, might I remind you! I can be as loud as I’d like!”
      “Hey, are you ready to go?!”
      Mindy could hear the smile he was trying to hide. “Yeah,” she sighed. “Come on.”