
It happened in a most awkward way, as love is wont to do. A thrown kiss, a wink, a wave and a look of expectation that it would be returned. But I would have none of it.
Alas, my misguided ego momentarily led me to believe that I was the target of the young gentleman’s affection, when, in actuality, I was caught in a crossfire, a crossfire of love, playing out on the sidewalk of my favorite coffee shop in the town center.
But it was over as quickly as it happened. The February breeze carried the romantic gesture past me to the attractive young woman at my back, the target of his affection. Her reply mirrored his, lovingly thrown back. I stepped aside and let it pass, unbroken.
Not a word was spoken between them but it was obvious by their flirtatious comportment, this was unabashed love, love on the sidewalk. And it was on display for anyone to see. I saw it because I’m an observer of people, especially those who blow kisses my way, albeit, inadvertently.
It’s winter in western New York and with that comes a string of cold temperatures and depressing cloudy skies. It can be overbearing. Today, however, the air was warmer, the sun was filling the sky and moods changed. Gaiety filled the air. And there was love, love on the sidewalk.
The humorist in me wanted to ask if the kisses were meant for me, but I bit my tongue and held back. Why spoil a good street performance with a silly annoyance.
Valentine’s Day is upon us. Love sightings will abound. Will you observe them?
Happy Valentine’s Day to lovers everywhere…

Steve #021423
It’s good to see a new post from you, Steve! Your Valentine’s Day anecdote is a delight. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Liz, thank you. I’ve been negligent with my writing, thinking that I may have exhausted my supply of words in prior stories. Hopefully, I can get back on track. Happy Valentine’s Day!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sometimes our writing fields just need to lie fallow for a while. I look forward to your getting back on track!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Great way to describe it, Liz. I’ll try harder to get back to ‘planting’. Have a great day!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Steve! I hope you have a great day as well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is the most beautiful thing I have read in a long time. It surprised me and took my breath away. Thank you. You are a poet, my friend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Maggie, thank you so much. I’m glad you liked it. This is my third ‘Love…’ story and they’re all true. Happy Valentine’s Day to you. Your message made my day.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was the perfect message today, Steve. I hope you had a great Valentine’s Day.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ive read it and reread it X times. Very kind of you. Gave me some motivation to write some more. Had a pleasant day today as I trust you did. Starbucks on Valentine’s Day, nice. Goodnight!
LikeLiked by 1 person
HI Steve, it is a lovely to see a post from you. Your Valentine’s love on the street story is delightful. We don’t do a lot for Valentine’s Day, but I bought chocolate’s for my husband, mom and dad and I also bought my mom the most beautiful red tulips for her garden.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Robbie. It feels good to get a story, a true story, on paper. I got roses for my wife but you can be my South African Valentine😉
LikeLike
Master work…I love it 💌🥰
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy Valentine’s Day, X!
LikeLike
A lovely story, Steve
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Derrick. Is Valentine’s Day big in England?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Next year, maybe! All those thrown kisses have to land eventually.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, Pete, but I’m running out of time😉. Have a great day!
LikeLiked by 1 person
A super story well told, Steve. Sometimes we have to get out of the way for cupid to do his job. 😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, John. It really happened with one difference. I actually did open my mouth and comment that I thought his kiss was for me, to which the woman replied, ‘whatever suits you’. I just can resist myself, sometimes🥴
LikeLiked by 2 people
I think she was saying “mind your own business you old codger. “I could be wrong though. 😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
No, you’re probably right, after all, I am an old codger, and a geezer. 🥸
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me too. I thnk yu can throw curmudgeon in there too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A wonderful story – so well said.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Jim.
LikeLike
I love this story. But then I am a sucker for a good love story.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aw, shucks, Darlene. That’s very nice of you. It was fun to write. Amazing how things happen that stimulates us to write stories. Have a great day!
LikeLiked by 1 person
By the way, hope you’ve read my other two love stories, ‘Love In A Parking Lot’ and Love On The Veranda’.
LikeLiked by 1 person