Summertime Fondness

She took off her black sunglasses, which matched perfectly with her white sundress and brown floppy hat. It was the hottest month of the year, but the humidity was no match for her commanding eyes.

Standing across from her, I knew that the outcome would not matter. My life would never be the same after I foolishly tried to take a shot.

“Nice glasses,” I said.

“Thank you.”

Throughout my life, I was never the walk-up-to-a-stranger-and-mingle type of guy, but it didn’t surprise me when I performed an uncharacteristic action. The thing is, I truly believe that the best things in life tend to bring out the best in people.

“I’m Richard.”

Silence and tension devoured the air. I heard my heart pounding. She would probably hear it as well if it weren’t for the loud ocean waves.

“How about you?”

“Harper.”

“Great name!” I said. “The sun is nice, right?”

I’m such a fool.

 “Are you a sun person?” I added.

Probably a bigger fool than the biggest fool in the world.

“I’m a morning person,” she said. “How about you?”

“Me too,” I said.” Would you like some ice cream?”

She raised her ice cream cup. I scratched the back of my head.

“You should probably ask yourself that question.”

A cheeky smirk emerged from her gorgeous face.

“My bad.”

“It’s fine,” she said. “What brings you here?”

“I like the water,” I said.

“Same,” she said. “If I hadn’t seen such beauty, I probably wouldn’t know where I would be right now.”

She looked past me. I turned around and marveled at the sight of the humongous ocean and the tall palm trees that were embedded in the white and soft sand.

“Heaven on earth,” she said.

“Agree.”

We went our separate ways, but I always looked back at our time together with fondness.  It was a beautiful time, with a beautiful person, in a beautiful place.