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It seems that I might have forgotten Valentine’s Day.
I’m not good with such dates; I don’t pay attention to that type of thing.
Christmas and New Year’s Eve are different, and I wrote down his birthday long ago. Our anniversary changes every year. I never know if we should celebrate the first time we spoke about our feelings, the first kiss, the first time we slept together. We don’t do any of those.
Valentine’s Day is different. It’s for showing off. Maybe the charm is for young people and that’s what weighs on him. I’m such an old geezer. I can’t keep up.
He went to bed earlier than me, long before midnight. He excused himself saying he was tired from going grocery shopping. Why is the fridge so full? Why don’t you share the store ticket? I want to see if anything has gone up lately. Has it? You don’t tell me and laugh, rather nervous. The time you spend showering is longer than usual, then whisper good night, no kiss. I don’t mind.
It’s late when I join you and meet you with your back turned on me; the last time you slept like that you were upset after a silly argument over the remote batteries I should’ve bought when I got back with beer instead. You can be so stubborn and I forget about the small things. It’s 2 AM. I won’t wake you up; at least I try not to when I lay down next to you. Next morning we wake up at the same time, surprisingly enough.
He rolls over and whispers good morning. His sleepy face looks gorgeous.
“Happy Valentine’s Day, Terry.” Rock smiles lazily and I must look pretty damn stupid, because I forgot and I don’t have a gift, a surprise, plans, nothing. Still, I have him. “I didn’t buy a gift so don’t feel bad!”
“Shit, at least you told me?” I’m panicking and it’s very amusing to him. “Happy Valentines, and sorry!”
“I got you covered, I made reservations so we eat and stuff. Don’t worry about it!”
“What?! Where?” He sat up following me in my shock. I can’t do that, I’m not made for fancy places and it’s already embarrassing he does all this. I can’t keep up.
“Our kitchen! I was hoping you wouldn’t question I bought so many things.”
You laugh; this is an evil plan, a joke. You slept earlier so you wouldn’t out yourself, spoil the surprise. I’ll dress up. I’ll set up the table. I’ll kiss your face and make you laugh more. Your body is so warm when you lean in closer to hug me. You are my gift, my surprise, my plans, everything.
“Next year we ought to go out.”
Next year I won’t forget.