Fleeting Love

Lilly was getting ready for Thanksgiving with her family. She had a lot of shopping to do and was ready for her pajamas. She thought “I hope I don’t run into anyone I know. My hair is a mess. I threw on these sweat pants and T-shirt. I will probably regret not fixing myself up.” Lilly came out of the supermarket and ran right into someone. Good thing she was pulling her buggy and not pushing it. The handsome man looked down at her and said “I am so sorry Ma’am, I wasn’t paying attention”. Lilly was dumb struck and finally responded with “Owe no, it was my fault. I am in such a rush that I didn’t see you”. The tall, good-looking man wished her a Happy Thanksgiving and continued on his way. Lilly would have to run into a very handsome man while looking a mess. She figured she would probably never see him again anyway.

Lilly realized she needed to stop at the discount store to pick up paper goods for her dinner. As she was shopping, who did she see? None other than Mr. tall and good-looking! She smirked “Twice in one day. Why didn’t I fix my self up”? She finished her shopping and what do you know, he was at the register at the same time. He spoke to her in a husky voice “We keep meeting like this and I will have to ask you out”! She was dumb struck again. Lilly smiled and tried to be flirty “I guess you will, but I would need to know your name first”. He replied with a sexy smile “My name is Tom. May I ask your name”? She tried not to sound too excited “My name is Lilly. Nice to meet you Tom”. Tom asked Lilly for coffee and she said yes. Lilly couldn’t believe she was asked out by such a strikingly handsome man while wearing sweats, a t-shirt and a messy bun.

The next day Lilly took a break from her Thanksgiving preparations to have coffee with Tom. They met at a pancake house in town. Lilly made sure to be much more presentable this time. They chatted over their coffee and pie. He asked Lilly if she was from there and she told him she was. She asked if he had family in town and Tom said he was there for work. Lilly frowned and asked “What are you doing for Thanksgiving dinner”? He told her that he was just planning to eat at a restaurant. Lilly grinned “There won’t be very many places open. Why don’t you come eat with me and my family”? Tom’s handsome face lit up “I don’t want to impose”! Lilly explained that it wouldn’t be an imposition and that they would be glad to have him.

It was Thanksgiving day and Lilly was nervous. She had all of her family coming over and of course Tom was coming. She had cleaned the house spotless and decorated for the holiday. She was dressed casual but nice, had make up on and styled her hair. She wondered “Will my family read too much into this”? She was just being nice “I do find him very attractive though”. She told herself to snap out of it, because everyone would be there soon. Lilly had already talked to her parents and siblings about Tom coming. She asked them to be nice and not give him a hard time. The door bell rang, it had to be Tom. She answered it and welcomed him in. He told her that she had a lovely home. Lilly told him that her Aunt had left it to her. She explained how thankful she was. Lilly knew that being a school teacher she would have never been able to buy a house like this.

Everyone arrived and Thanksgiving dinner was on. Lilly’s family was so nice to Tom and invited him to Christmas, if he was still in town. There was laughter, eating, and a football being tossed in the yard. Lilly felt she could count this another successful family Thanksgiving. She really enjoyed watching Tom interact with her loved ones. He seemed to fit right in. There was something warm and comforting about him. Every time he was near Lilly got butterflies in her stomach like a teenager. Her sister helped her clean up and everyone said their good bye’s. Her family had all left and Tom was still there. He came up to her and her stomach started fluttering again. Tom in his sexy voice said as he grabbed her elbow “I can’t say thank you enough for the wonderful dinner and company. Your family is delightful and the food was delicious”. Lilly blushed “You are very welcome Tom. We… I loved having you”! Tom expressed that he wanted to see her again. Lilly blushed again “I would like that too Tom”.

Thanksgiving was over and everybody was black Friday shopping, but Lilly was in her pajamas drinking coffee and eating leftover pie. She was thinking about Tom and how they had just clicked so quickly. Lilly wondered if there was any chance for them since he was in town for work. She pondered “I really like him, but I don’t want to set myself up for heart ache”. She drank some more coffee and finished her pie. Lilly decided that she may as well enjoy her time with Tom while it last. She enjoyed Thanksgiving and Christmas when they were only around for a short time.

It was Saturday and Lilly had an actual date with Tom. She was so excited to get dressed up and go out with him. She knew she shouldn’t be thinking it, but she was wondering if he kissed good. Lilly blushed and her stomach flip flopped. Her door bell rang and there stood the good smelling, handsome Tom holding flowers for her. Lilly felt warm all over. She thanked him for the flowers and put them in a vase. He told her that she looked beautiful. She grabbed her jacket and they were off for their date. Tom was the type to open doors and hold a ladies hand. Lilly was as giddy as a school girl. She tried to control her Joy and not show how fond she was of him. Tom seemed to be just as into her and as happy. The date was spectacular, but it didn’t compare to the warmth of his lips pressed against hers. When Tom walked her to the door of her house, he leaned down and ever so softly pressed his lips upon hers. Lilly felt as though someone had poured warm water over her. Her question was answered, Tom was a good kisser.

The weeks flowed on, Lilly and Tom continued to see each other. Tom knew that Lilly was a teacher, but all that Lilly knew was that Tom was a contractor. She didn’t know what kind of contracts he worked. She had asked Tom, however he explained very little. Tom just said that he wasn’t allowed to share his work details. The mystery of it all seemed to draw Lilly even closer to him. It was getting close to Christmas and Lilly was looking forward to sharing another holiday with Tom. The night before they had gone on a dinner date and the kiss he gave her at the door was a lot more heated than the first one she got from him. Lilly just melted when he held her in his arms. Her clothes always carried a faint hint of his cologne that she took pleasure in smelling. She asked herself again if she really wanted to put herself out there like this. She understood that Tom wasn’t living here, he was just here for work. She couldn’t help it though, she was drawn to him.

Tom came over and helped her put up her tree and decorate it. Afterwards, They snuggled and sipped hot cocoa while watching the fireplace. Lilly said in a soft voice “This is nice Tom”. Tom smiled and pulled her in for a hot and steamy kiss. Lilly was like putty in his arms. Tom told her he had to go and kissed her good night. When he left Lilly felt she would never come down from the high of being with him. She went back to decorating for Christmas and thought of Tom. She wondered “Is there a chance he could stay? Would he have to go somewhere else for work”? She so wished he could stay because, she was falling for him. Lilly was trying hard not to, but she couldn’t help it she was.

It had gotten to where Lilly and Tom were seeing each other every day. Her family and friends were wondering if things were getting serious. Lilly told them that she didn’t know when he would have to leave again. She explained that she didn’t want to put pressure on Tom. Her friends and family were concerned, however Lilly told them not to be. Lilly met Tom for lunch before going shopping for presents. Tom as always kissed her on the cheek and pulled her chair out. He told Lilly that he really enjoyed spending time with her. Lilly responded “Tom I treasure every minute of our time together”. She figured he had to know she was falling for him and she could tell he felt the same way. She had told him she had to finish her Christmas shopping. He said he would go with her, but he had a meeting to go to. Tom “I will catch up with you this evening”. Lilly “Okay, I will fix us something for dinner”. Tom “Don’t worry with that. You have been busy. I will pick something up” He kissed her and left for his meeting.

Lilly liked shopping for her family and friends for Christmas. She just couldn’t get her mind off of Tom. She was so preoccupied that she ran right into one of her childhood friends. Lilly “Shell, I’m so sorry. My mind was off somewhere”. Shell laughed “Probably on that good-looking man you’ve been dating”. Lilly smiled and blushed “Yes, how did you know”. Shell told her that everyone was talking about their steamy romance. Lilly was so stuck in her own world lately and didn’t realize that it was that obvious. Lilly “I didn’t think anyone had noticed”. Shell “Owe we have noticed, but girl don’t worry about it. I don’t blame you. He’s a hunk”! Lilly said bye to Shell and continued on. She would pay better attention to where she was going though.

Tom rang the door bell and Lilly let him in. She asked “It smells good. What is it”? Tom answered “It’s calzones, salad and bread sticks. Owe and wine”. Lilly had already set the table for them. They enjoyed their dinner, laughed and talked about their favorite childhood Christmas memories. After dinner they retired to the living room and sat in front of the fire. Tom brought the wine and Lilly had the glasses. They snuggled and enjoyed each other’s embrace. Tom leaned down and kissed her so passionately. He stopped and held her face for a minute. Lilly “What Tom”? Tom “I just won’t to soak in your beauty. You are such a beautiful and kind woman. I’m so glad we met”. Lilly thought she would melt. She smiled warmly “I am too! I am so thankful that I said yes to coffee that day”.

Christmas came and Lilly was looking forward to it. She would be celebrating with Tom, her family and friends. Tom was coming to pick her up. Lilly had already taken the gifts to her Mom’s. She just needed to grab the food she was taking. Tom rang the bell and came in. He helped Lilly take stuff to the car. Before the last trip to the car he snuck in a kiss. Tom held her close and tight as the kiss lingered. Lilly “Well if that’s all I get for Christmas I will be doing pretty good”! Tom “There’s more where that came from”! Lilly reminded him that they would be late for Christmas dinner. Christmas dinner was Lilly’s favorite because, she got to see Joy in her loved ones faces. It came time for presents and Tom approached Lilly with a small gift. Lilly blushed and thanked Tom as she opened it. Inside was a charm bracelet with two charms. One charm was a shopping cart and the other was a coffee cup. Lilly hugged Tom and kissed him on the cheek. She whispered “I will never forget”.

Christmas is over and New Years Eve would be here before she knew it. Lilly and Tom had plans, of course, for New Years Eve. The next five days would fly by. Tom and Lilly spent their days out and their evenings by the fire. It was December twenty seventh and they were ending the day snuggled in front of the fire. Lilly wished that this would never end. Tom ran his fingers through her auburn locks and pulled her in for a kiss. This kiss was softer and lasted longer. He ended by caressing her face. Tom just stared into her eyes with deep emotion. Lilly knew at this moment that he had fallen for her too. The days following were joyful and meaningful. Lilly’s heart skipped a beat every time she was with Tom. If Thanksgiving and Christmas were this wonderful, She couldn’t wait to see what New Years Eve was like.

New Years Eve was here and Lilly was getting ready. She painted her nails, applied makeup, put on the silky sexy red dress she had bought and styled her hair. They were going to meet at the Christmas tree in the town square. Lilly didn’t know why she was so nervous. They had spent everyday together since Christmas and were together a lot before that. Still there was something unsettling in her stomach. Her gut was telling her that tonight would be different. Lilly didn’t know why she felt this way, but she did. She left her house and headed to the town square. Once there Lilly got out of her car and waited by the tree. She waited for what seemed to be hours and still no Tom. She tried calling him and it went straight to voicemail and when she text they showed undelivered. Lilly prayed “Lord please let Tom be Okay”. She went and sat in her car for a while, Tom hadn’t shown up yet and she still couldn’t reach him.

Lilly went home cold and sad. She wondered if Tom was okay. Soon school would be starting back and she would be busy with her students and grading. Days turned into weeks and weeks into a month. Lilly didn’t know if she would ever see her love again and that’s what Tom was, he was her love. Lilly loved him so deeply and she knew he loved her. Even though she had gotten to know Tom, she didn’t know what kind of contract work he did and for who. How would she go on with all of these questions? How could she except not seeing her Tom again? Her family and friends were definitely going to have questions for her to answer. Lilly didn’t know what she would say to them. All she could do is continue on in hopes that he would return to her.