My Sweet, Sweet Valentine: The Greatest Valentine Day Gift of All

by Marcia Dickson

  Diane shook her head; No more! She thought. This is your brand new life! The ghosts of your past are not going to follow you back home. Diane smiled. This is your sanctuary.

  Diane’s parents were thrilled to see her, since they too had not seen their daughter during the divorce, because they did not want to add any extra strain to her life by visiting.

  Diane was overjoyed to see them as well. Finally! People who do not remind me of Dan! She had thought and even at the time, she knew it was odd. However, she could not disregard the truth in that statement. Her family and this town was the only place, probably in the world, that she had ever been, that would not immediately dredge up old memories of her happy times with Dan. For, to Diane it seemed that it was the happy memories that seemed to hurt the most.

  Not that there were unhappy memories here with Dan, but those memories did not out way the reminders of her life without him; growing up on the farm, often without a care in the world to ever leave this town. That was the small-town mentality and right now, given her current situation, Diane loved every minute of it.

  After getting all settled in, Diane’s first order of business was to take the Tennessee Bar Exam. Her ultimate plan was to begin her own firm, but for the immediate time being, she figured that she should probably just focus on passing the Bar.

  5. Passing the Bar Exam

  So, after about a week of hard work and studying, coupled with her already extensive knowledge of New York law, Diane thought that she was ready.

  After fretting over every answer, Diane was pleased to learn that she had aced it!

  My first major accomplishment post-divorce! Diane thought, feeling very pleased with herself. She realized that, just like the first time she had taken the bar, she could not wait to tell her parents that she had passed.

  The first time around, Diane was also overly excited to tell Dan, but surprisingly enough, she did not think twice about him this time around.

  Diane was just excited to begin her new life, in her new practice, using her excellent references and background in order to help her excel.

  That night, her parents took Diane out to eat at her favorite restaurant in order to celebrate and while she was there, she caught sight of Harley Nichols. At the sight of him, her heart fluttered and she wondered briefly why things never worked out between them.

  Harley had always been a great guy however; he was always the kind to settle down with in a small town, like Birdwell. His family had lived in the town for ages and, since he was still a resident, Diane figured that she had been right.

  Now that she thought about it, though, she remembered that was exactly the reason they had stopped seeing each other. It was not lack of attraction or anything more heinous. Rather, it was the common death that killed many high school romances; college.

  Diane had wanted to attend ‘Ole Miss, but Harley was content at the University of Memphis. He was supportive of her dreams and decisions, but after a semester, they had mutually decided that it was better if they went their separate ways.

  By that time, Diane knew that she was not going to return to Tennessee after college and Harley was content to never leave Tennessee.

  Even though their breakup was entirely mutual, it had turned out to be very difficult on Diane.

  In fact, as Diane thought deeper into the details of her past, she realized that the only reason she had gone out on a date with Dan was to get her mind off of Harley.

  Diane laughed, thinking about the fact that Dan was actually just a rebound that, knowing what she knew now, should have never gone any farther than a first date.

  “What are you laughing at?” Diane’s mother asked, realizing that her daughter had drawn inside herself and even though her daughter was laughing, she had resolved to try to bring her outside of herself as much as possible. For her mother knew that when she withdrew, she would begin to think too much and that would lead to her having doubts. Until this point, she was extremely proud of the way Diane had handled herself. Yet, now that the divorce was finalized, she did not want it to hit her harder than she thought it would, causing her to doubt her decision.

  “Oh,” Diane smiled, immediately coming out of her thoughts, “That’s Harley Nichols over there, isn’t it?”

  Her mother turned around and smiled, “Why, yes it is!”

  Then, Diane’s father chimed in, “Poor guy. He’s about in the same boat you are. His wife left him for a blackjack dealer on one of them casino boats that are down on the coast of Mississippi.”

  Feeling especially sensitive to that type of story, Diane’s heart went out to him. However, Diane could not, in good conscious say that she was entirely unhappy to hear that he was no longer married.

  “Do you mind if I wave him over? I’m sure he’d like to get a look at you after all these years,” Her mother said. She had always liked Harley far better than she had ever liked Dan.

  Diane shrugged, “Sure. We’re celebrating. I’d love to have a round with him,” Suddenly feeling slightly awkward about what she had said, she raised her glass of wine as to prove she was talking about alcohol.

  However, neither of her parents seemed to share in this awkwardness.

  Diane’s mother just hurriedly turned to call him over.

  As though the waitress had just about the same idea as Diane’s mother, she tapped Harley on the shoulder and pointed over to the table, as her mother sat waving.

  Diane noticed a big smile was spread across her mother’s face as Harley turned, seemingly surprised by being summoned.

  Once Harley saw who it was that was summoning him, though, his bearded face spread into a wide, perfect-teethed smile. Diane always did love Harley’s teeth. Perhaps it was a strange thing to like on a man, but they were so well-kept, especially for a man, that Diane was almost jealous. In the time that they were together, if they ever had kids, Harley’s blessed dental work was definitely something that she hoped her kids would inherit; since Diane needed nothing but work done on her own, despite her health habits.

  Why am I thinking about the man’s teeth? Diane thought nervously as Harley made his way over to their table. Because I don’t want to think about reality… She answered her own question as a bout of panic struck her. Oh God. He’s really coming over here. Diane’s stomach dropped and something that could only really be described as fear encased coursed rapidly through Diane, making her feel slightly nauseous. What if he doesn’t like me? And then, an even worse thought; What if he does? I can’t have another relationship right now. My best bet is to be independent! Mentally, Diane nodded, but as he grew closer and Diane noticed the masculinity he maintained in his walk, that was complemented nicely by his kind eyes. The man was a good ol’ boy, with his jeans and flannel shirt, but there was something about him that had always attracted Diane to Harley.

  With a strong build, Harley knew how to hold a woman, this Diane knew from experience. He was honest and sweet, but in his own, reserved way, he was protective; never jealous though. Why didn’t I stick it out with him? Diane thought as he reached the table. His eyes lit up when he saw Diane and her stomach did a summersault.

  “Hi, Diane! It’s been a long time! How have you been?” He asked, coming around the table to greet her.

  Diane immediately stood and met his welcoming embrace. He still smelled just the way Diane remembered and his firm, but gentle hugs were just as comforting as they were almost eight years ago. I can’t believe it’s been that long. Diane thought.

  “Hi, Harley!” Diane replied from within his hug. As they broke apart, she looked him up and down, adding, “You look good. What have you been up to?”

  Smiling, Harley replied, “Thanks, but you look stunning! New York has been good to you.”

  I guess he doesn’t know…Diane thought, “Yes, well, that part of my life is over, at least for the time being.”

  Harley looked somewhat confused and that is when Diane’s mother chimed in, “Yes! Harley, Diane is celebrating passing the Tennessee
bar today!”

  Tilting his head to the side, as though surprised, Harley answered, “Oh yeah? Congratulations! I’m a teacher at the local high school, so if any kids need a good lawyer, can I give them your card?”

  “If they could afford me,” Diane joked back at him, laughing and forgetting all about the reminder of what had happened back in New York.

  It doesn’t matter now. This is your brand new life, Diane. Embrace it!

  “That’s what I always loved about you, Diane. You are always so confident…and it paid off!” Harley smiled genuinely and Diane smiled back, but feeling overwhelmed, she moved to sit down and Harley did the same.

  Diane’s mother patted the seat next to her at their table.

  “So, you’re a teacher?” Diane asked, looking up at Harley, who was now sitting across from her.

  His eyes became wide as he said, “Yea! I got my tenure last year…at our old high school, if you could believe it.”

  “What do you teach?” Diane asked, with interest.

  “History…” Harley answered and that made perfect sense. He had always loved museums and read almost every book he could find on past wars and momentous events. He had also prided himself on learning every strange and interesting facts about every historical figure that he could get his hands on. He had a memory like an elephant and a passion for storytelling like no one else in Birdwell.

  Diane smiled, thinking of him putting his talents to good use for their hometown. It was a very attractive sight.

  “Oh, he’s being modest!” Diane’s mother said, “He is also the head coach of the football team and they have been champions every year so far!”

  Harley nodded, “You’re right. We have. The boys are really good, though, ma’am. I certainly can’t take all the credit.”

  Diane laughed to herself. He hasn’t changed a bit!

  “Congratulations, Mr. Head Coach!” Diane said with a smile, “I always did love to watch you play.”

  Harley nodded and answered with a gleam in his eyes as though he was reminiscing, “You were my biggest fan. I never made quarterback, but that never stopped you from supporting me.”

  “That was what I liked about it. You loved your position. You played the game for your passion, not the fame. That was what made you so good.”

  The two stared at one another, just as they had gazed into one another’s eyes so many years ago and Diane felt her heart beat begin to race as a smile crossed her face.

  Harley ended up staying at their table for a few rounds, but got up abruptly after looking at his watch, “Oh boy! Look at the time. It was great seeing you guys, but I’ve got to go.” He smiled wirily, “It’s still a school night for me.”

  After sharing a quick, last laugh and another hug goodbye, which made Diane wish he didn’t have to go, Harley walked out of the restaurant and Diane felt a mix of emotions for her old flame.

  “He’s such a nice man,” Diane’s mother said, watching Harley’s back.

  “Yes, he is!” Diane agreed.

  “Yep,” Her father chimed in, “He may not make a fortune, but he does well for himself and he does what he loves. Can’t ask more from a man than that.”

  At this comment, Diane stared at her father for a long moment, wondering exactly what he was getting at. Her father had always been a man of few words, but even when he spoke; it was up to the intended listener to figure out what he meant. Did he want me to date Harley? Or did he agree that it was too soon? Diane could not deduce that from his comment or his expression, but it certainly made her think.

  6. A Familiar Visitor

  The very next day, at around six-thirty, right after the family had finished their dinner, the doorbell rang.

  Diane felt her heart flutter and drop all at once as she noticed that Harley was there. For some reason, Diane thought about pretending that she was not at home, but she then decided that she was being silly and so, she opened the door for him.

  “Hi, Harley! What a pleasant surprise,” Diane said as she leaned her head on the woodwork of the door, having flashbacks of when he would come and pick her up, standing in that very spot, for their high school dates.

  “Hey, Diane! I’m sorry to show up unannounced like this. I hope I’m not interrupting anything,” Harley replied genuinely.

  Diane shook her head, now happy that he had stopped by. It really was nice to see him, once again. She had missed his gentlemanly like persona, “Not at all. We have just finished cleaning up after dinner.”

  “Great!” He nodded and shuffled his feet, as though nervous.

  Diane had to hold back a chuckle, because it was amusing to see the anxious habit of his teenage years return so obviously in adulthood.

  “Close the door! The air is on!” Diane’s mother yelled from the kitchen and the couple laughed, now knowing that they were both thinking the exact same thing.

  Yup, nothing has changed since high school.

  “Sorry!” Diane replied as she heard her mother shuffle over to the door.

  “God, halfway through your twenties with a law degree, able to practice law in two states,” Her mother was grumbling as she neared her, “And I still have to tell you to close the door! We may live on a farm missy, but the barn is out back!” By this time, she had reached the door and noticed who was standing there.

  Harley was now red in the face, trying not to burst out laughing and Diane was biting her lip. Her mother had given them the same speech about the farm and the barn a hundred times before as they were growing up.

  “Oh, hello, Harley. I’m sorry, but I bet your mother would tan your hide too if she caught you, still leaving doors open at this age.”

  Harley nodded, “Yes, ma’am.”

  Diane shot him a glower of mocked betrayal.

  “Now, out on the porch or in the house. The both of you!” Her mother said, not really all that upset and probably enjoying reminiscing just as much as the other two.

  “Yes, momma,” Diane replied and realizing that she had once again started to catch her southern accent once more. The professional world of New York had squeezed her drawl right out of her, but now that she was back, she felt that she sounded right at home. Having her accent might actually score some brownie points with the perspective clients.

  Walking out onto the porch for privacy, even though Diane knew her mother would probably still be peeking out the window, once again, just as she had when they were growing up.

  However this time, Diane would easily bet money that the reason for her curiosity was to see if they kissed, not to ensure that the couple did not kiss too long, as she had in their youth.

  When Diane had gone on dates as a teenager, her father had been more subtly protective. When Diane’s date came into the house for anything, even after they had gone out for a while, her father always made it a point to keep his double barrel shotgun close at hand. He would never say a word about it, but from living in Tennessee and having made it known that he was a Texas native, he didn’t have to. The gleaming, freshly polished gun did all the talking for him.

  As Diane looked at Harley, she rolled her eyes, “Never changes, does it?”

  He smiled as they sat on the porch swing that overlooked the long dirt driveway that led into her family’s forty acres and, off in the distance, the southern road where you could see a car coming from a mile away.

  Diane accompanied him.

  For early April, the weather was already hot, even for Tennessee.

  However, neither Harley nor Diane minded the heat.

  Although the beautiful view of the clear, dark azure southern sky, sparkling with sprinkles of endless stars was enough to make anyone forget about it.

  “So, what’s up?” Diane asked after the two sat in silence for a few moments.

  “Well, there’s this play…at the school tomorrow night and I am stuck with two tickets and no date.”

  Diane simpered, “So, is this your way of asking me to go with you?”

  Harley shrugged,
his face now slightly red from embarrassment, “If you don’t have any law things that you have to do, and that works as a way of asking you, then sure.”

  Harley had always been cute when he was asking her to do something special. He never seemed to just ask her. He always seemed to take the long way around it, and as a game, to see how red she could get his face, Diane would always follow up with a long path to the answer.

  “Well, what’s the play called?” Diane asked.

  “Ummm…” Harley’s face reddened a shade more, “Seussical the Musical. I really wish you hadn’t had to make me say that.”

  Diane laughed, “Really? That’s what the drama department picked?”

  Harley shrugged again, “The kids actually aren’t half bad.”

  “You’ve seen it?” Diane teased.

  "They were practicing before one of the final football tryouts and…I was bored. However, the practices made me want to see the rest of it and so, here I am.”

  Diane sneered, “Ask me to go, using the name of the play and I’ll go.”

  “Really?” Harley narrowed his eyes, “That’s just mean.”

  “Harley Nichols, how is that mean? There is no one around and I promise, it will be a lot more embarrassing if you show up by yourself, than if you just ask me now.”

  Making a face and turning yet a darker shade of red, “Fine.” Harley cleared his throat and said, “Diane, will you please come with me to…” rolling his eyes, he quickened his pace, “see Seussical the Musical at the high school on Friday night?”

  Beaming brightly, Diane replied, “Of course I will! Thank you so much for inviting me properly.”

  “Yea, yea!” He made a face at her and with that, Diane got up and began to walk in the house.

  “Have a good night, Harley. Thanks for stopping by and I am looking forward to Friday,” Diane smiled.

  “Me too!” Harley replied, getting to his feet and accompanying her as she walked the two feet to her parent’s door.