She sat on the bench, reading a book on botany. She came to the park to get out of the house and breathe fresh air.
A brief moment when she looked up and he looked over, they made eye contact
His stomach was in butterflies. His palms were instantly sweating. He liked the way her hair brushed the tops of her shoulders and the way she smiled when she turned the page in her book.
Her stomach was in knots. Her palms were clenching. She didn't want to be bothered by some guy's flirtatious looks.
His heart raced. He wanted to ask her questions like "What things in life bring you happiness?" and to hear the sound of her voice when she answered.
Her heart sank. She saw him walking closer. He was probably going to ask her questions like "What's your favorite movie?" and then usurp the conversation with quotes from Die Hard.
His breath stopped. He saw her push her brown curls behind her ear and purse her lips in concentration.
She took a deep breath. She pursed her lips. Didn't he know reading alone in the park was universal for "Don't talk to me"?
He made another step. And another. And another.
She read another sentence. And another. And another.
He remembered to breathe. She was within reach and he had to force himself to relax. What would be his opener?
She exhaled out. He was within reach and she had to restrain herself from lashing out.
He opened his mouth. "Hello," he said. "My name is Tim."
She opened her mouth but didn't speak.
He scratched the back of his neck trying to search for words. "So..." he wondered out loud, "What are you reading?"
She had no interest in any pickup line Ted wanted to offer. She lifted the cover to him with clenched knuckles. "The Source of Perennial Delight."
He wasn't sure what 'perennial' meant, but judging by flower arrangement, he thought it might have to do with... "Flowers?"
She peered up from her book, with slanted eyes. "Yup."
He had to ask something else for the conversation to go anywhere. "So... do you like flowers?"
She took a breath and shut her book, her finger holding her place. "Yes. I like flowers. I plant flowers. I grow flowers. I arrange flowers."
"Oh wow, that sounds like a lot of work."
"It's a hobby. Don't you have any?"
"Um...just talking to pretty girls." He tried his hand at being witty.
"You can go now."
His heart sank. He struck out trying to get a laugh.
Her heart raced. He had better not come back with a follow-up line.
His stomach was in knots. He walked away, back toward the path by the oak trees.
Her stomach was in relieved butterflies, thankful she didn't have to talk more with Tod.
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