He needed to feel desired. She wanted to feel sexy. They had to save their marriage. “Next stop, Miller’s Crossing.” The conductor’s nasally voice interrupted Maggie’s fourth run through the stones with Claire and Jamie. “Miller’s Crossing, next stop.” Maggie looked up in surprise at the conductor’s announcement. The time…

That old gas station turned lives around — The driveway signal bell dinged, announcing a new customer at the pump. I heaved myself out of the chair with a sigh and hitched up my pants, stopping dead when I spied the driver of the classic muscle car. …

Looking into another soul can give you a sense of who you are — “Are we getting down to business, gentlemen?” I perused the wine list and motioned the server over. “Or just meeting for a friendly drink?” “We’re waiting for the last board member to arrive, dear.” Fred Bennett ordered a scotch on the rocks. …

Lost a sandwich and found an all-day dessert — Nodding to the disinterested guy behind the counter, I grabbed my paper-wrapped lunch and headed out the door, phone plastered to my ear. I listened to the nattering on the other end of the line and rolled my eyes. There was no additional information being imparted. …

Two hearts beating only for each other — The young woman, a junior working her way through college, rolled her shoulders to relieve hours of rolling dough and spreading toppings across dozens of pizzas. Some days, like today, seemed like a zillion pizzas. An old-fashioned bell over the door rang out, announcing a pizza lover. …

Road tripping and making memories — Blue ’46 Mercury barrelling down black asphalt. Carefree, young love, feet on the dashboard. Holding hands at the Drive-in on a Saturday night. White ’57 Thunderbird cruising down the freeway. Two kids, one puppy, loving parents. Hugs from grandparents and laughing with cousins, during cherished Summers by the shore. Green…

A love letter to love with a rocky star Holding you gently, your head cradled to my breast, I can only rock and comfort you ’til you get some rest. Softly whispering in your ear, gently kissing your brow My words meant to comfort and console you Bring worry and concern, rather…

An acrostic poem — Building relationships that Encourage growth, Authenticity and respect. Unconditional love Takes hold of our dreams, Influencing us to Fulfill them Under any circumstances. Living, finally, under a blanket of security and comfort. Sensual and seductive, Ordinary days become extraordinary lives. Undulating, never wavering; always singing Lullabies speaking straight to our guiding spirit. Soulmates…

Love is finding the one who values you for who you are, not who they want you to be — “Happy Hallowe’en, Ghosts and Ghouls!” A disembodied voice tried to be frightening and welcoming, but ended up cheerful and friendly instead. “Welcome to the tenth Annual Fox and the Flowerpot Hallowe’en Bash!” A cheer rose from the crowd as they raised their drinks in a unified toast. “Cheers!” “Slainté!” “Here’s…

Time served for loving someone — Notifications dinged. Lock screen lit up. Preview showed an unknown number sent me a text. It was unusual to get texts from unknown numbers just before midnight. In my line of business, it happened more often than not. As a social worker dedicated to getting disadvantaged, abused and displaced youth…

Let the shenanigans begin — Groggy, mouth full of felt, eyeballs scratchy, lashes glued together, I was a moaning mess and my need to get to the bathroom grew more urgent by the second. Purple fuzzy blanket tossed aside, cold air assaulting my aching, battered body, making my need even more urgent. …