I woke to the sound of running water coming from my bathroom. Remember, I'm a morning person, I instantly assessed the situation.

Uh-oh. The evening was delightful, the night spectacular, unforgettable! But mornings are about reality. This was not good. There were going to be consequences, expectations.

Lexie exited the bathroom in a flurry, gathering her clothes, getting dressed.

I said, "Lexie, what's going on? What's wrong?"

She said, "Wrong? Nothing. Only, I've gotta get back to my apartment, get ready for work. I'm late!"

"Oh. Okay. Well, um, we should talk. When can we get together?"

"Uhh, I'll call you. Gotta go. Welcome home, Steve. And thanks for the fabulous Valentine's dinner. B'bye."

She threw me a kiss. And was gone.

I dropped to my back, jammed a pillow over my face, yelled, "DAMN!"