A stranger sat at her table, claiming to be her soulmate. Dark chestnut eyes met hers then dropped to look at the bubbly drink on the table. Prosecco mixed with cranberry juice. He motioned toward the concoction.

“I’ve never heard anyone else order a mimosa with cranberry juice, except for me. I can’t stand orange juice.”

She laughed, shaking her head.

“That makes us soulmates? I don’t think so. I don’t believe in that kind of thing.”

Gasping, he leaned in closer. His brown hair matched the t-shirt he wore. A waiter rushed past them, carrying a tray of desserts. A brownie shaped like a heart lay in the center of the sweets.

“You don’t believe in soulmates?”

Lifting the drink, she took a sip, the bubbles fizzling against the back of her throat.

“I don’t believe in love at all, really. I mean, I know I love people, but to be in love…” Placing the drink back down, she folded her arms. “That kind of thing doesn’t last.”

“I beg to differ. When two people have that connection, and keep choosing each other, it can last a lifetime.”

“Okay, Mr. Romantic.”

He raised an eyebrow. “The name is Brett. We’re both here alone on Valentines Day. Wouldn’t you want Mr. Romantic to come over and introduce himself?”

She scoffed. “No. I’m waiting for my friend. She should be here any minute, she’s running a few minutes late.” Peering down at the phone, she checked the time.

A flash of disappointment spread across his face. The chatter among patrons of the restaurant filled the silence as he pouted.

“I see. I have only a few more minutes to win you over, then.”

Shrugging, she took another sip.

“I wish you luck on that.” She murmured.

“What’s your name?”

“Shouldn’t you already know that if you know we’re soulmates?” Her lips twitched into a smile.

He grinned. “Is it Natalie?”

Laughing, she shook her head. “Erin.”

“Favorite color?”

“What do you think it is?”

He tilted his head to the side. “You’re going to make me guess everything, huh?”

She nodded. “Mm-hmm.”

Pursing his lips together, he took a few seconds to think. His gaze landed on a gold necklace she wore containing a birthstone. Amethyst.

“Purple.”

“Wrong. Yellow. Light yellow, to be exact.”

“To brighten people’s days.” He grinned.

“That is so corny. As if I’m brightening yours?” She laughed.

“You are.” His eyes searched hers. Clearing her throat, she looked down at the drink.

“What about you, what’s your favorite color?” She asked, tapping her fingers along the glass.

“Green.”

She scrunched up her nose. “I hate that color. See, we aren’t soulmates.”

His mouth dropped. “How could you hate green? It’s the color of nature, of grass, of trees.” He waved his hands, gesturing outside. “You and I together, we’re sunflowers. Yellow and green.”

She burst into giggles.

“How silly.” Her stomach began to ache from laughter. “I do like sunflowers.”

“I always have.” He grinned. “Favorite food? That way I know where to take you on a date.”

She glanced around the restaurant, then back to him with a smile. Italian music serenaded the place from the speakers above them. A scent of fresh garlic lingered in the air. A waitress delivered a plate of chicken parmigiana to the table beside them.

“It’s Italian, isn’t it?” He asked.

“Yes.”

He slammed his hand down on the table. “See? We have the same favorite food. We both love Italian, and we both put cranberry juice in our mimosas. That makes us soulmates.”

“If you say so.”

“Can I take you out on a proper date?”

“Although this conversation was quite entertaining, it still didn’t change my stance on how I feel about love.” She held the drink near her lips while shrugging.

Pulling out a card from his wallet, he began to scribble something. Sliding it across the table, he leaned in closer again. The scent of an earthy aftershave surrounded him as he drew near, his gaze unwavering. Her pulse quickened.

“I hope one day you’ll take the risk because love is worth it.” He winked before standing. “I won’t let you down.”

She looked down at the card.

When you believe in love, call me.

When she glanced back up, he was gone. The empty seat loomed at her. Erin glanced at the couple sitting beside her. With arms raised, they clinked red wine glasses together.

“Happy Valentines Day!” They said in unison, gazing at each other. A familiar voice interrupted her thoughts.

“I’m here. I’m so sorry for being late. There was so much traffic.” Her friend rushed the words, her breathing coming out heavy as though she had run a mile.

“Don’t even worry. Some guy came over and talked to me for a bit.”

“Really?” Her friends’ interest piqued as she draped a purse over the empty seat. “Cute?”

Erin nodded, stifling a smile. “Yes, and he gave me his number. I’m not going to call, though.”

Her friend clucked her tongue. “Why not? Come on, Erin. We talked about this. It’s time to get back out there. You can’t hold onto the past forever, it will ruin your future.”

As the evening came winding down, Erin hugged her friend and said goodnight. The cool air hit her face as she opened the restaurant door. While walking to the car, she passed a couple with their arms draped around each other. A breeze made her shudder. Pulling the jacket closer against her body, she hugged herself.

Passing a garden store, a large picture behind the glass window caught her eye. She stopped. Standing in front of it, she stared at large sunflowers hovering in front of a red country barn. Her mouth slowly formed into a smile.

Reaching into the purse, she pulled out the card. After a few rings, Brett picked up.

“Hello?”

The voice on the other end warmed her.

“Hey, it’s Erin. So…where do you want to go for that date?”