Until My Heart Stops Beating by Tonya M Barber Page A

under the city lights in the middle of Manhattan while misty water spritzed their skin, was the most adoring experience either of them had ever had. Neither could explain their behavior, neither wanted too. They continued to dance as if the world wasn’t watching, as if there weren’t hundreds of people lining the streets of the entertainment capital of the world..
                  Eventually the music ceased. Opening their eyes, they blushed as they realized they were on display. People clapped and cheered at the conclusion of their dance. Declan dropped a twenty dollar bill in the bucket of the violinist before grabbing Makeba’s hand and walking off.
                  “Where to now?”
                  He chuckled. “First, I want to stop at that store over there.”
                  Makeba looked in the direction he was pointing. It was a variety store that had an array of flowers on the outside. Pulling her by the hand as they ran across the street to beat the traffic, he sent Makeba in the store to purchase a soft drink. While she was inside, Declan approached the vendor on the outside and asked for a floral arrangement for his beautiful date. The vendor asked if there was anything in particular he’d prefer. Declan informed him that he trusted him to come up with something to his satisfaction and he did.               A little while later when Makeba exited the store Declan met her at the entrance with the bouquet of flowers in his extended hand. Smiling, she accepted the flowers as she descended the two steps to the ground.
                  “You didn’t want this drink did you?”
                  “No. I wanted to surprise you with these,” referring to the flowers.
                  “Inhaling as she closed her eyes she said, “They smell great. Thank you.”
                  “So, does this mean I get a second date?”
                  She chortled. “You think flowers buys you another date?”
                  “No, but I damn sure was hoping it would.”
                  They resumed walking as he retrieved his phone from his pocket. He called the driver informing him of their location and telling him he was ready for pick up. Standing not far from the store, they made small talk as they waited for their ride. Glancing down at his hands, she realized he still was holding onto her bag and the portrait of her that was made not long ago.
                  “Would you like me to take the bag?”
                  “No, but thank you for the offer. I can manage,” he smiled.
                  They stood in silence for a few minutes.
                  “Well, do I get an answer to my question?”
                  “What question?” She pretended not to remember.
                  “Will I ever get to take you out again?”
                  Holding her head up as she looked to the sky, she pondered his question. “Yes.”
                  Elated, Declan threw a fist pump in the air. Makeba smiled as he placed his hand at the small of her back ushering her to their approaching ride. The driver got out of the car attempting to run around to the passenger side to open the door for them but stopped in his tracks when Declan assured him it was ok and that he’ll take care of it. Once inside they pulled off into traffic on their way back to Jersey.
                  Forty minutes later they pulled up in front of Makeba’s house. Again, Declan told the driver to stay inside the car. He got out first and held the door open for Makeba then escorted her to the door.
                  “I had a wonderful time tonight Declan. Thank you much.”
                  Handing her the flowers he’d purchased for her earlier he said, “So did