Cream, no sugar, and a smooch on the side, please

This time last year, I was licking my wounds after a three-date fling that came to a sudden and unexpected end.

A lovely gal who works at the spot where I go for coffee every day was the one person who was willing to listen to me bemoan my fate past the first two or three days. She demonstrated endless understanding and empathy as I mooned endlessly over what might have been.

I've now enjoyed more than a year of cherished friendship and, even better, six lovely months of romance with that sweet, patient barista, and I thank my lucky stars daily for her.

Happy Valentine's Day, Flo. I'm one lucky fellow.