Drops of Cerulean

by Dawn Adams Cole

“My mother liked irises.” She turned to see the man’s deep brown eyes studying hers. His gaze was not flirtatious, but she was drawn to him in a way she struggled to understand. “I like them, too,” Delphina replied, carefully returning the iris to its rightful place in the vase. “They represent the Greek goddess Iris. She helps guide souls from earth to heaven,” he continued, their eyes locked. “Do you attend Rice? You look very familiar to me.” “No, I attend the University of Houston.” “Ah, and what is your course of study?” he asked, a gentle smile breaking across his face. “English. I plan to teach.” “Another coincidence. I teach English at Rice. I know you from somewhere.” “I do visit this store often with my mother. Perhaps our paths have crossed here,” she said. “Delphina, let’s go!” Patricia called. “Delphina? Now that most certainly belongs to a Greek girl!” he replied with a laugh. “Greek? No, sir. I’m Czech,” she smiled. “It was nice to meet you …” “Cadmus,” he replied, shaking her hand. “Perhaps our paths will cross again,” Delphina said as she turned to catch up with her momma, resisting the urge to run back and embrace him, as ridiculous as it seemed.