I passed the NIGHT with a stranger I met during my seaside getaway. Upon heading back to the office, I STIFFENED in shock upon spotting at work….

— Olivia. She answered reluctantly, trying to be polite. After all, he bought her a watermelon.

— And where are you from? — I’m from New York. Olivia stayed silent. — Why? What difference does it make where she’s from?

He has a wife, two kids, or divorced, alimony.

Same as always. — No ring, so you’re not married, — the new acquaintance persisted. Olivia automatically looked at his hands.

— You, as I see, neither. Down south, everyone’s single and unmarried, — she quipped. — Why say that? I’m really not married.

Lived with one, but she left me for my best friend.

Then I started avoiding all women. As they say, once burned by milk, Olivia looked at him more closely, fit, dark-haired, quite handsome….

Complete opposite of her ex-husband. — Don’t look at me like that. An unmarried man at my age is more a flaw than a virtue.

Here’s my hotel. Olivia stopped. — Come on, I’ll escort you to your room, the watermelon’s heavy.

I’m amazed how you lugged such a thing?

All by yourself? Sarcastic notes now in his voice. Olivia walked ahead, showing the way, not responding to his remark. — So it is, — she thought to herself.

— Observant. They climbed the stairs to the third floor. Olivia opened her room and stepped aside, letting David in.

— Let’s take it straight to the shower, I’ll wash it, — said Olivia and opened the side door.

For a moment, he hesitated on the threshold, then decisively entered. Soon the watermelon took its place of honor on the coffee table, and David fidgeted nearby.

— Let’s try the watermelon. Cut it. Olivia got a knife and plates from the nightstand.

David pierced the thick rind with the knife, which cracked loudly. The room filled with fresh watermelon aroma. The watermelon was extraordinarily sweet.

The flesh melted in the mouth. Juice ran down chins and hands. They both said «mmm» at once and laughed…