Having finished my workout, I exited the locker room and headed toward the fitness center lobby to wait for Ed. Another member was leaving and saying goodbye to his friends at the front desk when we noticed the enormous rain drops hitting the pavement.

The man leaving threw his arms up, lamenting the timing of the downpour. I, on the other hand, exclaimed that I was going to go outside and enjoy it.

So there I was, outside, in the middle of the parking lot, arms outstretched, face to the sky. I looked back at the fitness center to see a tall body sprinting toward the door. Ed emerged through the doors and joyfully joined me.

We walked slowly toward our car, grinning. When we reached the car, we continued beyond it to the empty space and meandered around, enjoying the moments, since we knew it would slow and stop very soon. Rain doesn’t last long in Simi Valley. We moved out of the way as a car entered the lot and made its way to a clear space. The driver shook his head at the two crazy people standing in the rain, exited the car, and ran toward the safety of the building.

One of the fitness center employees came out, and stood where I had stood moments before. He removed his cap, raised his face to the sky, and shook out his mane, enjoying the feel of the raindrops through his bright red hair. We made eye contact. He understood.

Finally, we climbed into our car, covered in raindrops, as hunger overcame the excitement from the rain. But as we left, I looked at my husband and reaffirmed: Soul Mate.