Her unexpected valentine

As Sophie musters the courage to follow through on a holiday tradition, she never expects the evening to become a classic love story

- Marcie McEachern

Underneath the dusky sky, Sophie stood on the sidewalk, staring up at the old-fashioned marquee adorning the historic theater. Casablanca: playing this Valentine's Day only!

A lump formed in her throat. She briefly closed her eyes and thought, This isn't the same without you, Gran, but I'm here. I showed up.

An hour earlier, as she stepped into a velvet red dress, Sophie had almost chickened out of their annual tradition—a fancy ladies' night out on the town. But then she pictured her late grandmother, her smile as bright as the sequined dress she wore last February 14th. Fortune always favors the bold, sweetheart. Please go, she'd practically heard Gran say.

Clearing the emotion from her throat, Sophie stepped up to the ticket window. “One for the show, please.”

“Must be your lucky night.” The cashier grinned. “You got the last ticket.”

“Thank you,” Sophie said, half to the cashier and half to Gran, who was obviously looking out for her tonight.

The warm, buttery scent of popcorn welcomed her into the theater, but she bypassed the overpriced concession stand. Gran always said: It is highway robbery at this point!

She proceeded into the dimly lit theater, where, yep, the place was packed. Every red velvet-upholstered seat was occupied except one, in the center of the back row.