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The figure turned toward Luke, and they locked eyes in the semi-darkness.
Recognition flickered across Luke’s face. Forcing a business smile, he extended his hand to his former colleague. “Adam! What are you doing all the way down here?”
“Just a brief getaway,” Adam replied. “Savannah’s always been on the bucket list for Macey and me. Found a week free and just jumped on it. Heard you moved down here?”
“I did.” Luke nodded, glancing over at Emma, then back to Adam. “Hadley Cove, about an hour south from here.”
Adam shrugged. “Never heard of it. So, how you like it down here? Don’t miss the hustle and bustle of Chicago?”
Luke paused, then shook his head. “Less than I imagined. There’s a certain charm to this place I hadn’t anticipated.”
Adam chuckled, giving Luke a friendly nudge. “All those late nights finally got to you, huh?”
“Something like that.” Luke kept his tone light. “So how’s the old grind in Chicago?”
Adam playfully slapped Luke’s shoulder. “Come on, Luke. Vacation mode. No work talk. But for what it’s worth, things are steady.”
Catching a quick movement from the corner of his eye, Luke asked, “Is that Macey at the bar?”
“Yeah, that’s her. We’re actually waiting for a table to open up—didn’t realize this place was reservation-only.”
Luke gestured to Emma, who had been patiently waiting while they spoke. “Adam, this is Emma.”
Extending her hand graciously, Emma smiled. “It’s nice to meet you. I haven’t met any of Luke’s friends from Chicago.”
Returning the handshake, Adam grinned. “The pleasure’s mine. And hats off to you. Not many can coax Luke into the social scene.”
Before the conversation veered into more personal territory, Luke deftly changed the subject. “How are the kids, Adam? Did they come along with you?”
Adam waved the notion away, laughing. “Oh, no, this is strictly ‘us’ time. Three teenagers back home, believe it or not. It feels like just yesterday they were still in diapers.”
A hint of melancholy crossed Luke’s face. “Time flies. Jeremiah’s heading to college next year. It’s all so surreal.”
“How’s Jeremiah? I hope things have slowed down enough for you two to spend more time together,” Adam said. “I know that was always an issue in Chicago.”
Luke paused, allowing the silence to stretch just a beat too long as he sipped his wine. “Jeremiah’s doing great, thanks.” He bit down on his lip, holding back words he could regret.
“That’s great to hear.” Adam clapped Luke gently on the back. “I should go; Macey’s been waiting. It was fantastic catching up, Luke. And Emma, lovely to meet you.”
“It was nice meeting you as well,” Emma said in a polite tone, smiling at him as he walked away.
As Adam disappeared inside, the undercurrents of their conversation lingered. Luke, lost in thought, absentmindedly traced the rim of his wine glass. Adam’s offhand comment had cut deeper than he would admit. The unsaid implications were clear: his past choices, prioritizing ambition over family, weren’t forgotten. The challenge of providing for a family, while also being there for them, was a balance Luke had grappled with for years.
“He seems friendly,” Emma said.
Luke gave a single nod, turning back to his portabella steak. They continued eating, mostly in silence, until the waiter returned with a small chocolate cake.
“Luke! When did you order this?”
“Just a little something I arranged beforehand.” Luke grinned. “Vegan, just for you. But if you’re already full, you can take it home.”
Emma patted her stomach, reclining in her chair. “Let’s box it up.”
Luke flagged down the waiter, then quickly settled the bill. After the cake was boxed, he led Emma out, mindful to avoid crossing paths with Adam once more.
This was their evening, after all.
27
