Tonight, she resolved to meet him halfway.
Jo walked the short distance from her house to Blue’s on Summer Street, enjoying the cooler temperature before sunset. The smell of barbecue smoke drifted on the ocean breeze to her even before she reached his house.
She lifted her hand to knock, but the door swung open.
“I’ve been waiting for you,” he said, his voice rich with affection.
His words caught her off guard, and so did the way he looked. In her eyes, he was better-looking than any man had a right to be. She blinked a few times as if clearing her vision to see the real man. “I’m not late.”
A smile played on his lips. “You’re early. I was just eager to see you.”
Blue wore a knit-collared shirt she’d never seen before, its short sleeves stretched across his muscular arms. He’d taken time to groom his hair to perfection, and he wore her favorite eau de cologne.
“You look sensational in that dress,” he said, reaching for her hand. He noticed the necklace and smiled again, looking relieved. He leaned in to kiss her.
She felt her body respond. This is almost like old times, she thought.
He brought her into a hug, and she let him hold her longer than she’d planned, because his arms felt so good around her. She’d been starved for his affection.
“Come in,” he said, keeping his arm around her shoulders. “I have your favorite wine.”
“That would be nice.” And necessary, she thought.
She followed him inside. The house was spartan, as usual. A comfortable couch and large screen television occupied the living room, as well as a bookshelf with more fishing gear than books. The kitchen counter was spotless, and he’d lit the vanilla-scented candles she’d once brought over.
On the couch, she noticed a throw pillow she’d given him. It was navy blue with a white anchor. He’d never used it before. Tonight it sat in the center of the couch like an apology.
Blue handed her a glass of her favorite summer wine, a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, crisp and chilled.
“You remembered,” she said. “And the pillow, too.”
“I remember everything,” he said, his voice edged with emotion. “Even the candles,” he added with an apologetic smile. “I admit, I’ve acted like a fool in the past.”
She didn’t dispute that.
The wine was good, and she followed him through the back door to the patio, where a charcoal grill smoked with an incredible aroma, and a bistro table was set for two. Her favorite instrumental piano music played softly over speakers he’d set up.
He’d even strung white fairy lights overhead.
“That’s a nice touch,” she said, tilting her head back.
“I thought you’d like it.”
He’d certainly put in the effort on details, but could he manage the larger signal she needed now?
They sat at the bistro table with their wine, and Blue spoke first. “I’m sorry about the trip, Jo. I know how much Yosemite meant to you, because it meant a lot to me, too.”
She turned her wine glass slowly on the table. “I was looking forward to our first real vacation.” They’d stolen long weekends here and there, but between Hugo being in high school and each of them managing a busy career, the months and years had slipped by without them taking much time for themselves.
“You had every right to be upset. I should have handled it differently. I misplaced my phone, and then the battery ran down?—”
“And the dog ate your homework.” When hurt and guilt flashed across his face, she bit her lip. She hadn’t meant to ridicule him in the middle of his apology.
She tried again. “I know things happen. I was disappointed, and when I didn’t hear from you, very hurt. I don’t blame you for dodging me after the messages I left.”
“Still, I should have reached out. I won’t make that mistake again.”
“And I got snippy with you.”
