I take a deep breath, squash down my insecurities as much as they’d let me, and explain, “Well, Lucille and I have cookedup some plans for the shop and I’ll need to come out here more often. Like, every Saturday. Do you think it’s possible for you to pick me up again next weekend? And maybe the weekend after? For a while?”
“Of course. Anytime. For as long as you need me.” The words come effortlessly, and the relaxed set to those shoulders makes me believe he really means it. Still, I never want to take advantage of his generosity.
Before I can start doubting myself about inconveniencing him again, Beck asks, “What kind of plans do you have for the bookshop?”
I pad over to the kitchen and pull out a chair on the opposite side of the table as I explain, “We’re still busy brainstorming a couple of ideas and we’ll need to see if they’re practical in the Starry Hill setting, but our first plan we decided on is starting a book club. We’ll do a trial run with one pick and if there’s some interest we can expand it to other genres. My task this week is to find a good mystery book that other residents might like. If Lucille approves, I’ll try to design some flyers so we can start telling other residents about it.”
Beck hops down from the table and pulls out the seat next to mine, his brow furrowed as he looks at me. “Aren’t you very busy at your lawyer job? When will you have time for it all?”
Appreciating his concern, I pat the top of his hand. “Trust me, I’ll be using every single thing related to The Dancing Daisy as a coping mechanism to get through my week. I’m already looking forward to next Saturday. But that’s enough about me. How are you? What do you have planned for the boys and their knights later?”
I track a flurry of sparkles cresting down Beck’s forearm as he rests it on the table, his eyes following the scales before they disappear under his skin again. He frowns down at his smooth arm before shifting his gaze back to me.
“We have our first battle coming up. I’m going to be nice tonight and challenge them with a small fight so they can practice using their ability scores to try to control the narrative. I’ll leave the twists and larger battles for another week when they’re more settled into the game.”
“That sounds like a really good plan from what sounds like a thoughtful Game Master,” I say, hoping Beck hears the sincerity in my compliment. Judging by what he’s told me on the phone and the map and files laid out on the gaming table, Beck is not only diligent but a skilled narrator too.
Leaning forward, Beck asks, “Do you want to play?”
I’m quick to shake my head. “Oh no, I don’t want to intrude. You boys have fun while I go curl up with a book at home and get started on my research for book club.”
“But you know Knights and Castles isn’t a game for only guys, right?” Beck’s eyes implore me to understand, his slumped shoulders pulling on every single one of my heartstrings.
I don’t know who messed with him and made him lose confidence in voicing his opinions, I just know I never want to meet them. We’d totally have words. They might even deserve a slap. Or two.
Tamping down my anger, I focus on reassuring Beck, laying a gentle hand on his forearm. “Totally. Maybe I can join in on a future campaign if the others don’t mind me playing?”
“I’d like that,” Beck says, staring down at my hand for a second before placing his on top of mine.
Our gazes meet as I reply softly, “Me too.”
Two months of a similar routine passes by in no time at all. Beck picks me up on Saturday mornings once he’s finished gathering the island’s orders, and I bring him bread to try from different bakeries I like. Then, we have a quiet boat ride while I marvel at him without trying to make it too obvious. The way Beck relaxes while he steers such a large vessel by simply placing his hand in the water truly intrigues me.
With each additional trip, my fear of the ocean melts away a little quicker until my nerves are simmering at a manageable level—a level I hope doesn’t bother Beck anymore. He’s never said anything but I’ve noticed he does this adorable nose twitch when my heart beats extra fast, so it’s clear that he’s aware of my nerves even if he’s been nice enough not to mention them.
We talk often, at least twice a week on the phone now, and I find myself craving more time in Starry Hill and more time with him. I’ve never been a huge fan of Cape Easton, and certainlynot my job, but leaving the island each Saturday afternoon, right when the sunset is at its prettiest and my heart feels the fullest, is becoming more difficult with each week that passes.
As the sun touches the horizon and Beck walks me to my car in the harbor’s parking lot, I nearly drag my feet, not quite ready to say goodbye. I know Beck’s friends will be waiting for him if I keep him too long, so I tamp down the inconvenient flutters in my stomach as I wrestle with the words I’ve been practicing all week.
“Thank you for bringing me back. Again. You still sure you don’t mind the trip twice every Saturday?”
“I told you not to ask me that again. You know I’m always happy to see you,” Beck states matter-of-factly, unknowingly igniting those butterflies once again.
A warm breeze gusts between us and I quickly clutch at my dress with both hands, not wanting to show the whole harbor what underwear I have on. When I look up at Beck through the hair whipped across my face, he’s already got one tentative hand reached out.
I forget to breathe as Beck gently brushes his fingertips against my face and pushes the strands behind my ear. My heart speeds up as he holds my gaze, momentarily dipping his eyes to my mouth before his nose twitches, then swiftly placing both hands in his pockets.
I swallow while I try to collect myself and finally push the practiced words out in the most nonchalant way I can manage. “Next Saturday, if you have errands to run in the city again before we’re meant to meet up, maybe I can go with you?”
Beck quirks his head to the side. “You’d want to do that? With me? Even if it’s boring?”
“Well, yes. I could help you source some of the items too, if you want? Use my vast city-girl knowledge for the good of Starry Hill. And it could be nice to squeeze in a little more time together. Again, only if you want. But I also understand if you don’t.”Stop talking, Eleanor. Rambling is not cute,I scold myself.Articulate clearly and concisely, that’s the way to get yourself heard,my mother’s voice echoes in my head.
Just before my shoulders curl with embarrassment, Beck bends down to meet me at eye level. “You mean that? You really like spending time with me that much?” he asks, his pale blue eyes holding so much hope it makes my heart ache. In this moment, Beck looks completely vulnerable, and I know it’s an honor that he lets his guard down so easily around me.
I resist the desire to brush a lock of pale blond hair behind his ear, and clutch my tote tighter to me instead. “Why wouldn’t I?”
Beck’s silent for a while as he stares down at me, his gaze flitting all over my face. “No one… I’ve never… I mean… Yes. That would be nice. Really nice. Thank you.”
