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“This will be my treat,” said Emmie. “You paid for our lunches.”

Ted bobbed his head. “Okay, thanks. Next time, it’ll be my turn.”

Emmie smiled at the thought of a “next time”. Was she being foolish to think he felt the connection between them as strongly as she did?

They talked more about their lives back home. Emmie liked how dedicated Ted was to his business without being totally absorbed by it. She herself had sometimes been accused of being overly tied to her job. But work had kept her blessedly busy. Now, after this vacation, she might want something more than a job.

Her gaze landed on Ted, who was chatting with the waitress, making her laugh at something he said. She liked that he was outgoing.

Emmie didn’t want a second drink. Neither did Ted.

She paid the waitress, and they left together.

He walked her to the bottom of the private stairway to the suite.

“Night, Emmie. I’m sure we’ll run into each other tomorrow.”

“Have fun with your family,” she said, and turned to go.

She felt his hand on her arm and stopped.

“I didn’t quite say what I was thinking. I want to see you tomorrow. I enjoy your company and hope to spend more time with you. I have a golf game with my son and son-in-law tomorrow morning. But maybe we could meet in the afternoon, perhaps on the beach.”

“I’d like that,” she said. “I’m going to spend time in town tomorrow, but I’ll be ready to collapse on the beach by late afternoon.”

“Great. I’ll call you. Give me your information, and I’ll give you mine.” They exchanged phones and information, and then he waved before leaving.

###

Later, lying in bed, Emmie thought about how compatible she and Ted were, but warned herself that in reality, they were simply two lonely people in the same spot. With him living in a different part of the state, their friendship would go nowhere.

She was jolted out of her thoughts by a call from Gemma.

“Are you awake, Mom?” Gemma asked.

“Yes, though I admit I’m in bed. Have you had a nice Christmas?” she asked her.

“Oh, it’s been fantastic! That’s why I’m calling. Remember how Tony’s grandmother wanted to do something special for me for my first family Christmas? She gave me a family ring. Something she was saving for the woman Tony married, if she approved of her.”

“How thoughtful,” said Emmie, thrilled for her daughter.

“It’s gorgeous, but it was the way it was presented that I’ll never forget. She made a real ceremony of it, with the rest of the family approving. His grandmother had done something similar for Tony’s sisters-in-law with other items, but the ring is extra special because it’s been in the family for generations. She said she was waiting for someone who’d truly appreciate it.”

“Aw, sweetie, that’s very thoughtful. I’m proud of the young woman you are. It makes me happy when I see others recognizing it too. I love you, Gemma.”

“I love you, too, Mom. I just wish Dad were here to see how happy I am.”

“Perhaps, he does know,” said Emmie.

“Are you having fun?” asked Gemma. “Are you lonely?”

“It’s actually been very enjoyable. The man who played Santa Claus and I have been doing some things together, which has been fun. He’s here with his family, but we’ve had some time to get to know one another. In fact, he and the people who work for him love Romero’s restaurant.”

Gemma was quiet. “I’m excited for you, Mom. I really am. But it’s not serious, is it?”

“No, honey. We’ve just met. But I realize it might be time for me to be willing to date.”

“Oh,” said Gemma. “I wasn’t expecting that.”