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After a long pause Joshua said, “Tell me about yourself, Mabel.”

It felt so much like a first date question I had to stop myself from giggling. After reminding myself that it was just Esmerelda’s doctor making conversation, I debated what to share.

“There’s not much to say,” I started.

“Oh, I’m sure there is.”

He gave me another smile, this one I interpreted as being a little flirty, which I told myself was ridiculous. First, the guy seemed to not like me that much. And second, guys who looked like that were not interested in chubby middle-aged divorcees like me. I said that not based on any insecurity – I was perfectly fine with my looks thank you very much – but on my experience as a woman over thirty-five who knew other women over thirty-five.

“I grew up in Chicago,” I started. “Then I moved to Atlanta for college and stayed there for many years.”

“I thought you had a touch of an accent, but I couldn’t place it.”

I nodded.

“Eventually I moved back to Chicago and met my husband. My ex-husband, that is. We lived in the suburbs for many years, and after the divorce, I decided I was tired of Chicago and I decided to move to Starlight Bay.”

“What drew you here?” he asked.

“Growing up I was really close with my Aunt Sue,” I explained. “She was super cool. She taught me how to read tarot cards and about crystals and magnets. And every summer she would bring me with her here to Starlight Bay. She had a friend who owned a condo near the water and we’d have the best time hanging out in town and going to all the summer festivals here. Aunt Sue died not that long after my divorce and when I was thinking about making a new start, I felt like the universe was drawing me here, to the place where I’d always been happy.”

“Well, we’re all naturally drawn to places that are familiar,” he said, clearly reacting to my universe comment.

“You don’t believe in fate?” I asked. “Or the power of the universe?”

Joshua paused, like he had an answer at the ready but briefly reconsidered it. His eyes met mine and held. I loved his eyes. In this light they were the color of those caramel squares you used to make taffy apples. I loved taffy apples.

As we stared at each other, something electric was flowing between us, something that felt a lot like attraction. Or maybe that was just me. Maybe he just thought I was some weirdo with overly aggressive eye contact.

“I’ve never believed in fate,” he finally said, speaking slowly, softly. “But sometimes things happen that I can’t explain, so I can’t discount it either.”

There really was something happening between us, it wasn’t just me. He felt it too.

Then someone’s kid screamed and the spell was broken. He glanced down at my hands, eyes fixed on my rings, then leaned back into the booth to wait for our pizza.

Feeling suddenly nervous, I said the first thing that came to my mind. “Tell me the most embarrassing thing you ever did.”

Joshua

Talking with Mabel was an unusual experience. Her mind worked in mysterious ways, with her jumping from topic to topic. Her stories ranged from crazy to outrageous, and some of the questions she asked… well, I couldn’t even imagine where she got them from.

It was fun though. She was fun. Smart, funny, and very perceptive. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d wanted to just talk to someone for hours. I enjoyed our pizza dinner together more than I would have expected.

Once we’d demolished a large pie and a couple of beers, I paid the check after a brief argument. Then Mabel coaxed Esmerelda back into her carrying bag and we headed out into the street. It was already dark out, though the street was lit up with lights from cars and the various businesses on the block.

“Did you drive here?” I asked.

Mabel shook her head.

“No, I try not to drive too often, especially since I moved here. It’s so pleasant to walk in Starlight Bay.”

“It is.”

She looked up and gave me a small smile, her eyes glowing in the ambient light.

“Well, thanks again for dinner – and the company. I’ll see you around.”

“Wait.”