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“No way,” she huffs out. Her demeanor changes in that instant. From sitting back looking at me with kind eyes to now facing her water glass, twirling it, shoulders slumped. “When I left home after high school on graduation night, I started off at a local community college. One of the professors there was a neighbor, and she got me fast-tracked into the near-campus apartment. From there, I got my associates and transferred to NYU.”
“Sounds like you were quite driven. But you said you left the night of graduation? You didn’t live at home after that?”
“Um, no. I had a falling-out with my parents, and it all came to a head that night. I was not wanted, so I packed my belongings in my car and left. And yes, I’m driven. Driven by finding out the truth of situations. That’s why I love being a journalist. I want to discover the facts and bring them to light so people are not stuck in the darkness.”
I’m stunned.
This woman is too much.
After listening to her, can I keep her far enough away? She wants to learn the truth so badly. But I never want her to learn my realities.
I cannot help myself. I want to know everything about her.
Leaning forward across the table, I tentatively touch her hand. “You know, it’s funny. We’re actually very much alike. My upbringing wasn’t anything special either.” That’s the most I can give her, but as her pupils dilate and she gives me a sad smile, I know it was the right move. I give her a little squeeze, one that tells her I understand. One I hope brings her comfort. Which is another first for me. Since when do I want to comfort anyone?
A blush creeps down her neckline as I trail my finger over her knuckle. She’s not pulling away, so I don’t stop. There is a pull between us, and I know she can feel it, too.
The moment is lost when the server steps up to the table.
I remove my hand, and she gives herself a little shake. Then we both proceed to order as if that moment never happened.
An hour passes, and we keep the conversation light. I tell her about the town we are eating in. Nothing earth-shattering, but I still enjoy her company.
Once the bill comes and I pay, we both stand. I know she’s going to ask what’s next. She probably assumes I’m going to take her home, but I’m not.
Enchanted by her and this night, I decide we need to take a walk instead. I’m not ready to leave her yet. I like the feelings she awakens inside me too much. With this new excitement, and the fact that she isn’t here for long, I will take every minute I can get. Who knows if I’ll ever find someone to engage me so thoroughly again?
“Come on, let me show you the park across the street.” I step back so she can move ahead of me, and then, when we are out the door, I reach my hand out to guide her in the direction I want her to walk.
“At night, you want us to walk through a playground? What if you’re a creepy axe murder?”
“That’s a risk you’ll have to take.” Chuckling, I assure her, “No, it is not that kind of park. Just a walking path around a lagoon, so it’s got some light to it. Plus, I promise not to kill you . . . today.”
“Oh. That makes me feel so much better.” She laughs as her body relaxes. I put my hand on the small of her back as we walk down the sidewalk and then head across the empty road to the recreation area. As we start around the trail, my hand is still on her. Layla will never know the frenetic chaos going on in my head at this moment and my inner conflict of wanting to keep it there or just move it away.
“What a beautiful space you have created. All of this open area highlights the space, yet there are woods and trails to make the outdoor activities really shine. This will be great for the article.”
“We don’t have to talk business, Layla,” I say as we come to the curved walking bridge over the lagoon. She smiles up at me with a crooked smile. I can tell she’s not certain that walking in the shadows with me and not discussing business is a good idea.
“However, this is what I wanted to show you. From the arc of the bridge, you see not only the lagoon but also down the hill where the forest takes over.” I bend down so my head is practically on her shoulder. “Look,” I whisper next to her ear, pointing into the darkness. “You can see the ridgeline of The Elysian main building. The only time you can tell the buildings are even there is at night when these park lights reflect off it.” Breathing in her perfume, I’m a little stunned that I feel relaxed and safe. It reminds me of something . . . a memory.
