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“Hi.”
We say this simultaneously and then laugh like love-struck teenagers.
Alec’s expression grows solemn as he looks me up and down. “You look beautiful,” he says in a tone that leaves me in no doubt that he means what he’s saying.
“Thank you. You look pretty hot too.” I let my eyes run over his shoulders and chest.
“If we stand here a minute longer, we risk foregoing the concert altogether,” Alec says.
“No chance.” I pull the door shut behind me.
Alec offers me his arm, and I take it. I’m so excited for this night, and it’s not just that I’ll get to see one of my favorite rock groups, but it’s being with Alec. Sharing something we both enjoy. If you had told me that Alec and I would have something in common when he first came to my house, I’d have laughed in your face.
The more I’ve gotten to know him, though, the more I’ve come to see just how alike we are. It’s weird and fun at the same time. It’s also scary because I’m excited to discover what else we have in common.
We drive for a few minutes in comfortable silence.
“I booked a table at La Sienne,” Alec says.
“Sounds good.” Everything is magical this evening. It’s six o’clock in the evening, and the sky is filled with streaks of orange and purple. It’s beautiful in a soulful way.
Alec and I are having an early dinner before going to the concert, which starts at eight. We’re not the only ones with the same idea of having an early dinner. There’s a good bit of traffic to the hotel entrance. When our turn comes, the valet comes and takes the car from Alec.
He comes around to my side and opens the door for me. We walk into the restaurant hand in hand, and I feel like I’m walking on air. Walking next to Alec’s large frame and brushing against his body every so often feels amazing.
We are shown to our table, and we order our dinner. We don’t have time to linger this evening, what with the concert coming up.
“I’m too excited to eat,” I say after the waiter goes away with our order.
“You’ll eat,” Alec says. “There’s something about a meal being placed in front of you that makes you forget everything except gobbling it up.”
“You’re confusing me for your brothers,” I tease with a laugh. “Although I probably qualify with the amount of food I put away these days.” I pat my big belly dramatically.
Alec laughs. “You’re one of the few women I’ve met who don’t obsess over their bodies and food. It’s refreshing.”
His compliment makes me flush with pleasure. At this point, Alec can tell me that my toes are cute, and I’ll burst with happiness. “Thank you.”
We chat like old friends until our meal arrives. I eat mine with gusto, forgetting what I’d said earlier. I remember the book and decide that it’s the perfect moment to ask Alec what he thinks. I don’t feel a quiver of nervousness. Probably because I’m excited about the concert.
“So, what did you think about the pages I gave you to read?” I ask in between bites.
“Oh, yes.” Alec’s face lights up, and I take it as a sign of good news. “It really captivated me. I can’t wait to read more. You’re truly gifted, Ivy.”
“Thank you.” Even though I wasn’t nervous, a surge of relief goes through me. “How was the dialogue?”
“Wait, I’ve written some notes on my phone.” Alec half stands to reach into his pocket.
Excitement bubbles inside me. He even wrote notes? I can’t wait to hear more detailed feedback. And it is detailed. With a solemn expression, Alec tells me his impressions, the chapters that grabbed him the most, which moved him, and a lot of information that leaves me feeling giddy with joy.
At the end of it, I have tears in my eyes. “Thank you, that’s exactly what I wanted to achieve.”
“You’re welcome,” Alec says. “You’ve put a lot of work into it, and it shows.”
“I’ll send it to Ariana.”
Alec talks about my characters some more as if he can’t help himself, and time passes entirely too fast as we discuss impressions and ideas. I’ve never had someone to discuss my work with as I’m doing with Alec, and I can’t tell you how thrilling it is.
Time goes by too fast, and soon we have to leave for the concert. In the car, Alec plays a playlist of The Cruisers. We sing along loudly and out of tune. We laugh and whistle like people high on something. There’s a long queue to enter the venue, but we entertain ourselves with music and singing.
