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“Astrid told me she was going to take a walk.”
“Funny, Jack was going for a walk as well,” I said, laughing.
We both laughed and continued to sit by the water, enjoying the peacefulness of the night. The moon was high in the sky, casting a silvery glow over everything.
Emilie leaned into me, and I put my arm around her, pulling her closer. We sat like that for a while, both lost in thought.
“I feel like I could stay here forever,” Emilie said softly.
“I feel the same way,” I replied.
My mom once told me if you could sit and say nothing with someone without being uncomfortable, it was a good thing. This was definitely a good thing. I was worried she was going to be cold and distant when we saw each other again. Fortunately, we didn’t lose any ground. It was like we had never been apart.
“Can I get you another drink?” I asked.
“Yes, please.”
I carried her glass back to the kitchen and refilled it. I took a moment to watch her sitting by the water. I walked back to her and sat down. “Do I have to have you back by curfew?” I joked.
“Not yet,” she said, laughing.
36
EMILIE
The warm evening breeze brushed gently against my skin, giving me a sense of sweet bliss. “I should go,” I said.
I got up to leave the cozy little spot Theo had set up. The stars above us were twinkling, casting a romantic glow over everything. But as I rose from my seat, Theo surprised me by getting up too.
“I’ll walk you home,” he said.
“I’m not far,” I said, laughing. “I can get home.”
“I know you can, but I’m still going to walk you home. That’s what a man does.”
“Good to know,” I said, smiling.
As we began our leisurely walk, I felt at ease, not just with Theo, but with myself. He had softened my edges. I didn’t look at the future with the same kind of hesitancy I did a week ago. I felt all warm, bubbly, and positive.
It was a strange feeling.
Theo and I walked side by side, our footsteps falling into a comfortable rhythm. I couldn’t help but sneak a glance at him, and when our eyes met, I felt a sudden urge to do something I knew would surprise him. So I took his hand in mine.
He seemed surprised by my gesture, his brow furrowing in playful confusion. “What happened while we were apart? Are you the same Emilie?”
I chuckled softly, my fingers intertwining with his. “I suppose I missed you,” I confessed, surprised by the admission even as the words left my lips. “I like holding your hand.”
Theo’s laughter felt like a warm hug. “You missed me?” he echoed, a hint of disbelief in his voice. “I never thought I’d hear that from you.”
I couldn’t help but smirk. “Believe me, I didn’t think so either,” I replied. “It’s not who I am, but maybe I’m changing.”
He grinned, his thumb gently stroking the back of my hand. “I’m glad you missed me. I’m glad you feel like you’re changing. I hope we can change together.”
Maybe it was the magic of the night, or maybe it was simply the undeniable connection that had been growing between us, but I felt it. As we reached the house, I reluctantly withdrew my hand from his. The night felt too perfect to end, and I couldn’t help but wish that our walk could go on forever.
“Thank you for walking me home,” I said.
Theo nodded, his eyes locked onto mine. “Anytime, Emilie,” he replied softly. “I’ve enjoyed every moment we’ve spent together. I’m looking forward to more moments with you.”
