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"Of course, it's fine," Ariel assured him, stepping aside to let him in. As Dale entered, she couldn't help but study his face, searching for clues as to what could have brought him here unexpectedly. There was a crease in his brow, hinting at some buried concern or perhaps a secret he was holding back.
"Would you like something to drink? Coffee? Tea?" she offered, pushing her own worries about Katie to the back of her mind.
"Tea would be great, thanks," Dale replied, rubbing his arms as if to ward off the lingering chill.
"Please, make yourself comfortable," Ariel said, gesturing to the living room while she headed to the kitchen to prepare the tea. As she filled the kettle, she couldn't help but wonder what had prompted Dale's visit. Miles wasn’t home, having already headed to work hours ago, but maybe Dale was reconsidering reconciling?
"Here we are," Ariel announced, carrying a tray with two steaming mugs into the living room. She handed one to Dale, who accepted it gratefully, wrapping his hands around the warm ceramic.
"Thanks, Ariel," he said, his eyes meeting hers for a moment before darting away again. “You have a beautiful home here.”
"Thank you. Is everything all right, Dale?" she asked gently, trying to coax him into opening up. "You seem...troubled."
Dale hesitated, his grip on the mug tightening. "It's just that, ever since you came to see me, there's been something on my mind lately," he admitted, his voice wavering slightly.
Ariel felt a pang of sympathy for the man sitting across from her. She knew all too well the weight of unspoken thoughts and concerns, their heavy burden threatening to overwhelm. Ariel studied Dale's face, the lines of worry etched along his brow and the subtle downturn of his lips. She tilted her head, inviting him to speak.
"Um, I didn't expect to find you here," Dale began, his voice betraying a hint of surprise. "I mean, I wasn't sure if you'd be home or..." Dale hesitated, sipping his tea as if gathering courage. Finally, he set the mug down and met Ariel's gaze once more, his voice faltering but resolute. "I've been trying to make sense of something, and I thought maybe Miles could offer some insight. I never thought that he and I would be able to bury the hatchet, but after you showed up the other day, I started thinking…”
"Go on," Ariel encouraged, her own cup cradled in her hands. She knew that sometimes, all a person needed was someone to listen – to truly hear them and acknowledge their concerns. And if she could be that person for Dale, then perhaps she could help him find the answers he sought. And help him reopen his heart to the brotherhood he’d shared with Miles.
Ariel watched Dale's face, the lines of worry and uncertainty etched there. She couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for him.
"I know it's not your problem, and I didn't mean to intrude. Maybe this is better discussed with Miles in private. Is he here?"
"Please don't apologize," she replied, her tone warm and comforting. "You're always welcome here, and if I can do anything to ease your mind, I'm more than happy to try. Miles is gone to work, but are you in Endless Harbor for the day? We can go by his shop, and you two can go out for lunch. How would that be?"
Dale nodded, his eyes reflecting gratitude as he took another sip of his tea. Ariel found herself studying him more closely, noticing the way his broad shoulders seemed to carry an invisible weight, his features burdened by a solemn expression.
"Is there anything else you'd like to talk about?" she asked gently, hoping to coax him into sharing more.
Dale shook his head. "No, I think I've said enough for now. I just... I needed to work up the courage to come here, and now I have. Can’t say that I’m not nervous to see him again, but I think it’s time."
"Of course," Ariel murmured, offering him a reassuring smile.
As their conversation came to a temporary pause, Ariel sensed that Dale had shared as much as he was comfortable with at the moment. She respected his need for space and silence to process his thoughts.
"Whenever you're ready, we can head to Miles's shop. It will be a pleasant surprise for him. Let me just gather my things," she said to Dale.
Dale nodded appreciatively, and Ariel rose from her chair, setting her tea aside. She retrieved her coat and bag, preparing to leave. She made her way to Darcy, who was tending to some tasks in the kitchen. Ariel informed him, "Darcy, I'm going to step out for a little while. I'll be back soon, so if any guests arrive, please make them feel welcome.”
Darcy nodded and smiled. "Of course, Ariel. Careful driving out there."
With her bag slung over her shoulder, Ariel rejoined Dale in the living room. "All set," she said, leading the way to the front door. "Let's go surprise Miles."
Dale followed Ariel outside to the crisp winter air. Each of them got into their respective cars, preparing to make their way to Miles's shop. Ariel couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and curiosity. She had the chance to bring together two people who had shared a complicated history, and the possibility of opening old wounds hung in the balance—whatever those mysterious wounds were.
As she drove, Ariel's thoughts swirled with questions about the secret past between Miles and Dale. What had driven a wedge between them? What was the nature of their strained relationship? She hoped that this surprise visit would not only rekindle their friendship but also shed light on the shadows of their shared hurt. Ariel was eager to see how this reunion would unfold, both for the sake of Miles, and for Dale, who had taken a courageous step to bridge the gap between them.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Ariel glanced at Dale, rolling down her window just as he did, as she pulled up outside Miles's workshop. The low hum of her engine gave way to silence. Snowflakes danced around them, landing gently on the windshield.
"Are you sure this is a good idea?" Dale asked, his brow furrowed, a mixture of hesitation and skepticism lacing his voice. "I mean, it's been years since I last saw Miles. What if he doesn't even want to see me again? I’m having second thoughts.”
"Trust me," Ariel said, her fingers drumming nervously on the steering wheel. It was true that she didn't know for certain how Miles would react, but she believed with all her heart that the two men needed to reconnect. "Miles will be thrilled to see you. He said you were like brothers once upon a time."
Dale stared out at the workshop, its weathered shingles and paint-chipped door seemingly holding onto memories long past. He exhaled slowly, his breath fogging up the window. "Things change, Ariel."
