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I told the hostess how many, and she led us toward a table in the corner overlooking the bustling sidewalk.
The signing that took place right after the reading was quick, and we’d already managed to beat the after-work and dinner crowd.
“It smells so good in here,” Emily said, beaming. “Is it bad that I’m on a natural high from earlier?”
Her eyes looked dizzy with excitement, and there was a small part of me that wished I could drive that same look out of her.
I smiled, opening the menu.
Maybe she had forgotten about the earlier run-in.
She looked up at me and grinned. “Okay, I just have to tell you.”
“What?” I asked, watching her eyes dance with joy. “You’re madly in love with me? Can’t wait to run away with me?”
Emily chuckled and shook her head. “No way, silly. You’re far too experienced for my fragile soul. This is more… personal.”
I put down the menu and kept my gaze on hers. This was why I loved spending time with Emily. She was always full of surprises.
“I’ve been writing poetry.”
My brows knitted together as I nodded. “I know. You’ve shared some poems with me, and they’re beautiful.”
Her cheeks flushed. “Thank you.” She let out a long sigh. “I wasn’t going to tell anyone until I heard back, in case it didn’t happen.”
“In case what didn’t happen?”
Her eyes stayed on mine. “You have to promise not to tell anyone because if it doesn’t work out, then nobody will know that I wasn’t good enough.”
“Emily, what are you talking about? You’re amazing.”
She grinned. “Well, I might be amazing, but that doesn’t mean my poetry is.”
“Trust me. It is.”
“Okay. I submitted to a residency program for poetry. It’s three months of pure solitude, poetry workshops, and writing time. I’d be leaving behind Marigold Island for three entire months, all expenses paid.”
My jaw dropped. “Whoa, Emily. I had no idea that’s what you wanted to do.”
A wry grin sprang onto her lips. “I didn’t either, but I saw the posting and thought, why not give it a go? I have nothing holding me here, and I can come back when it’s all done.”
A knot formed in my stomach, but I nodded, smiling. “Yeah. Totally. I’m excited for you.”
She cocked her head slightly. “Please, just don’t tell anyone. I’d be embarrassed if I didn’t get it.”
“You have my word, but even if you don’t get selected, that doesn’t mean your poetry isn’t worthy.”
She nodded, and her gaze fell to the table, but all I could think about was how the timing of everything was suddenly unraveling.
“So, that’s my secret.”
“That’s a biggie.” I looked out the window onto the sidewalks filling up with workers walking to their apartments and headed out for happy hours. “What will you do if you don’t see my face all the time?”
She pretended to whistle. “I’ll live. It’ll be tough, though.” Emily winked at me, and my insides tightened up.
Now really wasn’t the time to drop this bomb on her. I didn’t want anything to hold her back because I knew just how good her poems were.
“It’s a complete longshot,” she added, “but I’m following my heart.”
