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She turned to me then, her green eyes glinting with humor and wisdom earned from experience. In them, I could see the echo of the passionate, idealistic girl she once was, who put her dreams above all else. I felt my cheeks grow warm under her knowing look, realizing she was referring to my budding romance with Alexander.
Marla’s advice resonated with me. I didn’t want to end up full of regrets like she did, wondering what could have been. This thing with Alexander, though unexpected, felt right in a way nothing ever had before. I knew then I had to be brave enough to find out where it might lead.
“I’m just saying, be open to love,” she continued, her voice gentler now. “It can sneak up on you when you least expect it. Speaking of which, exactly how far have you and Alexander progres-“
“Who wants brownies?” Alexander’s voice cut in as he appeared in the doorway, clutching an empty brownie platter. “Oh wow, all gone. What a shame.”
His attempt to divert the conversation was endearingly awkward. I met his eyes briefly and had to suppress a grin at his obvious discomfort.
Marla let out a hearty laugh. “Subtle subject change, Alexander. Real subtle.”
He chuckled and rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. “Yeah, well, I should probably head out. Early day tomorrow and all. Walk you home, Etta?”
***
The moonlit stroll back home with Alexander felt magical under the starry Pebble Point sky. Our lively book club discussion still echoed in my mind, mingling with the sound of waves crashing gently in the distance.
“I’m sorry about earlier,” Alexander said, breaking our comfortable silence. “I didn’t mean to interrupt your conversation with Marla so clumsily.”
I smiled, touched by his thoughtfulness. “It’s okay. I know you didn’t mean any harm.”
Alexander nodded, his expression serious. “I would never want you or anyone else to think I’m taking advantage of you, Etta. As your employer or...” he trailed off, hesitating.
“As an older man?” I finished gently. I could tell this was something that had been weighing on him.
“Yes,” he admitted. “Our age difference, my connection to your father...I never want you to feel pressured or uncomfortable.”
I stopped and turned to face him, taking his hand in mine. “Alexander, I’m a grown woman, fully capable of deciding what I want. And I care about you deeply. You don’t need to worry.”
He searched my eyes, as if making sure I meant every word. Finally, he smiled, his shoulders relaxing.
“I know you can take care of yourself. It’s one of the many things I admire about you. I want to do right by you, Etta.”
My heart swelled. I linked my arm through him as we continued our stroll.
Alexander nodded thoughtfully. “I thought it would be best if we took things slowly. I don’t want us to rush into anything you might regret.”
I considered his words. As much as I cared for him, he had a point. We still had much to learn about each other.
“Okay,” I said finally. “We can do slow. Slow is good. One step at a time.”
Alexander smiled, the corners of his eyes crinkling.
“One last thing? Would you do me the honor of accompanying me to the Spring Festival on Saturday?”
“Can’t think of anywhere I’d rather be,” I replied happily.
He gently squeezed my hand as we walked under the glittering stars, content to savor this magical moment together.
Chapter 14
Thursday and Friday at work were pleasant but uneventful, though I caught Alexander giving me a few knowing smiles when we passed in the hallway or breakroom. I returned his glances shyly, and we both seemed eager for our upcoming date on Saturday. By Friday afternoon, I was practically buzzing with eagerness for the annual Pebble Point Spring Festival.
That evening, I stood in my childhood bedroom surrounded by clothes, shoes, and accessories. I had already tried on at least ten different outfits, debating which would be suitable for my date. First, I held up a floral sundress to myself in the mirror, contemplating the delicate pink and yellow pattern. Too juvenile, I thought. I needed something more sophisticated, but still fun.
Next, I tried an off-the-shoulder black top and slim white jeans. Cute, but maybe too plain? I wondered if a pantsuit sent the right message - professional yet alluring? But the navy one I tried felt too stiff and formal.
“This shouldn’t be so hard!” I said aloud to my reflection. It had been ages since I fussed this much about an outfit.
