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My breath caught at his sudden nearness, the intensity in his gaze. The air between us seemed to shimmer and grow warm.
A pointed cough interrupted the moment. We jerked apart and looked over to see Lucia smirking in the hallway.
“As adorable as this is, we do actually have work to do around here,” she remarked sardonically.
Alexander cleared his throat, looking vaguely flustered. “Of course. We’ll continue this later.” He grazed my wrist lightly before following Lucia down the hall.
I sank into my chair, fanning myself and trying to slow my racing pulse. My mind whirled giddily. Later. We will continue this later. I didn’t know exactly what “this” was, but I knew one thing with sudden clarity: I was hopelessly falling for Professor Alexander Fairmont.
And I had a feeling he was falling right along with me.
Chapter 21
I arrived at the Town Hall, ready to finalize Mayor Jenkins’ speech for the Lighthouse Gala tonight. As I walked up the steps, I couldn’t help but smile, wondering what name he’d choose to greet me by today. It could be anything from Edna to Emma to Everlee! But today, when I entered his office, Mayor Jenkins looked up from his paperwork and greeted me warmly.
“Good morning, Etta! Don’t you look lovely today,” he said with a smile.
I was so surprised he actually got my name right that it took me a moment to respond. “Good morning, Mayor Jenkins! Thank you, I’m excited for the gala tonight,” I replied, touched that he had finally learned my name.
We got straight to work reviewing the speech draft. Overall, Mayor Jenkins was pleased with the content I had put together about the lighthouse’s history and how its restoration represented our town’s resilience. But he had a few tweaks to make.
First, he asked if I could add a humorous anecdote about the time the lighthouse keeper accidentally activated the foghorn at 3 am, startling the whole town awake. I chuckled, promising to work that in. Next, he wanted to confirm all the various local sponsors and donors were properly acknowledged. We carefully went through the list, Mayor Jenkins expressing his sincere gratitude for each contribution.
Finally, he wondered if I could add a more personal touch about what the lighthouse meant to me. I was moved that he valued my perspective and shared a heartfelt memory of my father bringing me to the lighthouse as a child and teaching me about its history. Mayor Jenkins’ eyes misted up as I recalled my dad’s love for Pebble Point.
After an hour of fine tuning, I felt confident the speech perfectly blended humor, gratitude, nostalgia, and vision - just the right tone for this special event. Mayor Jenkins walked me out as I packed up to head back to the office.
“Thank you for all your work on this, Etta. You know, I finally got your name right!” he said with a triumphant grin. We both laughed at his ongoing name struggles.
“I knew you’d get there eventually,” I said. “I think it’s a good omen for your speech tonight.”
Mayor Jenkins nodded. “I wouldn’t want to forget the name of my star speechwriter!”
I left the town hall feeling a sense of belonging. The mayor’s recognition meant so much, confirming I had become part of this community’s fabric.
When I arrived at the office, I was surprised to find it practically empty. Clara informed me that Mr. Dalton had given everyone half a day to prepare for the Lighthouse Gala tonight. I suddenly remembered the special cocktail dress I had ordered online just for this occasion - a shimmering silver sequinednumber that would glitter under the gala lights. Now I’d have extra time to properly get ready.
After checking in on a few last-minute gala details with Lucia, I headed home excitedly. I took my time luxuriating in a bubble bath, letting my mind wander to thoughts of Alexander. I wondered if he would compliment my striking new dress, if we might share a dance under the stars by the lighthouse. Lost in my romantic musings, I had to rush actually to get ready, laughing at my distraction.
Slipping on the dazzling silver sequined dress I had picked out just for this special night, I felt like Diana Ross. The dress hugged my curves perfectly and shimmered as I moved. I styled my hair in an elegant updo, allowing a few curly tendrils to frame my face. I accented my eyes with smoky shadow and liner and finished with a deep burgundy lipstick. Slipping on some rhinestone drop earrings and strappy silver heels, I put the finishing touches on my glamorous look. Twirling in front of the mirror, I was proud of my appearance - this was my chance to truly shine.
Grabbing my clutch, I took one last glance in the mirror. I was ready for a magical evening at the lighthouse gala, with Alexander by my side. I prayed that Mayor Jenkins would get through the speech smoothly and that the gala would be a night to remember. Checking my phone, I saw he would collect me in just a few minutes. This time I made sure both my strappy shoes were secured before I carefully made my way down the stairs - I didn’t want a repeat of the last time. Waiting by the front door, my heartbeat quickened in anticipation of what was to come.
***
I checked my reflection one last time in the mirror, smoothing my silver sequined dress and adjusting the sparkling hairpin inmy elegant updo. A touch of gloss on my lips completed my look for the Lighthouse Gala. I felt beautiful and confident, though a flutter of anticipation swirled in my stomach at the thought of seeing Alexander.
Right on time, the doorbell rang. I opened it to find Alexander, looking dapper in a tailored suit and navy tie that matched his eyes. He paused, his gaze traveling over me appreciatively. “Etta...you look absolutely stunning tonight,” he said, his voice warm and sincere.
A blush rose on my cheeks at the compliment. “Thank you, Alexander. You look very handsome yourself,” I replied, suddenly feeling shy under his admiring look. We stood there a moment, the air thick with unspoken words and electricity. I could tell this was no ordinary evening for us.
Alexander extended his arm. “Shall we go, my dear? Our chariot awaits.”
I raised my eyebrows, intrigued. As we stepped outside, I saw a sleek black Bentley parked at the curb, its chrome accents glinting in the golden light of sunset. A driver in uniform stood ready to open the rear door for us. I had never ridden in such a luxurious car before.
“Wow, you really went all out tonight!” I said, unable to hide my delight.
Alexander grinned. “Only the best for you, Etta. I wanted tonight to be special.”
