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***
Freshly toweled dry from the shower, I stood in front of my closet, deciding what to wear. I wanted to look nice, but not overdressed. Finally, I chose a floral sundress I’d picked up at the little boutique downtown. It had a flattering A-line skirt and just the right amount of cleavage. I paired it with some strappysandals and the turquoise pendant necklace I’d inherited from my grandmother.
I styled my hair in loose curls and put on just a touch of makeup - some mascara to make my eyes pop and a swipe of sheer pink lipstick. I gave myself an appraising look in the mirror and was pleased with the effect. Subtly sexy yet still sweet.
Grabbing my purse, I headed out the door right on time. The evening air was balmy and filled with jasmine and sea salt. Casa D’Oliva was just a few blocks away, so I walked, enjoying the quaint shops along Main Street.
When I arrived at the restaurant, Alexander was seated at a cozy table in the corner. His face lit up when he saw me, and he stood to pull out my chair. “You look beautiful,” he said, kissing my cheek before sitting back down.
I smiled, feeling that now familiar rush of giddiness in his presence. We fell into easy conversation, telling each other about our days and laughing over funny work anecdotes.
After we ordered, Alexander said, “I’m glad we could do this tonight. I’ve missed you today.” He reached across the table and gave my hand a gentle squeeze.
I met his warm gaze. “Me too. I’ve been buried in my manuscript.”
His eyes crinkled at the corners when he smiled. “Well, I can’t wait to read it when you’re finished. I know it will be brilliant.”
I felt a blush creep into my cheeks at his high praise. Our food arrived shortly after, temporarily interrupting the conversation. We both opted for the seafood linguine, which was deliciously garlicky and topped with plump shrimp and mussels.
***
I smiled at Alexander as he excused himself to the restroom, feeling content after the delicious pasta. The cozy ambiance of the restaurant perfectly complemented our intimate conversation and growing affection for one another.
As I sat, waiting for him and our tiramisu dessert to arrive, I noticed Alexander’s phone lighting up on the table. Before the screen went dark again, I caught a glimpse of a missed call notification from someone named “Sweetie.”
I froze, my heart sinking. Sweetie? Who was this person calling my Alexander “Sweetie”? A horrible thought crossed my mind - did Alexander have another woman in his life? As much as I tried to push the notion away, doubts began swirling in my mind. Was I just a distraction while he was involved with someone else?
The waiter interrupted my spiraling thoughts with two slices of tiramisu. As he placed the plates down, I quickly composed myself, not wanting to arouse suspicion. I knew I couldn’t confront Alexander about the mysterious caller right here in the restaurant. That would be a disaster.
So I forced a smile as Alexander returned to the table. “This looks amazing,” I said brightly, hoping he wouldn’t notice the slight quiver in my voice. We dug into the creamy dessert, but I could barely focus on the sweet taste. My mind was preoccupied with the identity of “Sweetie” and their connection to Alexander.
As we ate, Alexander told me stories from his travels abroad before he worked at the publishing house. I tried my best to stay engaged in the conversation, to laugh at the anecdotes that would normally have me doubled over. But concentrating was a struggle when doubts about his fidelity occupied my thoughts.
***
I suggested a post-dinner stroll along the beach, hoping to extend our romantic evening together. The sun had just set over the water, casting a warm orange glow across the sand. Alexander readily agreed, taking my hand as we left Casa D’Oliva behind.
We had only walked a short distance, our shoes sinking into the soft sand, when Alexander’s phone rang. The shrill tone cut through the peaceful sounds of the waves rolling onto the shore. He stopped, pulling his phone from the inside pocket of his jacket. His brows furrowed as he glanced at the screen.
“I’m sorry, I should take this,” he said apologetically.
I nodded, trying not to let my disappointment show. This was supposed to be our time together, just the two of us, not interrupted by work or anything else.
Alexander answered the call, his tone warmer than I expected. “Hi Sweetie, everything okay?”
My stomach dropped. Sweetie? Who was he talking to with such affection?
Alexander glanced at me, his expression uneasy. “Yeah, just out for an evening walk. I can talk.”
As he listened to the caller, he turned partially away from me, lowering his voice. But I could still make out him addressing the woman on the other end as Sweetie.
The endearment felt like a dagger in my heart. Here I was, trying to build something real with Alexander while he was clearly involved with someone else.
I stood frozen, my feet sinking deeper into the sand. The sounds of the ocean and seagulls seemed to fade away. All I could focus on was Alexander’s hushed conversation. My shock morphed into anger, disappointment, and embarrassment.
How could I have been so foolish, thinking a man like Alexander was genuinely interested in me? He was my boss, my father’s old friend, and obviously already in a relationship.
After a few more agonizing minutes, Alexander ended the call and turned to me with an apologetic look. “Sorry about that. It’s all sorted now.”
