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I crossed my arms, unable to hold back any longer. “Who’s Sweetie, Alexander?” I demanded.
He looked startled. “What? Oh, that was just...” He trailed off, clearly grasping for an explanation.
“Don’t lie to me,” I said sharply. “I heard you call her Sweetie. I think I deserve an explanation.”
Alexander ran a hand through his hair. “Look, it’s not what you think. Sweetie is...”
Again, he hesitated. I’d heard enough. This entire evening felt like a charade now.
“Forget it,” I said, holding up a hand. “I don’t want to hear any more excuses. I think I should go.”
I turned on my heel and started striding back down the beach, my heels sinking angrily into the sand. I had to get away before the tears welling up in my eyes spilled over.
“Etta, wait!” Alexander called after me.
But I didn’t stop or turn around. I was too upset and needed time to process everything. Alexander and his apparent double life faded into the distance as I hurried away.
***
I sat on the wooden bench near the lighthouse, fighting back tears as I looked out at the ocean. The waves crashed rhythmically against the rocks below, but I couldn’t find any peace in the familiar sight.
I heard footsteps approaching and know it’s Alexander even before he speaks. “Etta, there you are,” he said, a hint of laughter in his voice. That laugh made my anger flare up even more.How could he find this situation amusing when he just broke my heart?
He came around and sat beside me on the bench. I avoided looking at him, keeping my eyes fixed on the horizon.
“Etta, I think there’s been a misunderstanding,” he said gently. “Sweetie isn’t some secret lover. She’s my aunt, my father’s sister. It’s just a nickname I’ve called her since I was a boy.”
I turned to him then, searching his face for any sign that he wasn’t being truthful. His clear blue eyes held nothing but sincerity.
He went on to explain that his aunt Sophia lives in a retirement home in Santa Rosa, and that he’s the only family she has. And that he visits her every Wednesday without fail. “She’s getting older and sometimes gets confused about time,” he said. “She’ll call in a panic, thinking I haven’t phoned her in days when I just spoke to her that morning.”
I felt my cheeks flush with embarrassment over my ridiculous assumption. But Alexander just smiled and took my hand in his reassuringly.
“I should have told you about her sooner,” he said. “I’m sorry I made you doubt me, even for a moment.”
His thumb gently caressed my knuckles as he told me more about his weekly visits with Aunt Sophia, whom he’s clearly very close to. I felt foolish for ever thinking he could be unfaithful. Taking his tender expression, I know this kind, compassionate man would never intentionally hurt me.
“No, I’m the one who should apologize,” I said, giving his hand a grateful squeeze. “I should have just asked you instead of storming off and jumping to conclusions.”
Alexander’s eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled. “Well, I suppose we both have a bit to learn as we figure this relationship out.”
I let out a relieved laugh, the tension in my shoulders loosening. “I’d love to meet your aunt Sophia,” I say. “I want to get to know all the important people in your life.”
Alexander’s face lights up at my enthusiastic response. “Wonderful! We can drive up to Santa Rosa after work tomorrow. Sophia’s going to adore you.”
He stands and offered his hand to help me up from the bench. I let him pull me to my feet, both of us grinning. As we walk hand-in-hand back up the path from the lighthouse, I feel all my earlier hurt and doubt fading away. I’m eager to learn everything about this man I’m falling for, including his loving relationship with his aunt. * * *
The next evening after work, Alexander and I take the scenic drive up California’s coast to Santa Rosa. I peppered him with questions during the ride, wanting to know all about his aunt Sophia. He told me stories from his childhood visits with her, painting a picture of a vibrant, quick-witted woman who always treated him like a son.
We soon pulled up to a stately care home nestled among oak trees. Alexander greeted the staff warmly as we made our way to his aunt’s room.
“Aunt Sophia?” he said as we enter. “I brought someone special to meet you.”
An elegant older woman with a cloud of white hair looks up from the book she’s reading. Her face lit up.
“Alex, you’re here!” She opened her arms for a hug. After they embraced, Alexander gestures to me.
“This is Etta Harwood, Aunt Sophia. My...friend.” He glanced at me shyly.
