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She offers to drive me home, but I opt to walk. I have a lot on my mind right now. The fresh air will do me some good.
I want to make plans to see Marie again. But I hold back. I will just talk to Jake, get a second opinion. I don’t want to rush her and I don’t want to ruin my chance.
SIX
THEO
I can’t stop thinkingabout my time with Marie. It’s as if I have a spring in my step and a new fervor for my book. I haven’t been able to come up for air since I sat down at my laptop this morning. If I wasn’t meeting Jake for dinner I probably wouldn’t stop.
Lucky for me the newlyweds aren’t leaving town for their honeymoon for a few weeks. Both are committed to their jobs as much as they are to each other. Which works out great for all the out of towners visiting for the wedding. I’m sure they haven’t had a moment alone yet.
Punctual being a core part of Jake, he shows up right at six. It’s a little odd to see him dressed so casually. I’m much more accustomed to him in business suits than jeans and a sweatshirt. I ordered some pizzas, the perfect leftover food, and have some beer in the fridge.
We settle at the coffee table with beers and slices, just like our college days.
“How’s married life treating you?” I ask in between bites.
Instantly he has a wide, toothy grin that seems to knock years of his face.
“Fantastic. Nothing is different, but it feels different.” He tries to elaborate but is at a loss for words.
“I get it.” I nod in response. “It’s like the two of you are in a world of your own right?”
“Something like that,” he tries to mumble, mouth full. “You never did get engaged after that one girl in college, did you?”
“Nope.” I drink some of my beer.
“Ever felt like you’d want to take that next step with someone?”
“You know me, ever the poet at heart.” My hand over my heart. “I fall, both quickly and deeply, in love any chance I can.”
“Never met the right one then?” He smirks.
“Let’s just say since the broken engagement where I caught her blabbing about how much money I’d make after my next book and all the glamorous things I’d be buying her… I’ve been a smidge more protective of my heart.”
“You don’t want to protect it forever.” He pats my shoulder before diving into more pizza. “It’s been a while since I’ve had Kal’s pizza. It’s the best around. How’d you get it right on your first time to town?” He narrows his eyes at me.
“Marie suggested it to me.” I clear my throat, a nervous habit of mine I need to find a way out of. “On our date the other night.”
“I knew Violet was up to something setting you two next to other. Why else would we have two singles at a table of couples?” He shakes his head. “Sorry for the apparent set up.”
“No worries, it was a fun reception. Everyone was great company. And Marie and I decided to see each other again for a date, so we went out on Friday night. It went well.”
“It went more than well.” He clicks his tongue. “I don’t think I need to remind you that I’m a lawyer. May be mainly financial but I still know when clients are holding back.”
“She doesn’t seem like the type of other women that make up my relationship graveyard.” I take a deep breath beforecontinuing, “We spent the night together. I won’t kiss and tell, especially since you two are friends, but since we slept together, I’m having some more serious feelings towards Marie.”
“How serious? Like move to Kastle Harbor and get engaged within three months serious? Or more along the lines of dating exclusive and seeing what happens down the road?”
“Somewhere in between?” I shrug and sink into the couch. “Everything seems so jumbled. If we hadn’t slept together maybe I wouldn’t be feeling this way. Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad we did, and I have no regrets. Just don’t want to scare her away if I suddenly spit out my feelings, I want to be exclusive or date after I leave.”
“Take things slow, maybe just go on a few more dates before you leave town. When are you going back to Toronto?”
I fill Jake in on my publicist’s book tour plans and how I’m staying in Kastle Harbor for a few months. We chat about my book, his upcoming honeymoon, and make plans to get together before he leaves town. After Jake leaves, I have a lot to digest. I tidy up and try to get back to my book, but my mind keeps wandering.
I decide to walk down to the beach and clear my head. It’s dark and chilly, but the sound of the waves is exactly what I need right now.
Would Marie agree to dating exclusively? Or would she still be hesitant to commit to anything serious?
