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The guy seemed to understand, especially when I mentioned the surprise I’d have in my pocket.
That engagement ring my mother had kept harping about that I’d brought with me. I’d been tempted to give it back to her for safe-keeping, or heck for her to have it because what good was it going to do me.
Now? Now I was glad I hadn’t done anything but slip it into my moving boxes.
I’d actually been happy my mother was as stubborn as I was and had made me keep the ring.
I opened the small velvet box and looked at it. It was beautiful. A simple solitaire on a gold band. Simple. Classy. I knew Abbie would like it.
I just hoped she liked me enough to say yes.
But I swore I recognized something in her eyes when she saw me that afternoon, a sparkle that hadn’t been there in a long time. The way the right corner of her mouth had started to lift every time we made eye contact.
That little blush that was there just beneath her dusting of make-up.
There was something about her that changed me, that made me feel so different. I had to tell her that—that without her, I was in auto-pilot mode, going through the motions, and I didn’t want to keep doing that, not as long as she was in the same city as me.
And I didn’t want to be apart again.
Ever.
I picked up my phone and brought up her text messages. She hadn’t changed her number, thank God.
I ran a hand over my hair, trying to find the perfect words to say.
Seven o’clock good for you?
I hit send and waited.
What if she didn’t answer?
I didn’t even know where she was. I just knew where she worked, and they likely wouldn’t give out any contact info. If I was desperate enough, I guess I could try her parents, but that would just bring in more explanations I didn’t want to deal with if I didn’t have to.
There was Marnie, but she’d been decidedly cool to me. All I’d texted her before I left was to look after Abbie for me. So I knew Abbie must have poured her heart out at some point.
Yeah. Where do I meet you?
Meet.
Okay. She didn’t want me to pick her up. Either she didn’t want me to know where she lived, or she was planning on making a quick exit. Or both.
I’m working late.
Her next text added that.
I gave her the marina address.
She gave me a thumbs up emoji.
See you soon
I got to the marina just before six. I’d never been so nervous in my life. Taking the bar twice had been a cake walk compared to this. I met the captain, talking things over with the host and the events coordinator. I checked the food. I looked at the views. And I tried not to throw up.
Nothing like feeling that anxious on a boat.
“You gonna hold up?” the captain asked me with an amused grin.
“I will. Just anxious.”
