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I giggled. “You’re going to get me fired.”
“I would never,” Horace said in shock, then smiled. “How about I order whatever’s the most expensive on the menu and leave a huge tip? That should make your boss feel extra happy.”
“You’re not the only person with money who comes in here,” I said.
“Fine, then two of your most expensive dishes,” Horace said, handing me back the menu. “And a promise that you join me for coffee tomorrow.”
“You are insistent,” I said.
“Of course I am,” he replied. “You’re worth it.”
His words made me melt, and I almost skipped back to the kitchen and gave them his order. I spent another hour going back and forth between his table and the others, and it took a lot of effort to keep things professional. Of course, the Maître D never took his eyes away from me. When Horace finally paid his check, I told him I’d give his offer some serious thought.
He got up to leave, brushed a hand against mine, and whispered, “I can’t wait.”
I wore a huge smile on my face all night, and the shift went by in a flash. By the end of it, I was on cloud nine and thinking of giving Horace a chance. After all, why wouldn’t I? If he made me feel like this, wasn’t it worth coffee?
I changed quickly and made my way out through the back. I fumbled for my phone, ready to send him a message when I stopped in my tracks.
Horace was leaning against the restaurant rail, arms folded across his chest, smiling at me.
“You’re being creepy,” I joked.
“What kind of a man would I be if I didn’t at least drive you home this time of night?”
I pushed a strand of hair behind my ear and smiled. “I actually walk home.”
Horace pushed away from the rail and stuck his arm out for me to link mine through. “Then allow me to walk you home.”
“You don’t have to.”
He looked at me with those green eyes of his and gave me a smile that made my heart skip a beat. “I want to.”
I linked my arm in his, and we began to walk.
“Does this mean we’re finally getting coffee tomorrow?” he asked.
I nodded. “Yes, we are.”
I smiled all the way home.
Horace was here, and he was real, and I knew it was better for me not to hold onto a dream forever.
Chapter 7
Martha
The first few weeks with Horace were good.
It had been a while since I felt anything other than exhausted and spent. Being with Horace reminded me a little of what it was like with Louis, with some of the excitement and novelty getting to me. Compared to Louis, though, Horace was an angel, a true gentleman, and someone who really cared enough to give me the space I needed and the attention I craved. It made me wonder if I could ever get over Albin and make room in my heart for him.
Horace was sincere, kind, and, more importantly, he was around.
While I knew I was never going to see anyone the way I saw Albin, I was moved enough by Horace’s attempts to let myself try.
Every now and then, my mind went back to Albin and that night in the cabin. Five years ago, when I first learned I was pregnant, it was easy to block him out and only bring him up when I wanted someone to blame for the misery I was in. The nine months had not been easy, and with only Anne as my support, it had taken its toll on me. Albin had been an easy target.
Of course, I did think of him after the birth. A small part of me thought it would only be fair to seek him out and let him know he had a son in the world. I didn’t care if the man wanted to be a part of our lives, and honestly, it didn’t matter. It was the idea that somewhere out there, Albbin was walking around oblivious to the fact that Jimmy existed.
