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“To be honest, this experience has been so incredible. Seeing these children’s smiles and knowing we’ve made a difference. It warms my heart,” I tell Jeffrey.
“I couldn’t agree more, Phebe,” he responds warmly. “Your presence here has made today even more special. You have a remarkable way of connecting with these children, bringing out the best in them,” he adds, and my cheeks flood with heat. I’m certain I’m blushing.
“Thank you, Jeffrey. But it’s not just me. You made everything seem easy,” I tell him.
“Maybe, maybe not. Anyways, I was hoping we could catch dinner,” he says.
“Oh, is this related to the appearance?” I ask, and he shakes his head.
“No, not at all. It’s just that I figured you’d be starving by now, and there’s a place I’d like to take you if you’re not too worn out,” he says.
“Sure, you’re right. I think I am hungry,” I tell him, and he gives me that dashing smile.
13
JEFFREY
My heart brims with anticipation as I drive Phebe to the beach house after dinner. There’s an eagerness within me to reveal more of myself to her, a surge of excitement. Watching her with the kids earlier was the highlight of my day, stirring something deep within me. I glance at her; it’s like ever since our agreement, I’ve seen the other sides of her.
The drive is silent, making me wonder what’s going on in Phebe’s head. She looks deep in her thoughts. I can’t explain this urge to know what’s going on in her head. Hoping that she is thinking about the kiss, a thought that has consumed my own mind for the past three days. I tried to avoid Phebe, attempting to banish the memory of that kiss from my thoughts, but it proved futile. It feels natural to be with her.No, she is a disaster waiting to happen.These words have become a mantra for my head, but it doesn’t steam down the pull I feel towards Phebe. I snap out of my thoughts as I pull to a stop when we reach our destination.
“We are here?” She asks while glancing around.
“Yes, we are,” I tell her before undoing my seat belt and hightailing it out of the car. I rush to the other side to get the door and help her out. The moon illuminates her face showing the puzzled look she has on her face. I raise my head and find the stars out. It fills me with anticipation.
“I was thinking we should take a late-night walk along the beach. What do you say?” I ask her.
“Sure.”
I lead her through the clear space of sand. There is nothing but this sweet lull of water.
I lead her further until I reach a satisfactory spot. We sit on the lone bench directly facing the water.
As Phebe follows me, her eyes wide with wonder. I can’t help but feel a sense of joy at sharing this moment with her. The stars twinkle above, painting the sky with their ethereal glow.
I smile as she joins me on the bench.
“Look up,” I whisper as I draw myself closer to her. The pull is irresistible.
“Isn’t the night sky absolutely stunning?”
I watch as she tilts her head back, waiting for the desired effect to take hold. She stares at the sky in wonder.
“It’s like a magical blanket. I could lose myself in these stars forever.”
I’m distracted by how our bodies are close; instinctively, my hands search for hers seeking warmth. The air is brisk and cool, heightening my senses and deepening our connection. I have to force myself to stare at the sky.
“Look, there’s the constellation Orion. See how the stars form his belt?”
She follows my gaze, a smile appearing on her lips.
“Oh, you’re right! It’s amazing how the stars come together to create such beautiful patterns. How do you know about stars?”
“I read books about it. There was a time I was curious about the universe. I learned how to read the stars, among other things.” I can’t believe I am opening up this part of myself to her. Something like this has never happened.
As we continue stargazing, I find myself captivated not only by the celestial display but also by the beauty of Phebe beside me. I can’t resist stealing glances at her, her presence illuminating the darkness like a guiding star. Phebe’s eyes remain fixed on the night sky, filled with wonder and awe.
“The stars are even more beautiful when I see them reflected in your eyes, Phebe,” I blurt out before I can help it.
