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“A year later, my father took my brother to the hospital because he was having breathing problems and was sent to a specialist at Boston General, where my mother worked.” Caroline had no idea why she was blurting out her family history to a complete stranger, but Brad seemed genuinely interested. “They ran into each other again, and as my brother had to stay in hospital for tests for nearly two months, they saw each other daily.” She smiled, thinking about the story her father told her. “One thing led to another, and they fell in love. My mother fell in love with the small town where my father lived and started a small practice on the island.”
“You never wanted to become a doctor?” Brad frowned.
“Oh, no.” Caroline’s eyes widened. “I can’t stand the sight of blood.” She shuddered. “I was always more of a bookworm who loved to read. All I ever wanted to do was lose myself in stories.”
“That’s why you became a librarian.” Brad smiled and sat back in the chair. “I’m glad libraries still exist with the internet being around.”
“They do, but sadly, most of the books are being overlooked for the computers libraries have now.” Caroline sighed. “I’ve just realized my life may seem such a bore compared to your jet-setting one.”
“My life is tiring, and between you and me,” Brad leaned forward and lowered his voice, “I’m actually afraid of flying.”
“Oh, me too.” Caroline nodded, wide-eyed. “I’m nervous while in the air, but I think the worst parts are the—“
“Take-off and landing,” they said in unison and laughed.
“You know, I’ve always wanted to visit New England,” Brad admitted. “The historic towns and the coastal beauty all sound incredibly charming.”
“I can’t believe you’ve been nearly everywhere there is to go in the United States, the world, and you’ve never been to New England.” Caroline’s eyes lit up as she spoke about her hometown. “It’s a wonderful place. Although I spent most of my adult and married life in New York, my heart was still firmly planted in New England.”
“Well, it’s true,” Brad assured her. “I’ve skirted around the area.” He leaned back in his chair, a thoughtful expression on his face. “But hearing you talk about it and seeing how your eyes light up when you explain it, I’m definitely going to make an effort to get there.”
Their conversation continued to flow effortlessly, touching on a myriad of topics. As the minutes turned into hours, Caroline found herself captivated by the man and surprised by the connection they were forming. It was a rare and unexpected pleasure, and she couldn’t deny the sense of warmth that had enveloped her during their conversation.
The bustling coffee shop around them seemed to fade into the background as they shared stories and laughter. Time flew by, and Caroline couldn’t help but feel a pang of disappointment when she realized how late it had gotten. She glanced at her wristwatch and then back at Brad.
“I should probably be heading back soon,” Caroline said reluctantly. “The friend I’m staying with while I’m in New York will be waiting for me, and I have to check in with my daughter, who’s staying with her father while we’re in New York.”
Brad nodded, a hint of regret in his eyes. “Of course. It’s been a pleasure getting to know you.”
Caroline gathered her things and stood up, and Brad stood with her. Her heart was heavy with the knowledge that she would have to say goodbye. But as she prepared to leave, Brad surprised her by extending an invitation.
“I know this is sudden, but would you like to join me for dinner tomorrow night?” Brad asked, his eyes filled with sincerity. “I’d love to continue our conversation.”
Caroline hesitated for a moment, her mind racing. She barely knew Brad, and yet there was an undeniable connection between them. With a smile, she decided to take a leap of faith.
“I’d like that,” she replied, her heart pounding with anticipation.
“Why don’t we meet back here tomorrow evening around six?” Brad suggested.
“That sounds like a plan,” Caroline said, hoping he couldn’t hear how heavily her heart thudded against her rib cage. “Until tomorrow, then.”
Brad raised her hand to his lips, gently kissing her knuckles. “Until tomorrow, Caroline.”
Brad’s smile was heart-stopping, and Caroline had to force her knees not to buckle under its impact. She gave herself a mental shake and gathered all her strength to walk out of the coffee shop without him seeing her jelly legs or collapsing in a puddle of mushy goo.
As she made her way to Jennifer’s apartment, her mind was filled with images of Brad and how she’d had her first serendipitous moment. Caroline’s footsteps echoed down the quiet corridor as she approached Jennifer’s apartment. She couldn’t shake the excitement from her chance encounter with him, the intriguing stranger who had entered her life so unexpectedly. Thoughts of their upcoming dinner date warmed her heart, and she couldn’t wait to share the details with Jennifer.
As she reached Jennifer’s door, Caroline fumbled for her keys, eager to get inside, but the door flew open before she could open it. Her anticipation turned to concern when she noticed Jennifer staring at her with an expression of a mixture of relief and worry.
“Caroline!” Jennifer exclaimed, her voice edged with worry as she grabbed Caroline and hugged her before pushing her away to look at her. “Where have you been? I’ve been trying to call you for ages. I was about to phone the police!”
Caroline checked her phone and was shocked to find a barrage of missed calls and messages from both Jennifer and Jules. She had been so engrossed in her conversation with Brad that she hadn’t noticed her phone buzzing in her bag.
“I’m so sorry, Jen,” Caroline apologized, feeling guilty for causing her friend so much distress. “I lost track of time. Let me check in with Jules. She’s also been messaging.”
Jennifer nodded, her concern easing. She stepped aside for Caroline to enter. Caroline dialed her daughter’s number as she walked inside. Jules answered after the third ring. Before Caroline had finished greeting her daughter, she learned that Jules was upset because her father and his new wife were planning to convert her childhood bedroom into a nursery for their expected baby. Caroline did her best to placate her daughter, promising to talk to her father about finding a solution.
Once she hung up, Caroline hurriedly got ready, feeling a sense of urgency to make amends for her absence. Jennifer, who had been patient throughout, smiled as she saw Caroline’s anxiousness.
