Page 52 of When You Smile

“You’re quiet tonight,” Taryn said as they drove. The sun had long left them as they moved through the quiet streets of town. Holiday lights twinkled brightly from the houses and businesses they passed, sprinkling the whole occasion with extra added magic. She had something to celebrate this year. She tried to concentrate on that.

“I am? I’m sorry.” She sent Taryn a smile. “Just enjoying the drive with you. Truly.” But there was more to the story that she’d left out. She’d been in her head since Emerson’s newsflash at the library. Why hadn’t she just said so?

“I’m enjoying it too, but are you sure that’s all?”

Instead of hanging on to the information any longer, she decided to take her own advice and try to be open with Taryn. “I found out that Danny was planning to propose later this month. On Christmas.”

“Ah. And you likely have a million different feelings after hearing that.”

“A few.” She placed a hand on Taryn’s knee. “But regret isn’t one of them, okay?”

“Okay,” Taryn said, but it was clear that she felt off balance now. How could she not?

She tried to concentrate on Emerson’s advice as well. Transitions were tricky. That’s all this was. Once everyone settled in, everything would right itself.

“But do you know what I need more than anything right now?”

“What’s that?” Taryn asked.

“To escape with you. I’m really looking forward to having a dinner away from campus and stress and all the expectations that hover. Just you and me.”

Taryn exhaled slowly. “And I think that’s all I needed to hear.” She pointed at the road ahead of them. “Take me to this restaurant because now I can’t wait.” She cranked the music and Charlie laughed, feeling her spirits lift easily along with Taryn’s.

When they arrived at North Star, Charlie was immediately taking in the details. As a writer, the little things mattered a great deal, and the specifics of a setting had always intrigued her. The room had approximately fifteen tables, of which about two-thirds were occupied. The soft sounds of clinking glassware and hushed laugher welcomed them along with quiet music.

“This is gorgeous,” Taryn said as they were shown to a table in the corner, adorned with a white linen tablecloth and a small flickering candle.

And romantic, Charlie’s brain supplied. As they sat, she allowed herself to bask in the shadows and light the flame cast on Taryn’s face. She glowed in the soft chair across from Charlie as she surveyed the tall menu, like Belle in the castle.

“What are you laughing about over there?”

“I’m not laughing. I’m taking in my date.”

“Your date,” Taryn said. “Still getting used to that.”

Charlie sipped her water. “Me, too. Some wine or a cocktail?”

“My question exactly,” their server said, arriving just on time. Tall and blond with kind eyes. “I’m Justine, here to make sure your evening is everything you’d hoped.”

Charlie already liked Justine and her warmth. “I’ll have a glass of the house pinot, but then cut me off. I’m the driver.”

“I’m not. I’ll have the rum breeze.”

“Now you’re just showing off,” Charlie said once they were alone. Taryn nodded solemnly, and Charlie laughed. This woman was thoughtful and funny. In her opinion, it was the absolute best combination. “This right here is what I’ve been looking forward to.”

“I mean, it’s okay,” Taryn said and passed Charlie a sly grin she wanted to kiss off her face. That was the thing about kissing Taryn. Once she’d done it, she just wanted to keep doing it more. Even in the most inopportune moments. Class discussions. Traffic lights. In the middle of teaching her class. The desire really didn’t discriminate. It was a new and somewhat perplexing experience. Had she ever once fantasized like that about anyone else? She didn’t even have to search for the answer.

Charlie began to butter her warm bread. “I’ll see what I can do to make it better.”

Taryn’s eyes went wide, and she sat slowly back in her chair. Jackpot. Dating was actually more fun than Charlie’d ever realized. After a quick scan of the menu, Justine returned, and Charlie ordered the scallop risotto and Taryn chose the roasted chicken.

“Is the restaurant family owned?” Charlie asked Justine.

“It is. Rosemary and Eva are the owners, and everyone adores them. Been together for forty-two years and were married just as soon as they were allowed.” She craned her neck to the left, searching. “Rosemary is around here somewhere, probably in the kitchen making sure the food is just how she likes it. She just might swing by and check on you.” Justine touched the table. “Back shortly with your food.”

Charlie went still. Rosemary and Eva were a lesbian couple. It was an incredibly common occurrence in this day and age, but it hadn’t been back in theirs. Yet they’d held on to each other anyway. Something about sitting in their restaurant with Taryn felt like a giant arrow sign, telling her that she was finally living the life she was meant to live. And it felt so damn good that tears sprang into her eyes.

“Hey,” Taryn said quietly, leaning in. “Everything okay?”

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