Page 25 of Since the Day We Wished

Luke chuckled, the sound rumbling deep in his chest as he leaned back against the plush cushion of the booth. As his eyes met hers, he noticed the way they sparkled and how the sunlight through the diner’s window illuminated the subtle shade of pink on her lips. He was lost in the moment, forgetting about everything else as he savored the easy banter between them.

Emma broke the silence with a playful grin. “But enough about me. Now it’s your turn. Tell me something I don’t know about you.”

While they waited for their food to arrive, Luke shared anecdotes of his life in Chicago, while Emma recounted tales of her upbringing in Hadley Cove. He hung on to her every word, admiring how her love for life came alive through her animated gestures. With Emma, conversation was refreshingly simple, and her sharp sense of humor brought out fits of laughter he hadn’t known in ages. It wasn’t until Phil placed his sandwich in front of him that Luke remembered they were there for lunch, snapping him back to reality.

After they ate, Emma stood up and grabbed Riley’s leash. “I think it’s time for us to head back home. It was fun hanging out, Luke.”

His heart sank at the thought of her leaving. “I had a lot of fun too. Thanks for the invite. And all your help with Jeremiah.”

Emma shot him a friendly smile. “Don’t even mention it.”

As Luke watched her walk out of the diner, he felt a pang of longing in his chest. Her presence had left behind an invisible force he couldn’t rationalize, yet it was undeniably felt. His mind rushed with thoughts of Kate, her memory being the yardstick by which he measured all things.

Is it okay to feel this for another woman?

Emma had ignited something in him, a spark of possibility that had been long forgotten. But he knew he had to let it go. It was only lunch, nothing more, he reminded himself as he left a fifty-dollar bill on the table and made his way home.

Chapter 11

Emma

Knock. Knock. Knock.

Emma shifted beneath her blankets, uncertain whether she had really heard that sound at her door, or if she had dreamt it.

Knock. Knock. Knock.

No, she definitely wasn’t dreaming.

She swung her feet out of bed and into her slippers and walked into the hallway, grabbing her robe as she went. Meanwhile, Riley, ears perked, was alert and sniffing at the front door.

“Open up,” a feminine voice called out on the other side. “It’s me!”

When Emma unlatched the door and pulled it open, Riley's tail kicked into overdrive, wagging frantically from side to side as if he sensed a familiar presence.

Emma stretched, yawning. “Lisa? You're up early.”

Lisa reached down with one hand, giving Riley a scratch behind the ears as she held Tupperware in the other. “You always know how to make someone feel welcome, don't you boy?”

Straightening up, she looked at Emma. “Well, I think you’re gonna love what I’ve brought you...”

“What’d you bring?” She followed Lisa as she breezed through the hall and into the kitchen, with Riley trailing behind.

Lisa set the container on the table and pulled off the lid. “Your favorite—blueberry pancakes!”

Emma’s mind flooded with nostalgia of childhood mornings at her grandma’s house. Even as an adult, blueberry pancakes always brought her back to those cherished times. “You didn’t!” Her mouth dropped. "So, to what do I owe this early morning pancake delivery?" she asked, still marveling at the surprise as she moved to grab some plates and utensils.

Lisa shrugged, taking a seat at the kitchen table. "Oh, I just thought it would be a nice way to start the day. Besides, it's been a while since we caught up.

"That it has," Emma agreed, setting a plate in front of Lisa and another for herself, then began serving the pancakes. Riley watched intently, perhaps hopeful that one would fall his way.

As the aroma of fresh blueberry pancakes filled the air, Emma felt grateful for the simple joys that made life sweeter—even if it meant starting her day a bit earlier than planned.

After grabbing the syrup, Emma took to the coffeemaker, preparing a brew, then fetched two mugs from the shelf above the sink. Turning around, she noticed Lisa’s fingers tapping against the smooth surface of the table.

“So, has anything new happened lately?” Lisa asked.

Emma sat down and picked up her fork. “No, not really. Business is good, and my summer tutoring sessions are starting back up soon.”

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