Page 40 of Since the Day We Wished

“Well, we’ll sit out there if that’s alright.”

“For you, anything!”

As Carmen walked away, Emma and Luke remained standing, holding hands. Emma felt a surge of joy and excitement, but also a twinge of uncertainty. She couldn’t believe she was here with someone new, someone who made her feel so alive.

A few minutes later, they were shown to their table on the terrace, with a breathtaking view of the ocean. Waves rose and fell in a soothing rhythm, their white crests crashing against the shore in a spray of foam. Seagulls soared overhead, their calls blending with the distant sound of boats and jet skis. The afternoon sunbathed everything in a warm golden light, casting long shadows on the sand and creating a shimmering path on the water’s surface. Emma was captivated by the beauty of it all. Luke held her hand as they sat down, and a sense of peace swept over her.

As she daydreamed about a future with Luke, walks on the beach, lazy Sundays curled up together, and whispered promises of forever, Emma felt a flicker of doubt. The memories of Chad’s betrayal lingered, casting a shadow of uncertainty over Emma’s heart. She remembered the nights spent crying, the endless questions that kept her awake. She didn’t want to make the same mistakes again, and the fear of repeating the past held her back. Emma longed for certainty, for a sign that would guide her in the right direction.

She genuinely liked Luke but wasn’t sure if she was ready for something more serious. How would she ever truly know?

Chapter 18

Luke

Luke’s smile never left his face as he listened to Carmen and Emma chat at their table. Carmen’s humor was contagious, and the sound of Emma’s laughter was music to his ears. Earlier he had hesitated before taking Emma’s hand as they walked through the restaurant, feeling a twinge of nervousness about how she might react if it was too bold of a move. But he was relieved seeing the boost of confidence it had given Emma and was glad he had taken the chance.

“Does your nephew still perform here?” Emma asked Carmen, taking a sip of her water.

“Oh, yes! Antonio is here tonight. Didn’t you see him? Well, I guess they aren’t playing live yet. This is a record we have playing over the speakers right now. But they’ll be starting soon, so if you have any requests, better get them in now!”

Emma chuckled. “I’m sure he’ll play all of my old favorites.”

“If I tell him you’re here, he certainly will. I’ll bring you two some drinks on the house while you peruse the menu.”

“Thanks, Carmen! Must be our lucky day.” A smile lingered on Emma’s face as she picked up the menu and began scanning the options.

“It’s always good to see an old friend.” Carmen flashed a grin before making her way to the kitchen.

“So, what do you recommend?” Luke asked, looking over Emma.

“Everything. Well, at least the vegan dishes.”

“What are they? Can you show me?”

Emma put down her menu and leaned across the table. “Well, there’s spaghetti marinara, butternut squash ravioli, and sweet potato gnocchi...that one’s my favorite. All the pasta here is made without egg, so it’s all vegan. They even have vegan meatballs if you’re feeling brave.”

“It all sounds delicious. I guess I’ll try the gnocchi unless you’re getting that.”

“You can have some of mine if you want to try something else,” Emma offered. “We can share.”

“Then vegan meatballs it is!” Luke closed his menu and took a gulp of his water.

“Even I’ve never tried those,” Emma giggled. “But I guess there’s a first time for everything.”

Carmen returned to their table with two margaritas and took their orders. Luke checked his watch to make sure he wasn’t running late for Jeremiah. He had promised to pick him up from the animal rescue and order some pizza for dinner. Luckily, he still had two hours to spare.

As they savored their delicious meal and shared stories, Luke found himself falling for Emma more deeply with each passing moment. Everything about her was captivating, from her infectious laughter to the way she crinkled her nose when discussing things she disliked. It was more than a feeling, he realized. Emma was truly special.

Luke was stuffed after his second glass of wine and half a plate of sweet potato gnocchi and vegan meatballs.

“Those meatballs might even be better than the real thing,” he remarked, wiping his face.

Emma chuckled, spearing one off his plate. “It’s a bit odd to call them ‘meatballs,’ don’t you think?”

Luke watched as she cut them in half with her fork and knife. “What about...neatballs?”

Emma howled with laughter. “You know what...that’s pretty dumb, but I like it!”

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