Page 24 of Beanful Wishes

As Sophia launches into a vivid description of pumpkin carving contests and corn maze adventures, I find myself wishing I could have been there with her.

“I’ll send you some pictures,” she says. “Unless you’ve already seen everything on social media.”

“I have not.” But I will, as soon as we wrap up our conversation.

"Oh!" she exclaims suddenly. "I almost forgot. Did you take pictures of the Reading Oasis progress? I’d love to post an update."

“I didn’t take a single picture all day," I say. “It honestly didn’t even occur to me.”

Sophia laughs. "Seriously? Have I taught you nothing?"

"I guess I was so caught up in the work, it didn't even cross my mind,” I say. “See? That's why I need you there. You never forget the important stuff."

"Well, I guess you'll just have to give me a personal tour soon," she teases. “And I’m sure you did plenty of important stuff today.”

“Not unless you count assembling shelving units and painting walls.” I turn and lean back against the rail. The sun has set and it’s getting dark.

“I do,” Sophia says with a yawn.

“I should let you go.” I’m surprised how reluctant I am to end our conversation. “I’m sure you’ve had a long day.

“I did. And I should probably fix something to eat.” She seems as reluctant to end the call as I am. “Sounds like you had a pretty busy day too. Let’s catch up soon.”

"What are you doing tomorrow night?” I ask, my heart racing. “Would you like to have dinner with me?"

There's a pause on the other end of the line, and for a moment, I worry I've overstepped.

"I'd love to,” she says.

Chapter Eleven

Sophia

Iwalk down Front Street, my heels clicking against the sidewalk as the evening falls over downtown Wilmington. The nerves I've been battling all day flutter in my stomach again as I near Circa 1922.

Catching sight of my reflection in a shop window, I pause. My hand instinctively goes to my hair, smoothing a few errant strands. The charcoal gray pantsuit I'm wearing suddenly feels too formal. Maybe I should have gone with the green wrap dress after all.

I take a deep breath, reminding myself that it's Jake I’m meeting. Dinner with the man I've spent countless hours with over coffee and wishes.

The man who makes my heart race every time he smiles at me. It’s the thought of that smile that gets me moving again.

I round the corner and spot him standing in front of the restaurant. He looks incredibly handsome in a blue button-down, gray sports jacket, and dark jeans. When he sees me, his face lights up with a smile that makes my knees weak.

"Hi," I say, hoping my voice doesn't betray how nervous I am. "I hope I didn't keep you waiting."

"Not at all," Jake replies, his eyes warm as they meet mine. "You look amazing."

I feel warmth creep up my cheeks at his compliment. "Thanks. You clean up pretty well yourself."

“I do my best.” His grin helps ease some of the tension. He opens the door and I step inside, taking in the familiar atmosphere of one of my favorite Wilmington eateries.

“Your table should be ready in 15 minutes,” the young hostess says. “Would you like to wait at the bar?”

“Good with you?” Jake asks, turning to face me.

I nod and order my favorite, a lemon drop martini when we get settled.

“I’ll take whatever local beer you have on tap,” Jake says.

---