Page 6 of Summer Ever After
Instead, I focus on my feelings and the flutters in my heart.
Hmm.
There’s no fluttering.
That’s okay. This relationship is a work in progress. Stomach flutters can come later. This isn’t the love-at-first-sight trope. The slow, agonizing pining of friends to more is what I’m after.
“Jane, how’s it going?” Beau asks with his nice smile.
“Hi.” I stand, giving him the full preview of my dress.
“Wow. You look great.”
Appraise away, Beau Palmer. Appraise away.
His eyes end their roaming way too quickly, popping back up to meet my gaze. “Are you going somewhere after dinner?”
Based on his lack of reaction, I should lie and say I am. But there’s always the possibility that things go well on this date, and I don’t want Beau to end the night early because he thinks I have somewhere to be. Best to keep my schedule clear.
“No, I’m not going anywhere.” I wave him off. “I just felt like dressing up. I rarely go out, so…”
Beau nods a few too many times, and I feel like we need some physical contact to break the iceberg forming between us. He must think so, too, because his hand darts out to shake mine just as I lean in for a hug. His fingers smoosh against that line of cleavage I was proud of earlier, but I’m committed to the hug. There’s no turning back now. We both end the awkward body contact as quickly as possible without acknowledging the accidental forced groping—it’s better this way.
“Sorry to keep you waiting.” He takes his seat, scooting his chair in. “Have you been here long?”
“Just a few minutes. Did you come straight from work?” I rest my elbow on the table and my chin in my hand, very flirtatious-like. “I love a man in uniform.”
“I chose my dark-navy uniform today instead of classic blue.”
“Excellent choice. You look very handsome.”
“I’m just trying to keep up with you.”
I blush in response, batting my eyes. At least, I try to blush. Can a person force that kind of reaction? I don’t know. But who cares? We’re being cute and flirty, and that’s all that matters.
This date is off to a great start, minus Beau’s hand smooshing against my chest. I guess that could be considered great, depending on your goals.
“Hey, you two.” Marlyss Gapmeyer stands over us with a pitcher of water. It’s no surprise she is at the restaurant tonight—she owns the Beach Break Bar, and Sunday evenings are usually one of the busiest nights.
“Hey, Marlyss.” Her dark-brown hair is pulled back into a low ponytail, the tail part being very short since she had Holland chop her hair off last week. “Are you nervous about the city council meeting tomorrow night? It’s a controversial topic around the island.”
She starts pouring water into each of our cups. “I’ve been talking to a lot of people, and the majority of them want to rebuild the community pool.”
“A rebuild could definitely help patch up some of the lingering resentment people have about the last pool.” Beau looks my way, as if trying to convince me of something. “I want what’s best for Sunset Harbor.”
“I know that.”
“Hailey and her friends are really hoping we get thefunding for the pool,” Marlyss says. “She’s already planning on working there as a lifeguard.”
“Man, I can’t believe you have a daughter old enough to be a lifeguard at the pool.” Beau smiles. “How old is Hailey now?”
“Just turned fifteen and started a little babysitting business on the island.” Marlyss pulls out her notepad. “But that’s enough about that. Are you two ready to order?”
I hand her back the menu. “I’ll just have my usual.”
“I’ll have my usual too.”
Marlyss points at me. “One teriyaki chicken rice bowl”—she points at Beau—“and a bleu cheese bacon burger.” We both nod as she tucks her notepad back into her apron. “Coming right up.”
