Page 24 of Hibiscus Heights

April just shook her head, clearly seeing through that excuse.

Deb let out a breath. The real reason she agreed?

There was still an infinitesimal chance that someday she might meet her soulmate, which sounded so juvenile for a woman her age that she couldn’t even say it. She longed for that experience and those feelings again. That’s why dating apps were filled with people over forty.

“With all your experience, you think you know people,” April said, tidying the counter. “What if Matteo is just a nice guy who made a couple of mistakes when he was younger and is now trying to do his best for everyone involved?”

“He probably is.” Deb picked up a shell and turned it over.

“So what if Matteo wants to meet Ryan? I’m happy to introduce them if he has something to offer the Majestic. Are you still afraid of getting hurt?”

“That’s not fair,” Deb replied. “That was a long time ago.”

“I don’t understand you. It sounds like this guy has a fabulous lifestyle. You’d love that.”

Deb picked up a spiral conch shell and held it to her ear. “As kids, we thought we could hear the ocean inside. But then I learned this shape acts as a natural amplifier, particularly for low-range ambient sounds. See? I know too much now. The magic is gone.”

“You’re stalling,” April said, taking the shell from her. “Come on, what’s the matter with you?”

“Here’s what’s wrong,” Deb said slowly. “Do you know that warm feeling you get when you look at Ryan? When he touches your hand or surprises you?”

“Of course, that’s called love.”

“Well, I don’t feel it. Matteo is nice, but I don’t feel the thrill like you do. I see how your eyes brighten and your face flushes. Those are physiological reactions, and I simply don’t have them.”

“Ever?” April’s lips parted with curiosity, and she seemed perplexed. “There are different types of love, like those that grow from friendship.”

Deb shook her head, ignoring April’s initial question. “Love is like choosing the right design elements for a room. You instinctively know when it’s right. I don’t need a friendly roommate. I have Duke, and he makes me happy enough.”

“But if?—”

Deb clasped April’s hands. “Do we have to talk about this? Honestly, it’s a little painful, and I wish people would think before asking me personal questions to satisfy their selfish curiosity. I don’t mean you,” she added quickly. “I know your concern comes from a genuine place of love.”

“I didn’t mean to upset you.” April bit her lip.

Deb squeezed her hands in reassurance. “It wasn’t only you. But can you understand why I was upset?”

April nodded. “You said that I’m in love with love. Maybe a little, but I only want to share that magic with those I love most.”

“Whether I want someone in my life or not is my choice and my decision,” Deb said. “I’ve worked hard and earned the right to treat myself well. I don’t need to compromise my standards for anyone. Surely you can understand that.”

April sipped her mocha java. “I love Ryan, and he’s also my best friend. It’s more than that, though.” Her eyes shimmered with happiness. “We’re better together because we raise each other to better versions of ourselves. We’re committed, and I know he’s the one for me. So, I understand what you mean about instinctively knowing.”

Deb was surprised; she’d never heard April talk about her first husband like that. “Are you sure you’re not moving too fast?”

“I’ve considered that,” April admitted. “But we’re so in sync with each other. We’re planning for our future and creating it together. Ryan respects my responsibilities to my family, and he encourages my dreams. I never thought I’d say this, but in retrospect, Calvin did me a huge favor.”

Deb saw something shift in April’s expression. “Wait a minute, are you engaged?”

April only smiled. “We’re going in that direction, but I don’t know if we’ll formalize it like that. I’ll let you know.”

Realizing this was a massive step for her friend, Deb embraced her. “Maybe you’re the one eloping. If you do, you have my blessing. I only want what’s best for you.”

“And that’s what I want for you,” April said, sipping her coffee. “That’s why I’m being honest with you. You’ve never held back on pursuing your career dreams. And you’ve always wanted a real connection with someone. Now that I have that, I can see what was missing all along. Don’t hold yourself back because you expect men to let you down. Not all of them do.”

Deb was quiet for a moment, considering this. “There are some good guys out there, and Matteo might be one of them. But you said yourself that besides respect and shared goals, there must be an element of magic, a spark of love. That’s not easy to find, especially at my age.”

“You’re an amazing woman at any age.”

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