Page 40 of Serenity at Seagrove
Luna turned and looked in the mirror. The dress was simple but elegant, with a subtle shimmer that looked like sea glass. She felt completely sophisticated and totally herself.
"He won't know what hit him," Janine said.
"That's not at all what I'm trying to do," Luna protested, but she was quite sure that her voice lacked all the conviction in the world.
"Isn't it?" Janine said, meeting her eyes in the mirror. "Luna, when are you just going to admit that what's happening between you and Archer is more than friendship?"
Luna sank into one of the plush chairs in the boutique, still wearing the green dress. "I cannot let myself think that way, Janine. There's just too much at stake."
"Like what?"
"Like Serenity. Like his recovery. Like... like my heart."
Janine sat beside her and took one of her hands. "You know what I think? I think you're scared because this is way too real. This thing with Archer, it's... it's not like it was with your ex-husband, where everything was all planned and proper. This thing is unexpected and messy and absolutely genuine."
Luna thought about the morning golf lesson and how her skin had tingled where he touched her, but how natural it felt to have all those moments with him.
"He makes me forget to be careful with my heart," she admitted softly.
"Well, that might be exactly what you need. You came to Seagrove to help others, but maybe you're also here to help yourself learn to be happy."
Luna stood and looked in the mirror again. "This green one," she said finally. "It feels right."
"Like someone else we know," Janine teased.
Luna smiled and allowed her heart to flutter at the thought of Archer seeing her in this dress and dancing with him under the stars.
* * *
Archer stood in front of the mirror, adjusting his tie for the third time. The golf classic had been part of his life for many years before he left Seagrove, but this was his first time as a participant and a junior coach. Today felt different because Luna would be there.
"You're going to wear out that tie if you don't stop fiddling with it," Dawson said in the doorway.
"Why are you always creeping around my room?" Archer joked.
"I don't have anything else to do," Dawson said sheepishly. “I finished the to-do list Julie left me this morning.”
"I just want everything to be perfect," Archer said, turning to face his friend. "Those kids have been practicing hard for the exhibition."
"Right, the kids. That's what you're so nervous about," Dawson said with a knowing smile.
Archer wanted to throw something at him. "It has nothing to do with a certain therapist in a new dress."
Archer's hand went to his pocket, where that email from Oakland Hills felt like it was burning a hole. He should have already told Luna. It had been too long now. He should have just been honest before even asking her on this date, before letting himself fall.
"You still haven't told her," Dawson suddenly said. It wasn't a question.
"I will after the tournament. I just don’t want to ruin today."
"Archer—"
"I know, okay? I know I’m making it worse by waiting, and she’s going to be really upset with me, but you should have seen her lately. The way she lights up when she talks about Serenity, about building a life here. How am I supposed to tell her I might be leaving? And why do I even assume that she’ll care? Maybe I’m just a client to her."
Dawson leaned against the doorframe. "You’re not just worried about telling her about the job, are you?"
"What do you mean?"
"I mean, you’re falling for her. Hard. Actually, I think you’ve already fallen, and that scares you more than any career decision."
