Page 40 of Sensing Selma
“No. I admit I’m a little intimidated by the prospect. I have to speak more like a well-educated gentleman,” he said with a more pronounced accent.
“Oh!”I said with a laugh. “And you do it so well. You’ll be wonderful. I have no doubt.”
Moon Manor came into view, and I slowed my pace, unwilling to have the moment end. It was so nice, just the two of us, just chatting, just walking.
I suddenly realized that once back inside that house, I might never have the chance to be alone with him again.
“Would you mind if we stopped in the garden a moment?”I said, looking for any excuse to prolong my time with him. “I’m still all wet and I would really like to avoid the questioning glances I’m sure to get inside.”
“I understand.” He gestured to the one bench that wasn’t shaded by the tall trees. “There’s a bit of sun here. It’ll help get you dry in no time.”
With a slight shiver I sat down, relieved to see him quickly sit down beside me.
I chuckled softly. “I must tell you, you’ve charmed my mother like few men ever have. She really thinks you’re a very special man.”
He laughed. “I was instantly charmed by her. I think I’ve always had a soft spot for the vulnerable. My own grandmother had such a gentle heart, was such a kind soul. Not that your mother is as old as my grandmother was, but I always feel the need to make things easier for people who face adversity.”
“So kind of you. My mother has been through a rough time lately. At times it makes her a little...well, unhappy...which can make her a little unpleasant. But she really is a wonderful woman.”I looked up at him, my heart jumping every time I looked into his eyes. I wanted to melt into him. Should I tell him? Would he think me silly? “She’s a wonderful mother,” I said instead.
“I’d already determined that,” he said. “I would have to assume that her daughter has the same qualities. Strong, resilient...kind.”
Huh? Did he just compliment me?
“She’s been a great influence on me,” I said, my heart pounding like crazy.
“Is she also the one who taught you to swim?”
With a giggle, I playfully slapped his arm. “Stop teasing,” I said through my laughter. “I told you. I do know how to swim. I simply panicked in that moment, that’s all.”
“If you insist. Perhaps one day we could go back to the pond and go for a swim.”
“With all those snakes and frogs and who knows what else? No thank you.”
“Well, in that case, perhaps we can find a pool somewhere.”
“That won’t be necessary,” I said as I twisted around to face him. “I’d much prefer to see you on solid ground.”
His eyes locked on mine. “Me, too. Solid ground suits me just fine.”
*****
FOR NEARLY AN HOUR, I’d sat before the mirror in my room, looking at my reflection and trying to see myself through his eyes.
Earlier when we finally entered Moon Manor, we’d parted ways. I was nearly dry and there was no one around to question my disheveled state.
“Go take a nice warm shower and I’m sure you’ll feel much better,” he’d said, his smile alone enough to warm me. “I know I’ll feel better after a good shower.”
Indeed, the hot shower had washed away what remained of the cold pond water on my skin. I’d felt so much better...except for the intense longing to see him again.
Now, tired of simply thinking about him, I headed down to the main floor to seek him out. I didn’t want to appear too obvious, so I meandered from room to room. I watched the workers for a while as they took one large room and split it into two smaller rooms.
I moved on to another room where three women were reading their lines with much animation.
Finally, I found myself in the piano room. I went to the piano, hit a few keys, but my heart wasn’t in the mood to play. I felt no music in me. My every thought was on Damen.
“Another chance to hear you play?”
Startled, I turned to see Major Cooper standing in the doorway.
