Page 22 of Second Dance
“Can we do this again?” Alex asked. “I could take you to dinner sometime this week.”
My gaze lingered on the ebb and flow of the tide, in and out, barely missing our bare feet, tiny bubbles forming in the sand. Was this right? Or was resurrecting the past the worst thing Icould do for all of us? Regardless of my questions, I looked up and into his warm eyes. “I’d like that. Very much.”
Voices drifted from the living room as I let myself in through the back door. Grace was still awake with Annie and Delphine, whom I'd left with her while I met Alex. I set my bag on the counter and paused for a moment, needing to collect myself. My reaction to Alex had been exactly the same as fourteen years ago—he charmed me, interested me, made my stomach flutter. No one had ever made me feel the way he did. And he still did. But it all felt like a dream. How was it possible that he'd suddenly shown up in my life again? The coincidence astounded me. Was it possible that God had brought us back together? That this wasn't coincidence at all, but fate?
I could still feel his jacket around my bare shoulders, and the scent of his cologne lingered on my skin. Delphine had left a clean, empty wine glass next to the refrigerator, probably assuming I’d want a drink when I returned home. Smiling at her thoughtfulness, I poured myself a bit of the pinot grigio from the bottle she’d opened and went to join them.
All three were sitting on the couch together, watching a reality show on television. But the moment I entered the room, Delphine used the remote to pause the show.
Grace bounded to her feet. “Mom, how was it?”
I plopped into one of the easy chairs and drew my legs under me, then took a sip of wine before answering. “It was great. Like amazingly so.”
“Tell us everything,” Delphine said.
I gave them a rundown of the evening, starting with our time at The Pelican and ending with the walk on the beach. “The sunwas setting, and it was so pretty, and it felt easy to be with him. I can’t explain it, but it was like no time had passed. He made me feel young again.”
“You are young, Mom. And beautiful,” Grace said.
“Totally,” Annie said.
“What did you learn about his wife?” Delphine asked, always straight to the point. “Does he seem ready to move on?”
“It’s been two years, and he seems ready. He and I both admitted to feeling alone and lonely. At times. He’s very dedicated to his kids, and I have a feeling his daughter might not be excited about a woman in her father’s life.”
“That would be hard,” Annie said. “I couldn’t imagine Mom with anyone else for a long time after Dad died.”
“You don’t need to worry about that,” Delphine said. “I have no intention of giving myself that kind of headache.”
“Did he tell you about his company?” Annie asked. “And did he seem super rich?”
“He did tell me about it,” I said, explaining about his sister’s early death and how it influenced him. “He wanted to make something so that no other child and family had to go through what they did. And he did it. Which is remarkable. I knew that he was exceptional way back when.” I paused, reflecting for a moment before explaining further. I’d sensed a greatness about him when we were young. I knew he’d do something special with his life. Maybe that’s why I insisted we part ways. Grace had to be my focus, and I knew his generous nature would have clouded his judgment. He’d have wanted to take care of us somehow. I could not have that on my conscience.
“As far as his wealth goes—he seemed the exact same as he’d been when I knew him. Humble. Curious. Down to earth. There’s a sadness to him, though. Just a hint of it in his eyes.”
“He went through a lot, I’m sure,” Delphine said. “Losing a spouse is hard, not to mention the toll caring for a sick loved one.”
I thought about that for a moment, remembering Delphine in the year after her husband’s death. Although his illness had not been as obvious as cancer, his depression had been there all along. She’d not told us until later how much he’d struggled with his mental health over the years. Still, she’d said, she never thought he would do something so drastic. For a time afterward, she’d not been her feisty self. It was as if his death had snatched away the most beautiful parts of her. She’d no longer seemed invincible, the tough outer layer stripped away to reveal her vulnerabilities and grief. But she’d eventually gotten better, day after day, until now, she was almost the woman I’d first met. There was always a hint of tragedy just below the surface. Just like I’d sensed in Alex. Only with Alex, I also felt a sense of resilience and hope for a future love. Delphine seemed as closed off to the idea as anyone I’d ever known.
“She was sick for a few years before she passed away,” I said. “After they lost her, he felt it was important to be with his children more, so he sold the company. And moved them all here.”
“It’s very odd that he’s in Willet Cove,” Delphine said. “Are we sure this guy isn’t some kind of weird stalker?”
I laughed. “Not likely. He didn’t even know I was here. Plus, if he’d been that obsessed with me, he would have found me sooner. It’s not like anyone can hide these days, what with social media and all.”
“I think it’s very romantic,” Annie said. “Star crossed lovers find each other again.”
“I still question the odds of it happening organically,” Delphine said, “but it does seem to be true.”
“Mom, you’re all sparkly,” Grace said.
“Am I?” I played with one of my hoop earrings, smiling despite my intention to remain stoic. “I had a really nice time. That’s all.”
“Are you seeing him again?” Annie asked.
“Yes, he’s taking me to dinner tomorrow night,” I said.
“Two nights in a row? Are you sure about that?” Delphine tossed her dark tresses behind her shoulders and lifted her chin, always the protector.
