Chapter Twelve
AUSTIN
This might be the best date I’ve ever been on.
Yes, it had an unexpected start, and the ex-boyfriend showing up really threw me off.
But ultimately, I had no problem pretending to be Isabella’s new boyfriend.
Hopefully this Dexter guy takes this as an invitation to leave town just as quickly as he arrived.
Isabella is…well, let’s just say it’s impossible not to be impressed by her.
Sure, she’s beautiful, but that’s not even what stands out the most. She’s smart, funny, driven, and completely comfortable being herself.
Every answer she gives surprises me in the best way.
We have so much in common that it’s almost eerie.
Dinner was incredible. The food and the conversation flowed so naturally. It felt like talking to someone I’d known for years instead of someone I’d only recently met. Every time I learn something new about her, I want to know more.
Now we're back in the car, heading out to Marlow’s Soda and Dessert Shop. I really hope this place lives up to the hype. It’s supposed to be quaint, unique, and off the beaten path.
When I was trying to decide what to do tonight, I wanted something different.
Isabella has lived in LA for years and traveled all over the world with her dance career.
I’m sure she’s seen incredible places and been on dates an old-fashioned soda shop probably won’t compare too. But I’m trying my best to impress her.
“Okay,” she says, turning toward me. “It’s my turn to ask a question.”
I smile. “Go for it.”
“Who would you consider your best friend, and how long have you known them?”
“That’s a good question.” I think about it for a moment. “Honestly, I lost touch with a lot of friends from my past. Not everyone embraces success, and sometimes you can lose people because of it.”
A flicker of understanding crosses her face, and she nods. “Oh, yeah. I’ve experienced the same thing.”
This isn’t surprising. Fame comes with a lot of perks, but it also has a way of showing you who you can really count on. I had a teammate that used to say his success in hockey helped him weed out the real friends.
“But hockey has brought some incredible people into my life,” I continue. “There are teammates I’d trust with just about anything. Some of those guys have become family which helps when you’re away from home as much as we are.”
She smiles softly.
“And then there are my brothers,” I say. “They’re my best friends.”
Her smile widens. “Tell me more about them. Of course you’ve already been lucky enough to meet my gem of a brother.”
I laugh. “Fair point.”
I take a second, thinking about my family.
“My brother, Logan, is the guy you can always count on. If you call him at three in the morning because your car broke down, he’d be there before you finished explaining the problem.
” I grin. “He just got engaged to his high school sweetheart, and he asked me to be his best man along with our other brother. Honestly, I can’t think of a bigger honor. ”
“Aww,” Isabella says. “I love that.”
“Yeah, they’re great together.” I shake my head. “Then there’s our baby brother, Brendan. He’s in medical school and crushing it. The guy has always been smart. Growing up, he was the kid who never had to study and still got perfect scores. It was honestly annoying.”
She laughs.
“But he works hard too,” I add. “He deserves every bit of success he’s earned. I couldn’t be prouder of them both.”
For a moment, I stare out at the road ahead.
“Like I told you, I miss them a lot,” I admit quietly. “But whenever we get together, it’s like no time has passed. We just pick up right where we left off.”
Isabella’s expression softens. “I can tell how much you love them.”
“I do.” I smile. “They, along with our parents, have been my biggest supporters in my career. No matter what I could always count on them. My parents have sacrificed a lot so all three of us have been able to follow our dreams.”
“I love hearing stories like that.”
The warmth in her voice settles over me like a blanket. And even when we both grow silent, it feels just as comfortable as the conversation.
“What about you? Tell me about your friends,” I say.
She grins. “I’m very lucky. In the dance world I have the most incredible group of diverse, talented individuals surrounding me.
One of my best friends, Natalia, also came to Ballroom Dance America with me.
We’ve literally danced in the same circle for years.
And my roommate, Elise, and I have been friends forever, she’s a powerhouse in entertainment law.
She’s a great person to have in your corner both personally and professionally.
“I’m sure they all miss you a lot,” I say. I imagine Isabella is a bright spot wherever she goes.
“Maybe,” she says. “This is probably going to sound strange, but I’m grateful for this injury in some ways.”
“Why is that?” I ask. I’m genuinely curious because as an athlete it would feel like torture to not be able to play.
“Only because it’s given me a chance to spend quality time with my family. And especially my nephew. If I hadn’t come here now, I would’ve missed seeing him at this age.”
I listen intently as she continues. “And of course it’s forced me to slow down, which I hate. I’ll keep going, pushing myself past the point of exhaustion.”
“Everyone needs a break,” I tell her. Although I’m the last person who would listen to this advice.
“I know,” she wails. “Do you like to slow down?”
I scoff. “Are you kidding? No way. I dish out the advice, but I rarely take it.”
She laughs. “It’s nice talking to someone who understands.”
Yes, it is.
Our conversation is going so well and easy that I feel comfortable enough to ask her about the elephant in the room.
“So, while we’re talking about friends and people in our lives. What’s the story with Dexter?”
Her smile fades. “I was wondering if you were going to bring him up.”
Truthfully, I didn’t want to, but I’m curious. When did they break up and why? And how serious were they?
“You don’t have to share if you don’t want to…”
She shakes her head. “No, I do. Especially since you—”
“Covered for you and told him I was your boyfriend,” I offer.
“Yep, that.” She exhales and starts talking.
“Well, it’s been almost a year since Dexter and I split,” she says softly. “We were moving in completely different directions. I was consumed with making it onto Ballroom Dance America, and Dexter was just as focused on building his business. Eventually, it all became too much for both of us.”
She pauses and looks out the passenger window, watching the dark countryside move past.
“Although, my mom and Sammy think he was threatened by everything that came with my dance career. It can be a lot of unwanted attention, plus the travel and long hours. But I don’t know if he felt that way or not. He never said anything about it.”
There's a sadness in her voice that stirs something strange inside me. I’m starting to wonder if there are still some lingering feelings for him. And just the thought of this bothers me.
“Anyway, we went our separate ways and haven’t spoken since. Then a few days ago he texted to see how I was recovering.”
“And you told him you’d moved on—with me.”
A laugh escapes her. “Well, technically, I told him I moved on. My mother is the one who dragged you into it.”
“Right.” I nod. “This is your mother’s fault.”
I knew I liked her mom.
I focus on the road ahead as I gather my thoughts.
“It was probably confusing for you to see him tonight.”
“Yes,” she admits after a few seconds. “Confusing is one way to describe it…but shocked is probably more accurate. Dexter isn’t the type to drop everything and fly across the country. That’s very unlike him.”
Hmm…which means he's serious. He didn't just accept her text and move on. He came here because he wants her back.
The thought creates another strange feeling inside me. And considering this is only our second date, it’s too soon to have such strong emotions.
“He’s not ready to give up yet,” I say. “That’s why he’s here. It takes a lot of nerve to show up at your ex’s parents’ house.”
She doesn't answer right away. I wish I knew what was going through her head.
“He will,” she says finally. “Nothing has changed for either of us. We grew apart—we’re different people now.”
The certainty in her voice should make me feel better, but it doesn’t. Thankfully the GPS loudly instructs me to turn right. I glance at the screen and turn down a narrow road lined with old brick buildings.
We're almost at our destination, which is probably for the best. I think we both need a break from this conversation.
The street looks like a picture on the front of a postcard. There are lanterns hanging between storefronts along with pumpkins, fall accents, and garlands. And I wasn’t the only one with the idea to come here tonight because every parking spot is taken.
“Oh, wow.” Isabella leans forward. “It looks busy.”
“Yes.” I breathe a sigh of relief. “I was just thinking the same thing. At least now you won’t think I drove you out to the middle of nowhere for nothing.”
She laughs. “I was wondering…”
After circling around the block, I finally find a parking spot a short walk away.
There’s a cool breeze and the smell of warm cinnamon fills the air as we head toward Marlow’s. We stroll side by side, looking around to take in the views of the quaint town. We pass a pharmacy that looks like it’s been around for centuries, a small market, a toy store, and an antique shop.
“This town is so cute. I—”
Her boot catches on an uneven section of sidewalk. I watch as she starts falling, but fortunately my reflexes are faster. Without skipping a beat, I reach for her, wrapping my arms around her before disaster strikes. She grabs onto me just as tightly, steadying herself against my chest.
“I got you,” I assure her.
Her eyes find mine. And for a moment, neither of us moves. It feels like time stands still, like I’m in one of those romantic comedy movies my mom loves.