Chapter 30
30
Opal
All of the nervous energy that has been coursing through me all day left little room for creativity. Before I went to bed last night, I decided I’d have a gift in hand when I got to William’s apartment.
I’m almost there now, and the only thing in my hands is the special edition of the Turquoise Crown game that I gave him days ago. There is a bottle of red wine in the leather tote bag slung over my shoulder, but that’s the most generic and boring date night gift a girl can give.
When the clock struck seven, I changed into the red dress and matching heels that I had brought to the bar with me today. I didn’t know if I’d have the time to carve out to head home after work to get ready for my dinner date, so I shoved the dress and shoes into a garment bag this morning. Once I got to Turquoise Crown, I hung it on a coatrack in the back office.
I did a quick change, and with a twirl in front of the floor-length mirror in the hallway that leads to the washrooms, I decided that I not only looked presentable, but I felt phenomenal.
My hair is in soft waves around my face, and even though I did apply a little extra makeup before I left the bar, it’s still the natural look I always try to achieve.
As soon as I ordered a rideshare, it hit me that I didn’t have anything other than the game to take to William’s. A quick look behind the bar revealed the bottle of wine that my parents had sent over a few days ago as a pre-launch gift. It’s a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon from a small Napa Valley vineyard. They cracked open one just like it the day I graduated from college, so I know it’s fantastic.
“It’s over there,” the driver says as he gestures to the left. “That building. I can drop you off right in front.”
I take that as a positive sign, so I nod even though his gaze is stuck to the road ahead. Our journey from Manhattan was filled with small talk before it was interrupted by a call from his wife and kids. Listening to him assure them that he’d kiss them goodnight as soon as he got home if they got into bed at that moment brought a smile to my face.
My dad used that same tactic on me when he had to work late, and even though I can’t remember every time he came into my room to kiss me goodnight, I know he kept that promise because that’s the kind of man he is.
As soon as the car has stopped, he’s out of his seat and opening the rear passenger door. “I can help you out.”
It’s an offer I won’t refuse because the game I’m holding has some weight to it. I hand it off to him as I slide out of the car. As soon as I’m on my feet, I take it back and hold it close. “You’ve been so gracious. Thank you.”
“Tell me if I’m out of line, but this is a first date, isn’t it?”
Smiling, I study his face. I’m not the best at guessing another person’s age, but I think he has to be in his mid-thirties, if not a bit younger than that. I’ve learned that insight into others can’t be measured by a calendar, though. I’ve met people decades older than me who lack wisdom, and some years younger who seem to have been born with it.
“Is it that obvious?” I ask him.
“The look on your face matches my wife’s when I invited her to my apartment for the first time.” He lets out a low chuckle. “I served her pasta from a can, and we split a soda.”
“That sounds perfect,” I whisper as a couple holding hands strolls by on the sidewalk in front of William’s building.
“It was.” He nods. “We recreate that same meal on our wedding anniversary every year.”
“You’re a lucky man,” I assume because he radiates joy. I see it in his green eyes as he talks about his wife, and I heard it in his voice when he spoke to his kids on the phone.
“Enjoy tonight.” He rubs his chin. “It might be the beginning of a story that lasts a lifetime.”
For the first time all day, I feel my pulse slow slightly. A sudden calmness settles over me as I look toward William’s building again and spot him opening the lobby door. He’s dressed in charcoal gray pants and a black sweater. He’s pushed up the sleeves, revealing his toned forearms. He truly is a striking man with a smile that could stop traffic. Knowing that smile is just for me fills me with a sense of happiness I haven’t felt in a long time.
“Thank you again,” I tell the driver. “I’m going to take your advice and enjoy every second of tonight.”