2. Jenny
Chapter 2
Jenny
T he morning sun filters through my apartment windows, casting a warm glow across the small but cozy space. I stretch out in bed, savoring the few extra minutes of peace before my day officially begins. Mondays always seem to come too quickly, but today, there’s a little extra bounce in my step. My thoughts keep drifting back to last night at the restaurant, and more specifically, to meeting Ethan.
His easy smile, the way his eyes lit up when he teased me, the warmth in his voice when he spoke—it’s all still fresh in my mind. It’s been a while since I felt a connection like that, and I’m not sure what to make of it. But whatever it is, it feels good.
With a sigh, I throw back the covers and swing my feet to the floor. Time to get moving. First graders won’t teach themselves, after all.
After a quick shower, I slip into a floral dress and my favorite pair of sandals, trying to shake off the lingering thoughts of Ethan. But as I head out the door and into the sunny streets of Hibiscus Harbor, the memory of his flirtatious grin keeps me smiling.
The drive to the school is short but refreshing with the windows open, and by the time I arrive, I’m ready to tackle the day. The schoolyard is already buzzing with energy as parents drop off their kids, and I wave to a few familiar faces before spotting my best friend, Brooke, near the entrance to the school where we both teach first grade.
“Morning, sunshine,” Brooke calls out, her grin wide and mischievous as she jogs over to me. “You look like you’re floating on air today. Did something, or someone , put a little extra pep in your step?” I had texted her last night about my impromptu conversation with Ethan.
I roll my eyes but can’t help the smile tugging at my lips. “You know me too well.”
“Oh, I know you better than you know yourself sometimes,” she teases, looping her arm through mine as we walk inside. “So, are you going to tell me about what happened last night, or do I have to drag it out of you?”
“There’s not much to tell,” I say, trying to keep my tone casual even as my thoughts drift back to Ethan’s easy banter and those piercing blue eyes. “We talked, we laughed, and then my ex-husband showed up and ruined the moment.”
“Ugh. Richard.” Brooke groans, making a face. “That guy is like a bad penny—always showing up at the worst times.”
“Tell me about it,” I mutter, shaking my head. “But Ethan—he was great. He stepped in and made sure Richard didn’t push me around which was good because I didn’t want to make a scene at the restaurant. Richard was almost two hours late to the meeting he wanted.”
Brooke’s eyes light up with interest. “Ooh, I like this Ethan already. Did he ask for your number?”
I feel my cheeks heat up. “Yeah, he did. Actually, he just put his in my phone.”
Brooke lets out a squeal of delight, nearly bouncing on her toes. “Yes! You’ve got to tell me if you hear from him.”
“I will,” I promise, laughing at her enthusiasm.
“Good,” Brooke says, giving my arm a supportive squeeze. “I’ve got a good feeling about this one and since I have no love life of my own, I’m going to live vicariously through you.”
With that, we part ways to head to our respective classrooms, but I can’t stop thinking about our conversation. Maybe Brooke’s onto something. Maybe there’s something more to this spark I felt with Ethan.
As I step into my classroom, I’m greeted by the familiar sight of colorful posters, tiny desks, and shelves filled with books and art supplies. The chaos of the room is comforting, a reminder that whatever happens outside these walls, this is where I belong.
By the time the first bell rings, I’m fully immersed in teacher mode. My students trickle in, full of energy and excitement, and soon I’m caught up in the whirlwind of morning routines and answering a million questions all at once.
But even as the day unfolds with its usual mix of excitement and minor disasters, I can’t help but steal glances at my phone, hoping for a message from Ethan. And just when I’m about to give up on the idea, it buzzes in my pocket.
My heart skips a beat as I see Ethan’s name on the screen.
Ethan: Hi, Jenny. I hope you’re having a good day. Any chance you’d like to meet up for coffee later?
I bite my lip, feeling a flutter of excitement as I quickly type out a reply.
Jenny: Hi, Ethan. My day’s going well, thanks. Coffee sounds great. How about after school?
Ethan: Perfect. There’s a little café on the corner called Bean & Bagel. Does 4:00 work for you?
Jenny: Sounds good. See you then.
Ethan: Looking forward to it.
Tucking my phone back into my pocket, I try to focus on the rest of the day, but my thoughts keep drifting back to Ethan. He’s charming, confident, and clearly interested. And while part of me is cautious, thanks to all that Richard has put me through, the other part is excited—excited to see where this could lead.
When the final bell rings, I’m practically buzzing with anticipation. Brooke pops her head into my classroom just as I’m gathering my things to leave, a knowing grin on her face.
“You’ve got that look,” she says, crossing her arms as she leans against the doorframe.
“What look?” I ask, feigning innocence as I slip my phone into my bag.
“The one that says you’re about to do something exciting,” she teases. “Come on, spill it. Did he text you?”
“Maybe,” I say, trying to sound nonchalant even as I feel a flutter of excitement in my chest. “We’re meeting for coffee after school.”
Brooke practically bounces with excitement. “Yes! This is going to be so great. You’ve got to call me with all the details afterward.”
“I will,” I promise, laughing at her enthusiasm. She may be more excited about my coffee date than I am. “But let’s see how it goes first.”
“Fair enough,” Brooke says, giving me a quick hug. “Good luck and have fun. You deserve it.”
“Thanks, Brooke,” I say, feeling a warm surge of affection for my best friend.
With that, I grab my bag and head out the door, my heart pounding with anticipation. The drive to the café feels both too long and too short at the same time. When I finally arrive, I spot Ethan sitting at a table near the window, a smile lighting up his face when he sees me. I could get used to that, quickly.
“Hey, you made it,” he says, standing up to greet me.
“Of course,” I reply, trying to keep my voice steady as I take in the sight of him. He’s got muscles with muscles and is so tall that if I stood right in front of him, I’d have to look all the way up to see his dark brown eyes. With his military haircut and bright white smile, I could stare at him all day. “I wouldn’t miss it.”
“Good,” he says, his smile widening. “Because I was starting to worry you might have gotten cold feet.”
“Not a chance,” I tease, slipping into the chair across from him. “But if I had, would you have come looking for me?”
“Oh, absolutely,” he replies, his tone playful but with a hint of sincerity beneath it. “I’d have tracked you down, coffee in hand, ready to convince you to join me. It’s a SEAL thing.”
I laugh, feeling the tension in my shoulders melt away. “I can’t say I’d mind that kind of persistence.”
“Good to know,” he says with a wink. “Because I’m not the type to give up easily.”
Our banter continues as we order our drinks from the shops owner, Kate Benson, the conversation flowing effortlessly. There’s a lightness between us that makes it easy to let my guard down, to just be myself. And the more we talk, the more I find myself drawn to his wit and charm.
“So, tell me,” Ethan says, leaning forward with a grin. “What’s the most outrageous thing a first grader has ever said to you?”
I think for a moment, trying to sift through the countless hilarious moments I’ve had in the classroom. “Oh, that’s a tough one. But there was this one time when a little boy raised his hand in the middle of a math lesson and asked, ‘Ms. Dalton, do you think dinosaurs had belly buttons?’”
Ethan bursts out laughing, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “That’s priceless. And what did you say?”
“I told him that since dinosaurs hatched from eggs, they probably didn’t need belly buttons,” I say, grinning. “But then, of course, he spent the rest of the day trying to convince me that maybe, just maybe, they did.”
“That’s amazing,” Ethan says, shaking his head in amusement. “Kids are the best. They have no filter, just pure curiosity.”
“Exactly,” I agree, feeling a warm glow in my chest. “That’s why I love teaching them. Every day is an adventure.”
Ethan’s gaze softens, and for a moment, I feel like he’s seeing past the playful banter, really seeing me. “You’re amazing, Jenny. You know that?”
I feel a blush creeping up my cheeks. “I think you might be a little biased.”
“Maybe,” he says, his smile widening. “But I don’t say things I don’t mean.”
I bite my lip, trying to suppress the giddy feeling bubbling up inside me. “You’re not so bad yourself, Ethan.”
We continue talking, our conversation shifting to his plans for Hooplas and the challenges of opening a new business. He’s passionate and driven, and the more he talks about his dreams, the more I find myself wanting to be a part of them.
As the sun begins to dip below the horizon, casting a warm golden light through the windows, I realize I don’t want this date to end. But just as I’m about to suggest another cup of coffee, Ethan’s phone buzzes on the table, drawing his attention.
“Sorry, I should get this,” he says, glancing at the screen. “It’s about Hooplas.”
“Go ahead,” I say, waving it off. “No rush.”
He steps outside to take the call, leaving me alone with my thoughts. The café is starting to empty out, the evening rush having come and gone, and I take a few moments to savor the peace.
When Ethan returns a few minutes later, there’s a new energy in his step, his eyes bright with excitement.
“Good news?” I ask, curious.
“Yeah,” he says, grinning. “We might have found the perfect location for Hooplas. I’m going to check it out tomorrow with the guys.”
“That’s amazing!” I say, sharing in his excitement. “I’m so happy for you, Ethan.”
“Thanks,” he says, his smile softening as he looks at me. “I couldn’t have asked for a better way to end the day—great news and great company.”
“Likewise,” I say, feeling my heart skip a beat.
As we step outside, the warm evening air wraps around us, a refreshing contrast to the cool of the café. We walk together, our footsteps in sync as we make our way back toward the parking lot.
“Would you like to go for a walk?” Ethan asks, glancing over at me.
“I’d love to,” I reply.
We stroll along the quiet streets, the glow of the streetlights casting a soft light on the cobblestone path. It feels like we’re in our own little world, the rest of the town fading into the background as we talk and laugh, our connection growing stronger with each step.
As we reach Hibiscus Harbor Marina, the sound of the waves gently lapping against the boats and yachts fills the air, a soothing rhythm that mirrors the calmness I feel inside. We stop by the dock, looking out at the dark expanse of the ocean, the moonlight reflecting off the surface like a trail of silver.
“This is one of my favorite spots in town,” I say, taking in the beauty of the moment. “It’s so peaceful here.”
“I know. It’s beautiful.” Ethan says, standing close beside me as a pelican decides we’re too close for comfort and flies from the pylon he’s sitting on to one across the dock.
“Exactly,” I say, nodding. “No matter what’s going on in my life, coming here always helps me clear my mind.”
We stand in comfortable silence for a while, just enjoying each other’s presence and the serenity of the water. There’s a sense of rightness in being here with Ethan, like we were meant to find each other in this little corner of the world.
“I’m really glad I met you, Jenny,” Ethan says softly, breaking the silence.
“I’m glad I met you too,” I reply, turning to face him.
Our eyes meet, and for a moment, the world around us fades away. There’s an undeniable pull between us, a magnetic force that draws me closer to him, and I find myself leaning in, my breath catching in my throat.
Ethan’s coarse hand reaches up to gently cup my cheek, his touch sending a shiver down my spine. I close my eyes, savoring the warmth of his palm against my skin, and before I can stop myself, I close the remaining distance between us.
His lips are soft and warm as they press against mine, the kiss slow and tender, like we have all the time in the world. My heart races in my chest, and I feel a warmth spread through me, melting away the doubts and fears that have kept me guarded since my divorce.
When we finally pull back, our foreheads rest together, our breaths mingling in the warm night air. “Wow,” I whisper, my voice barely audible.
“Yeah,” Ethan agrees, his thumb brushing gently across my cheek.
We stand there for a few more moments, just holding each other, before Ethan reluctantly steps back, his eyes still locked on mine.
“I should probably get you home. It’s a school night,” he smiles, his hand still holding mine.
“Probably,” I agree, though part of me wishes we could stay here forever.
He walks me back to my car at the Bean & Bagel, the night air warm and comforting against my flushed skin. When we reach my car, I turn to face him, my heart full but my mind swirling with questions. What happens now? Where do we go from here?
But as Ethan leans down to press a gentle kiss to my lips, all my worries fade away.
“Can I call you tomorrow?” he asks, his voice warm and reassuring.
“I’ll be waiting,” I say, my smile widening.
He gives my hand one last squeeze before letting go, as he helps me into my car and then watches me drive away. I watch him disappear in my rearview mirror, my heart feeling lighter than it has in a long time.
My drive home is quick and as I step inside my apartment, I can’t help but feel that this is just the beginning of something special—something worth taking a chance on. As I drift off to sleep, I know that no matter what happens next, I’m ready to embrace whatever life sends my way.
I just wasn’t ready for what Richard had planned.