Chapter 6
Eve
“Thanksso much for setting this up. I miss you guys.”
Anjannette texted and asked if I’d want to do a Zoom happy hour. Of course I jumped at the invite. And even though it’s only two-thirty here, I popped open a bottle of Merlot. Hey, it’s after five back home. That counts, right?
“We miss you too,” she said. “How’s the writing?”
“Still nothing, but I sort of plotted the book, so I’ll consider that progress.”
“You plotted?” Sophie asked.
“I said ‘sort of.’”
I don’t normally plot my books. When I start writing, I know the beginning, black moment, and the end. I figure out the rest of the details as I go along.
Sophie is the opposite. She plans and outlines her books so as she writes, she knows exactly what’s going to happen and when.
“What exactly did you do?”
“I wrote a short summary of what each chapter should be about. I’m sure it will change as I start writing, but at least it’s a start.” I shrugged. “Since my usual method of writing isn’t working, I figured I’d try something new. I just did that today so I’ll let you know if it works.”
“You’ll get it done,” Sophie said with more confidence than I felt.
I’ve heard other authors complain about being blocked or burned out, but I’ve never had an issue so I’m in uncharted territory here.
“No more talk about writing or lack of,” I said. “What’s new with you guys?”
“Not much here,” Keera said. “I’m just enjoying the summer and spending time with Simon.”
“You guys are adorable together. I’m happy you finally noticed the man who was right under your nose for so many years.”
“Yeah, me too,” she said. “Now that we’re together, I can’t understand what took us so long. Well, what took me so long.”
“You figured it out. That’s all that matters.”
“I told her I’m going to write a book about their story,” Sophie said.
“It would make a great romance novel.”
“If it gets made into a movie, I want Jennifer Aniston to play me,” Keera said with a dramatic hair toss. Then she shifted her eyes toward Sophie. “You’ve got a little something going on that would make a good book.”
“Let me refill before you start talking.” I picked up the bottle, poured more wine into my glass, then held it in both hands. “Okay, I’m ready.”
“I’ve been…exploring some things,” Sophie said.
“Things?”
“I’m interested in learning more about BDSM, so I decided to go to a dungeon and check it out,” she said. “I’ve only gone three times and right now I’m just watching. I’m not ready to participate yet. I don’t know if I ever will be, but it’s interesting.”
I can’t imagine diving into single life like Sophie has. She’s out there dating and exploring. The most I’ve done is start taking pole dance lessons. But I’ll admit, that has changed my life. It’s made me more confident in my body plus I’ve made these amazing friends. So I won’t beat myself up too much.
“Just take it one step at a time. You’ll know if and when you’re ready.” Anjannette said.
“If nothing else, I can use what I learn in my books,” Sophie said with a smile.
“You authors,” Keera said. “Everything is research.”
“You know it,” I said then looked at Anjannette. “What have you been up to?”
“Some of Leo’s family is visiting, so the house has been very crowded, but I’m having a good time. They’ve been keeping me occupied while he’s on the road,” Anjannette said. “Too bad you’re across the country. Nicky was here for a couple days. You guys would get along well.”
“Leo’s brother is amazingly good-looking and charming, but he’s also too young for me.”
“Age is just a number,” she said.
“You sound like Aunt Winnie.”
The three of them perked up at that.
“What, or should I say who, did she say that about?” Anjannette asked as she tapped her
fingers against her wine glass.
“Was it a handyman or veterinarian?” Keera asked. My face heated at her words. “Oh my God, there is someone. Tell us all the details.”
I took a fortifying drink then set my wine glass down and held onto the stem.
“It’s the handyman.”
A mixture of cheers, shouts, and chuckles came through my speaker.
“Wait, I thought you said the handyman is Aunt Winnie’s age.” Sophie said then raised her brows. “Is that why she told you age is just a number?”
“God no,” I said. “Henry is her age, but his grandson Max works with him.”
“Oooh Max,” Anjannette said, fluttering her eyebrows. “Tell us about him.”
“Well he’s incredibly hot and according to Aunt Winnie, single and sweet too.”
“He sounds perfect!”
“He’s also young.”
“Define young,” Keera said.
“I don’t know exactly, but I’m guessing he’s around your age.”
“That’s not too young,” she said. “You’re what forty?”
“Forty-two.”
“You could definitely do him.” Anjannette took a sip of wine, then added, “Or you know, ask him out.”
“I’ve never asked a man out before. I wouldn’t even know how.”
“Are you interested in him?” Sophie asked.
I snorted as I topped off my glass again.
“I’d have to be dead not to be. The man is beautiful and he was barechested when I ran into him on the beach yesterday. It took all my willpower to not just stand there and stare.” I picked up my glass but stopped just shy of my mouth. “And there’s just something about him. We shook hands and–” I stopped speaking and took a drink.
“And what?” Keera asked. “Come on, you can’t leave us hanging.”
Three expectant faces stared back at me from the screen.
“I felt this zing.” I rubbed at my palm as I remembered the feeling. “As soon as his hand touched mine, it was like I was holding a live wire.”
“What more of a sign do you need?” Sophie asked. “Next time you see the man, ask him out.”
My thoughts must have shown on my face and these women know me way too well not to read them.
“What’s that look?” Anjannette asked.
“He may have already asked me out,” I said. “And when I turned him down, he also may
have programmed his number into my phone so I could let him know if I change my mind.”
I finished my wine in one long gulp.
“Pick up your phone and call the man,” Keera said. I’m feeling a little fuzzy around the edges and her staccato tone made me giggle. “I’m serious. Do it now.”
“Okay. Geez.” I picked up my phone and brought up Max’s number. “Do I have to call or do you think I can text him?”
They debated and discussed for what seemed like forever, but finally came to a unanimous decision.
“A text is fine,” Anjannette said.
I typed and deleted three texts before the ladies and I were happy with the message. It’s simple and to the point.
Hi Max, it’s Eve. I’d like to take you up on your offer of dinner if it still stands.
“You think that’s good?Nothing else?”
“It’s perfect,” Sophie said.
Anjannette and Keera nodded in agreement.
My index finger hovered over the arrow and I took in a deep breath and let it out slowly before touching the screen, sending the text on its way.
“Done.”
Max
“I’m happy you texted,”I said, for probably the fifth time since I picked up Eve.
She looked up from the menu and smiled. I took it as a good sign that the expression on her face is less nervous than the one she wore earlier.
Instead of taking her to one of the establishments in Seaside, I decided to venture to a quaint Italian bistro Dex recommended about a half hour away. Aside from offering us some privacy from the peeping eyes of the town, the ride gave us time to chat and shake off some of the first-date jitters.
She glanced down at the menu then back at me.
“Have you been here before? What’s good?”
“I haven’t, but according to my friend Dex, you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. But, he also said that sometimes they have a pork ragu and parmesan over pappardelle pasta on special that he supposedly dreams about.”
“Wow, that’s a pretty solid recommendation.”
“Dex takes his food seriously.”
“Apparently.”
The waitress approached to take our drink orders and also recited the specials. As soon as she mentioned the pork ragu, Eve glanced at me and smiled. A dimple popped out in her right cheek making her look even more adorable.
I don’t know what it is about this woman, I feel something different with her. Granted, this is only the third time I’ve been in her presence, and the other times were short. But the feeling is there, warm and fuzzy deep inside. It’s definitely something I’d like to explore.
“Well, I know what I’m having,” I said when the waitress walked away.
“Me too.”
She set her menu on the table and folded her hands in front of her.
“So how are you enjoying Seaside so far?”
“I haven’t done much, other than the occasional walk on the beach,” she said. “That’s
something I definitely don’t get to do at home, so it’s been nice.”
The waitress returned with our drinks and we gave our orders. Once she left, I picked up the conversation again.
“Where is home?”
“Pennsylvania. Scranton specifically.”
“Scranton? Like The Office?”
“One and the same.”
“That’s pretty cool.”
She shrugged.
“It’s home.”
“So what brought you here for the summer?”
“Aunt Winnie invited me.”
Her blue eyes searched mine, as if she was trying to decide if she should reveal more. I must have passed some kind of test because she continued.
“I’m an author, but I’ve been having trouble writing. She thought the change of scenery would help.”
“Has it?”
“Not yet.”
“You’ve only been here a short time. Once Seaside soaks in, you’ll be good.” She crossed her index and middle fingers as she took a drink of water. “What do you write?”
“Romance novels.”
That’s not what I was expecting, but romance novels make up a huge chunk of the book market. Someone has to write them. Through appetizers and most of our main course, I asked about her career. How she got started. Where she comes up with story ideas. Who’s her favorite character she’s written.
She answered the last question but before I could ask another, held her hand up halting my words.
“Enough about me. Tell me about you.”
“There’s really not much to tell. I moved here about twelve years ago and started working with Pop.”
“Where did you live before?”
“My mom moved to California when she was pregnant with me. She still lives there,” I added before she had to ask.
“What made you move here?”
There’s a lot that goes into that answer, but this is a first date, so I’ll keep it light.
“I was looking for a change. Pop and I had mostly a long-distance relationship and I thought it was a good time to fix that.”
“How old were you?”
“Twenty-two.”
“So you’re thirty-four?”
I nodded.
Her eyes shifted up and she shook her head.
“That’s kind of what I thought, but I hoped I was wrong.”
“Is that bad?”
“It’s not great,” she said around a chuckle.
“Why?”
“I’m forty-two.”
I assumed she was around my age. Either way, I don’t know why it matters and said so.
Eve placed her fork on her plate and leaned forward, resting her forearm against the table.
“I’m eight years older than you.”
“I did that math in my head too. I just don’t know why it’s an issue.” Before she could answer, I continued. “I like you and I’d like to get to know you better.”
The waitress approached to clear our plates before I could say more. Besides, there are other things we need to discuss, but we don’t have to do it all tonight. Hopefully we have the whole summer.