“Are you ready?” he asked, a hint of nervousness in his voice.
“I am. We’re walking, right?” She struggled to keep her tone light and casual in spite of the butterflies in her stomach.
“If that’s okay with you.”
She nodded as she stepped out on the front porch. They set off down the street. As they strolled along, friendly faces greeted her by name now, their smiles and waves a sharp contrast to the anonymity of her daily life in New York. She was getting used to it and actually enjoyed it. She’d miss it when she went back home. Although the thought of New York and living there seemed like a distant memory for her now as she’d become accustomed to her life here.
“Evening, Amanda, Connor.” Beverly waved from across the street, breaking Amanda’s thoughts of New York. “Have fun.”
She waved back. “Hey, Beverly.” A warm feeling of belonging swept over her, an unfamiliar feeling that she hadn’t experienced in far too long. Or perhaps it was more, something she’d been searching for without even realizing it. She had to remind herself this was only temporary. But in that moment, she was glad she offered to help with the festival because this way she got to meet so many people on the island and they were starting to get to know her.
As they reached the theater, Tori was standing out front, welcoming patrons. The former Broadway star looked radiant with her now-gray hair swept up in an elegant bun with tendrils framing her face and her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. Amanda admired the woman’s ageless beauty and poise.
Tori took Amanda’s hand as they approached. “I’m so glad you two could make it. I hope you’ll like this production. We have some very talented actors and they’ve worked so hard.”
“I’m sure we’ll love it.”
Connor gave their tickets to the attendant and they headed inside to find their seats. She looked up at the magnificent, sparkling chandelier above them. The beautifully restored interior looked just like she remembered from when she’d come to a play with her parents. Tori had put so much care into bringing the historic building back to its former glory. “It looks great, doesn’t it?” she whispered to Connor as they walked down the aisle.
“It really does.”
They slipped past a few people already seated in their row and settled into their seats, Connor’s arm brushing hers slightly as they sat down. She stole a glance at his strong profile as he bent over, reading his program. Despite her initial reservations about their date, not-date, excitement fluttered through her.
The lights dimmed and the lush red curtains swept open with a flourish. A hush came over the crowd as the first actor came out on stage. She leaned back in her seat and soon was lost in the story unfolding onstage but still acutely aware of Connor being right beside her.
She was so engrossed in the play she was surprised when intermission seemed to arrive so quickly. “Do you want something? Food or a drink?” Connor asked.
“I’m fine.”
“You look like you’re enjoying the play.” He smiled at her. A smile she was beginning to get used to seeing on his features.
“I am. I know I’m used to seeing plays on Broadway, but Tori has really outdone herself with this production. It’s wonderful and worthy of a run on Broadway. The actors are great and the staging is breathtaking.”
“I kind of regret not coming to the theater before this. A whole new experience for me. I’m really enjoying myself,” he admitted with a bit of surprise in his voice.
Soon the lights flickered, signaling the end of intermission. A hush came over the audience again as the play resumed. She was instantly lost in the storyline again, captivated by the performance. Her heart raced as the final curtain fell, and she joined the audience as they rose to their feet and thunderous applause echoed in the theater. As they made their way outside, Connor led her over to Tori who was standing by the doors, talking to people as they left.
She hugged Tori. “It was wonderful. You must be so proud.”
Tori returned her hug, her eyes sparkling with joy. “They did a wonderful job, didn’t they?” She passed the compliment off onto the actors.
Gratitude for her friendship with the woman crept through her. She’d met so many warm and welcoming people hereon Magnolia. Stepping back, she added, “And the theater is beautiful. You did a wonderful job restoring it.”
Tori beamed. “Thank you. I think she turned out beautifully. A perfect place to perform our plays and share the magic of theater with the community.”
Other patrons grabbed Tori’s attention, and Amanda and Connor headed down the street, back toward their cottages. The balmy night was laced with the tangy scent of the ocean and the sweet fragrance of flowers in bloom. The streetlights cast a warm glow around them as they slowly strolled along the sidewalk.
She still didn’t know if they’d had a date or not, but she’d thoroughly enjoyed herself. She was just sorry the night was coming to an end. “Thank you for suggesting we go together to see the play. I had a wonderful time.”
“I did too.”
She paused under a streetlamp and he halted beside her, looking at her questioningly. Gathering her courage, she voiced the uncertainty that had been lingering in her thoughts. “I just have to ask… did you consider it a… date?”
Connor’s gaze held hers, his eyes intense yet unreadable. “Did… you?”
She blushed as she stumbled over her words. “I… think so?”
To her relief, his mouth tilted into a slight reassuring grin. “Good, because I did too.”
