Chapter12
Mark stood before the mirror in his room at Bayside Bed-and-Breakfast, adjusting his collar and smoothing down his hair. The reflection that stared back at him seemed almost unfamiliar—the gray that had crept into his hair over the past few years, the lines that now framed his eyes. Time had left its mark on him, a sure sign of the grief and struggles he’d endured since Sarah’s passing.
As he prepared for the evening ahead, a flicker of uncertainty danced through his mind. Was attending the theater with Darlene a wise decision? It wasn’t a date, he reminded himself firmly. He didn’t date, not anymore. Not since Sarah. This was simply two friends enjoying each other’s company, sharing in an experience they both appreciated.
Yet, even as he silently reassured himself, he couldn’t ignore the faint stirring of anticipation in his chest. Darlene’s presence had become a reassuring constant during his stay on the island, her warm smile and gentle encouragement a balm to his weariness. She seemed to understand the weight of loss, the struggle to find purpose and meaning in the wake of tragedy.
His gaze drifted to the notebook lying on the dresser, its pages filled with the beginnings of a new story, a tale inspired by the tranquility and rich history of the coastal town and the secrets he imagined lurking below the surface. Darlene’s words ran through his mind, urging him to embrace the island’s magic, to allow himself to rediscover the passion that had once driven his writing.
With a deep breath and one more look at his reflection, he turned away from the mirror. Tonight, he would step out of the shadows of his grief, if only for a few hours. He would allow himself to enjoy the company of a friend, to lose himself in the laughter and entertainment of the theater.
As he made his way downstairs, his thoughts lingered on Darlene. Her strength and her resilience in the face of her own challenges had become a source of admiration for him. In the midst of their shared experiences, a connection had begun to form. One, he had to admit, that went beyond the boundaries of a simple guest and innkeeper relationship.
But for now, he pushed aside the deeper implications, focusing instead on the evening ahead. A night of laughter, of companionship, of momentary escape from the weight of the past.
Darlene looked up from the bottom of the stairs, her eyes meeting Mark’s appreciative gaze. A flutter of nerves danced through her as she took in his appearance. He wore a button-down shirt that accentuated his broad shoulders and trim waist, and his hair, threaded with silver, was neatly combed.
“You look very pretty tonight,” he said, his voice warm and sincere.
She felt a blush creep up her neck. “You do too,” she replied, then immediately cringed at her own words. She needed to pull her thoughts together.
Felicity, standing at Darlene’s side, nudged her gently with an elbow. Darlene glanced at her granddaughter, who gave her an encouraging smile.
“I mean, you look very handsome,” Darlene corrected herself, smoothing her hands over the skirt of her dress. She had chosen a simple navy blue dress for the opening night of the new comedy at the local theater. It had been years since she’d dressed up for a night out, and the unfamiliar sensation of butterflies in her stomach caught her off guard.
Mark descended the last few steps, his eyes never leaving Darlene’s. “Thank you,” he said, offering her his arm. “Shall we?”
She hesitated for a moment, her mind whirling with the implications of accepting his gesture. It was just a friendly outing, she reminded herself. There was no need to read too much into it. And yet, as she slipped her hand into the crook of his elbow, she couldn’t deny the spark of electricity that seemed to pass between them.
Felicity stepped forward, handing Darlene her clutch purse. “You two have a wonderful time,” she said, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “Don’t worry about a thing here. I’ve got it all under control.”
Darlene nodded, grateful for her granddaughter’s support. She knew Felicity was up to something, playing matchmaker between her and Mark, but she couldn’t find it in herself to be upset. Not when Mark was looking at her with such warmth and admiration.
As they stepped out into the warm evening air, she felt anticipation building within her. She knew it was foolish to hope for anything more than friendship with Mark. He was still grieving the loss of his wife, and he would eventually leave the island to return to his life in the city. But for now, she allowed herself to enjoy the moment, the feeling of his arm beneath her hand, and the promise of a lovely evening ahead.
The evening air held a hint of salt and honeysuckle as Darlene walked beside Mark down Main Street toward the theater. His steady presence at her side felt both comforting and unsettling.
The night had transformed the street into a scene from a vintage postcard. String lights twinkled between the lampposts, and couples young and old meandered along the sidewalks. The familiar storefronts of Main Street took on a magical quality in the evening light, and she found herself seeing them through new eyes. She turned to glance at Mark, only to find him already looking at her with a soft expression that made her heart flutter. When their eyes met, he gave her hand a gentle squeeze where it rested in the crook of his arm, and she felt some of her nervousness melt away.
As they approached the restored theater building with its gleaming marquee, Darlene spotted Tori standing near the entrance, greeting early arrivals. Her gray hair caught the light of the marquee, and her natural elegance showed in her perfectly tailored outfit.
Tori’s eyebrows rose slightly as she caught sight of them, a knowing smile playing at her lips. Darlene’s cheeks warmed. She knew that look—it was the same one Felicity had given her earlier.
“Darlene, what a wonderful surprise,” Tori said, stepping forward to greet them.
“Tori, I’d like you to meet Mark Donovan. He’s staying at the B&B.” She gestured to Mark. “Mark, this is Tori. She purchased the theater last year.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” he said, extending his hand.
“The pleasure’s mine.” Tori paused as recognition dawned on her. “Mark Donovan, the author? I’ve read several of your books.” Tori’s eyes sparkled with interest as she shook his hand. “Darlene, I had no idea you were coming tonight. And with such a brilliant writer as your date.”
“Oh, we’re just…” She paused, unsure how to define their outing.
“Enjoying an evening of theater,” Mark finished smoothly.
She nodded, grateful for his intervention. “Tori has done amazing work here. The theater was practically falling apart before she bought it. Now look at it.” She gestured to the beautifully restored building. “She’s brought life back to this place, along with wonderful shows for the community.”
“It’s been a labor of love,” Tori said. “Though I must admit, it’s nice to see the seats filling up again. Tonight’s show is particularly special.”
