After surf lessons, I prepped Airbnbs for new arrivals and then went straight to my meeting with Pastor Dave. The church renovation will be my biggest job to date. I’m grateful for the opportunity. I enjoy the challenge of breathing new life into a space, but today, it was hard to focus. Thoughts of Chloe kept floating into my mind.
I’ve been trying to put my finger on what sets Chloe apart from other women. I think it’s the fact that she’s so authentically herself. She’s a breath of fresh mountain air. Being around her feels natural, like I’ve known her for years…not days.
When I’ve scoured every inch of the kitchen for my wallet, I head to my bedroom to search my work clothes. I find it tucked in my jeans pocket. Then I stop at Ben’s door to tell him goodbye. He’s playing video games, but pauses when he sees me.
“Hey Dad, what’s up?”
“Mrs. Wilcox said she’s serving dinner at six, so make sure you’re on time.” Mrs. Wilcox is our neighbor who has become a bonus grandma to Benjamin. It’s been good for both of them. Benjamin gets spoiled with treats, and Mrs. Wilcox enjoys his company.
“I will be.”
“All right, I’m gonna head out. I’ll be back by eight.” I put my arm out to fist bump Benjamin. He returns the gesture.
As I turn to leave, he says, “One sec. I almost forgot.” Then he reaches for something on his desk.
I didn’t notice initially, but there’s a package wrapped in dark green paper. I let out a chuckle. “What’s this?”
“Dad, c’mon. You’re going on a date with Chloe right?”
“Yeah.”
“Then you gotta bring her flowers.” He shakes his head like he’s flabbergasted that I didn't think of this myself.
“How did you pay for these?”
He crosses his arms over his chest. “I have savings.”
I squint at him. “Since when did you become a dating expert?”
“Dad, I’m nine and I’ve had more girlfriends than you. I figured you needed some help.”
“Hey now…” I’m about to share that I’ve had plenty of girlfriends before I married his mom, but I don’t want to breach that subject. Since Elena left, Benjamin probablyhashad more girlfriends. All he would need is one.
“I like Chloe. Bring your A game, okay?”
I tousle his hair. “I’ll do my best. Thanks for the flowers.”
I head to my truck, holding the bouquet. Dang, I’m really out of practice. What else have I forgotten when it comes to dating? My main focus today was getting a reservation at Pier 62, a restaurant on the water that I think Chloe will like.
When I pull up to the blue beach house, Chloe appears as I’m climbing out of my truck. Her long, black dress flows in the breeze, and I have to force myself to swallow. She’s stunning.
I hold out the flowers, and then wrap her in a hug when she reaches me. “You look beautiful.”
Her mouth drops open when she sees the bouquet. “Thank you. They’re so pretty. Is my outfit okay?” She steps back, holding her purse in front of her. “I was supposed to wear this maxi dress to my friend’s wedding, but it got canceled. It’s the beach-iest thing I own.”
I can feel my cheeks lifting into a smile. “It’s perfect.”
I follow her around to the passenger side and open the door. “Thanks again for taking Benjamin to paintball.”
“You’re welcome.”
I climb into my side of the truck and start the engine. “How was the drive? Did he talk your ear off?”
Chloe chuckles. “I had a blast. Benjamin is such a great kid.”
As I’m backing out of the driveway, I glance at her. She smiles over at me, and then peers out the window. There’s a comfortable silence between us. Before long, she asks about the church renovation. The rhythm of our conversation is easy. Just hearing her talk makes me happy.
After dinner, I grab her hand as we walk back to my truck. I smile thinking about how we both ordered a burger at a fancy seafood place. Apparently neither of us have elegant appetites.
