My anxiety from a minute ago is gone, and I realize Mateo has put me at ease. I don’t feel the need to sit up straight and eat like a “well-bred lady,” as my mom used to say. There’s this weight lifted at being in public and notfearing the return of Mr. Toadflax, as Mateo has so lovingly termed Jorge.
“I’m starting to feel like I can relax since they granted me the temporary restraining order and the sheriff is supposed to serve Jorge the papers tomorrow. It feels freeing to be out in public again.”
Mateo nods. “I’m very happy about that too, but that wasn’t what I was talking about.”
I tilt my head to the side. “What were you talking about, then?”
Mateo drops the piece of pupusa in his hand back to his plate and rests his arms on the table. His hazel eyes meet mine, and I peruse his face freely, memorizing his warm smile and the crinkles at the corner of his eyes. “Right now, you’re not worried about impressing me or anyone. You talk with your mouth full and it makes you seem real.”
I frown. “Do I not seem real most of the time?”
Mateo’s head tilts back as he laughs. “Holly, you wear business pant-suits. You look like a boss every day. You look like you can take on the world, and I fully believe you could if you wanted to. But I like seeing you in these moments, where you don’t put on the confident front. Where you get to be yourself and enjoy food without worrying about who is watching you eat. This feels like the real you.”
We gaze into each other’s eyes. I’m not sure if it’s been five seconds or two minutes since he finished talking, but I can’t look away. This moment feels special.
Words have abandoned me, so I don’t respond. I just relish the feelings I shouldn’t be feeling if I’m not going to fall in love with this man and his sincere words.
My stomach grumbles, having only eaten a single pupusa and craving more. The noise breaks apart our staring contest. I drop my gaze and focus on cutting the next bite of deliciousness, only for Mateo’s greasy fingers to land on mine, stilling my butter knife.
“All I meant was I’m glad you’re on this date with me, and I’m glad you like pupusas. I like doing casual things like this with you.” His smileis soft and his eyes capture mine. What would it be like to have eyes that constantly show happiness and wrinkles at the corner of my eyes from constant smiling?
Mateo lets go and tears apart the pupusa on his plate.
It only takes a moment before I drop my fork and knife, picking up the piping hot pupusa with my fingers.
“Thanks for bringing me here, Mateo.”
He winks. “Anytime, Holly.”
Chapter 24
Sea of Memories
Mateo
We finish our pupusas, and I drive us in Holly’s car to the beach. I take a slight detour and pull into the drive through at Wendy’s and order two large chocolate Frostys.
Holly eyes them as I put them in the cup holder. I shake my head. “No touching. We’re eating these on the beach.”
Holly bites her lip and reaches out her fingers an inch from the cup. “Are you sure?”
“Positive. Trust me, you’ll enjoy it more at the beach.”
She considers my statement before nodding and turning back to the window.
I haven’t gone to the beach since we’ve been married, and this trip is long overdue. It feels special that my first time stepping foot on the sand since our wedding is with Holly. All future beach trips need to include Holly.
I pull into the parking lot and I roll the windows down. Crashing waves and salty air greet me like an old friend, bringing peace to my heart as I inhale the scent of the ocean. I pull into an open spot right next to the entrance.
Perfect parking spot at the perfect time of day. This evening keeps gettingbetter and better.
The sun is just setting and we’ll have a good half hour of golden light and a gorgeous view.
Just to be clear, the gorgeous view is Holly in the golden light on the beach. Just in case anyone was wondering.
I put the car in park and Holly hops out the minute the engine shuts off. I love when she lets me open her door, but I can also agree it’s not worth waiting for me in moments like this. Moments where you want to soak in every golden second and breathe in the sea air. Moments that remind you of the glorious life you’re living.
Holly’s practically bouncing as she walks around to the front of the car. Her tan high-waisted linen pants and tucked-in sage-green top blow in the breeze, the wind emphasizing her curves. She gives off peaceful beach vibes with every movement of her wavy blonde hair blowing in the breeze.
