Samira’s eyes widened. “So, your mother doesn’t even know? I think she would be very proud of you. Why not tell her?”
“It’s hard to explain. I would take over my dad’s boat every time if given a do over. I would. It’s what family does. But I don’t know how my mom would feel if she thought I was setting my dreams aside to do it.”
“I think I understand what you’re saying. But she might be more upset if she found out you were keeping that from her. I know you mean well, but trust me. Good intentions don’t exactly make everything better when you find out someone’s been keeping something from you,” Samira said pointedly.
“How are things with your aunt, anyway?” Andy changed the subject away from him. “Have you spoken to her?”
Samira’s eyes narrowed as she held his gaze. For a moment he thought she might complain about the subject change and bring it back to his furniture shop, but she didn’t.
“I’m still not happy with her, but we’re okay. I talked to her and explained why I need some time before things can go back to the way they were. Even though I’d rather not spend time with her right now, I’m not cutting her off. I learned that lesson the hard way. I’ll never assume there will be time to make amends with someone. I try to speak to people as if it might be our last conversation. I’m planning on having a long talk with her about this whole thing because, no matter how hard she tries to push, there’s no way I can live here full time.”
Andy was quiet as he thought about what she said. Time was never a guarantee. He thought about how quickly his dad’s health had declined and realized he had also been taught the same lesson the hard way.
“That’s one of those lessons people tend to learn too late. I don’t want to be one of those people,” Andy said after a moment. “Listen—”
“Are you guys ready to order?” the server interrupted.
He tried to mask his irritation and quickly ordered for the two of them after handing back their menus. “We’ll split the Steampot.”
Samira raised an eyebrow and spoke once the waitress had gone. “How do you know that’s what I wanted to eat?”
“You said you trusted me. I had a feeling you wouldn’t mind. Anyway, I was trying to say something before I was interrupted.”
Samira looked alarmed. “What is it? Is something wrong?”
Andy studied her. She was watching him carefully as she absently fingered the heart charm that dangled from the silver chain around her neck. He didn’t want to ruin their meal or his favorite restaurant. She would be upset once she found out Andy had ignored her request to leave the past in the past, and that would be a discussion best had in private.
“It’s nothing bad. I was going to ask if I can see you again next weekend,” Andy improvised.
She hesitated a moment as if she didn’t quite believe him. “It just so happens I am free that weekend. What did you have in mind?”
Andy had a decision to make. Inviting her to spend time with his mom was serious enough, but he was also about to butt into Samira and her aunt’s relationship. He decided it was worth it.
“Well, my mom’s 55thbirthday is next Saturday. I was planning on having her over for dinner with a couple friends. I know she would love it if you would come. Also, it would be nice to have someone to hang out with. Would you like to come?” Andy invited.
Samira was quiet for a few moments. Her forehead creased as she appeared to fight an internal battle. He hoped she didn’t ask about her aunt being there. He wouldn’t lie to her if she did ask, even though he knew that would likely complicate her decision.
“Are you sure that’s a good idea?” she finally asked.
“Why wouldn’t it be? It’s not like you don’t know my mom.”
“We’re just friends. I don’t want to give off the wrong impression,” she said.
Andy found her hand across the table and covered it with his own. Her eyes grew wide for a moment, but she didn’t pull it away. He took a moment to savor the feel of her warm hand beneath his.
“Aren’t we more than that?” he asked after a long pause.
She opened her mouth to respond, but they were once again interrupted by the server.
“Here are your drinks. Two sweet teas and two ice waters. Your food should be out in a minute,” the waitress said before fading back into the background.
Andy continued to watch her expectantly. It was a loaded question and there was no real safe way for her to answer. To say yes would move whatever they were doing forward. To say no would be dishonest considering they had shared more than one passionate kiss.
“I’m not sure,” she finally responded. “Are we?”
“I haven’t wanted to be just friends with you since high school. The fact that we broke up years ago hasn’t changed that.”
He was quiet while he waited for her to respond. He didn’t want to pressure her, but he needed to be honest about his feelings for her. They weren't kids anymore and he had spent long enough wondering what if.
