The contrast between the bright bracelet and Eleanor’s understated gold watch worked nicely.
Eleanor turned back and forth in front of the mirror. “You’re a genius,” she praised. “This is perfect.”
Diana thought so too, not that she wanted to toot her own horn. But the look was cool and hip, but still age-appropriate. It suited Eleanor’s style, so she would feel herself in it. It had layers to accommodate for whatever weather came their way on opening day. And, perhaps most importantly, it was comfortable. Diana knew perfectly well how important that wasfor a retail worker, since you ended up being on your feet and on the go all day.
“Yay!” Diana said, filled with the satisfaction of a job well done. “Okay, let me ring all that up for you.”
Eleanor changed back into her clothes and paid for her purchases, then leaned against the checkout counter for a quick chat before leaving.
“Did you end up going on another date with that guy?” she asked as Diana handed her the bag full of clothing.
Diana didn’t bother to hide her grimace. “I did,” she said. “Last night. It was… fine?”
Eleanor gave her a sympathetic look. “Fine is not the same as good.”
“It very much is not,” Diana said despondently. Her tone was dramatic enough to make Eleanor laugh.
“If you’re reacting like that the day after a date,” Eleanor said, “you’re probably better off letting that one go.”
Diana sighed gustily. “You’re right. I know you’re right. I just… I feel kind of like a jerk rejecting this guy for some reason I can’t really put my finger on.”
“Think about it this way,” Eleanor suggested, laying a comforting hand on Diana’s arm. “This guy deserves somebody who really likes him, as do you. For the two of you, that’s just not each other! Hanging on to something that isn’t working, even if it’s for a small reason, just means that you’re keeping one another from finding that person whowilllike all the parts of you unreservedly.”
“That’s a good point,” Diana agreed musingly.
“Besides,” Eleanor continued, “I’m not sure that lacking chemistryisa small reason not to be with someone.”
“Ugh, I don’t know.” Diana grabbed her phone. “He’s really nice. I mean, look at him.” She showed Eleanor a photo from his latest vacation, which featured him beaming and gesturingdramatically at the boat he was about to take out for a fishing trip.
It kind of made her cringe to look at it.
“Sweetie, look at your face right now,” Eleanor advised. “This guy? He’s not for you. And that’s okay. It’s really fine.”
“I just…” Diana shook her head. “I worry that I’m too picky, you know? Like maybe the reason that I haven’t found somebody yet is all aboutme. Plus, I’m not the youngest anymore. If I keep being so choosy, am I going to just end up being alone forever?”
“Well first,” Eleanor said sternly, “I’m older than you, so watch it, junior.”
Diana chuckled. “Okay, but you know what I mean. You have a fully grown kid! I would like to have a chance to have kids at all. It’s different.”
“Maybe.” Eleanor pursed her lips. “But that doesn’t mean that settling for someone who doesn’t excite you is the answer. I spent a lot of years just going through the motions with my ex, and, aside from the clumsy way he handled our divorce, he wasn’t a bad guy either. But we weren’t right for each other, and I’m so,somuch happier now.”
“It’s just hard not to get disheartened,” Diana lamented. “It feels more and more like I’ll never find somebody that I want to spend the rest of my life with. I’m trying to keep my spirits up but…”
“But it’s hard,” Eleanor commiserated. “I know. But hey, that’s what friends are for, right? When it gets hard, lean on us. I have faith that it will happen for you. We just have to let time take its course. Let nature happen. All that good stuff.”
“Do you think nature could maybe get a move on?” Diana asked, making ahurry uphand gesture.
Eleanor chuckled. “If only it were that easy, right?” She glanced down at her watch. “Speaking of hurrying up though, Ihave to get back to the store. There are still a few million last-minute things to do. Plus, you have an appointment coming, don’t you?”
Diana jolted. It was almost eleven thirty.
“Oh my goodness, yes!” she exclaimed, her nerves washing back over her in a flood. “He’ll be here any minute.”
“I think he’s here now,” Eleanor observed, peering out the shop’s front window. “I’m guessing that’s him. Oh, wow. Heishandsome.”
“Shush!” Diana chided, although there was no way Anthony could hear her friend through the window and down the street. Still, the last thing Diana needed was to end up blushing while Anthony was here…
Part of her, however, feared that it was already far too late for that.
