But my mind can’t get past the fact that he has a São Paulo accent. I know, I know—I should be paying more attention. Other people probably wouldn’t blink twice at that. But to me, that’s a big deal. It’s not common to hear an accent from states away here in this city. It’s notnormal.
And it’s my favorite accent in the whole world.Andit’s on my list.
But I’m not going to lose it over his accent. I met a guy from São Paulo before. He just wasn’t “the one.” I’m not basing everything off an accent. Or looks.
I just have this feeling that making this list and giving it to God has turned it into a compass. A compass pointing to who God has in store for me to spend the rest of my life with. I trust God to know better than I do who I should spend the rest of my life with. He’s in my tomorrow and sees it before I can. And I believe He puts desires in my heart that act like a compass, guiding me toward what He has set out for me. And when I find my “list guy,” I’ll know it’s right.
God’s not a magical genie here to grant all of my wishes. There’s no guy who’sperfect. I’ve learned not to buy into that delusion, no matter how many romantic notions my heart tries to sell me. But I still have desires for what I want the man I marry to be like.
So, let’s see. Nate ticks off a couple of things off the list immediately. So, what?
My imaginary sash flashes in my mind and I picture myself wearing a crown at a pageant with a sash that says, “I’m leaving Brazil in two weeks!”
And I’m excited about it too. There may be a bit of sadness that comes with leaving my family here—but mostly it’s excitement. So it’s time for my brain to shut down any romantic notions.
Why does my brain love to run away with romance whenever I give it the slightest inkling?
The service begins, and I tune back in, leaving romance at the back of my mind.
Once the service is over, we’re gathered around the back chatting with some friends when Pastor John comes over.
“Hey, Lizzie, will you be ready to go soon?” he asks.
Maria comes over and settles next to me.
“Yeah, I’m ready to go when you guys are!” I smile at them.
I spot Nate coming over, and he stands next to John. Pleasantries are exchanged, and it ends up being just Gabby, Maria, Nate, John, and me talking.
“So, which one of you is coming to dinner with us?” Nate asks.
I perk up when he tilts his head slightly, looking straight at me. My heart skips a beat without my permission. “Me,” I say.
He gives me a friendly smile, and I can tell just by the way he smiles that he’s charming. Charm is something not many people talk about as a character trait—yet it makes all the difference in the world. It captivates people. And he’s confident, too.
But again, I’m not going to jump to any conclusions. He has a São Paulo accent. He’s a little taller than me. He has dark hair. He’s charming.
So what?
“Great. I can give you a ride,” he says.
Alright, here we go.
7
Lizzie
We come out of church and the air has cooled down a little since we were last outside. It’s pretty much the perfect temperature—not too hot, not too cold. He leads me toward his car, just a few steps away from the entrance, and opens the door for me.
Heopens the doorfor me.
I’m not going to swoon. Of course I’m not going to swoon.
Now, if my brain and my romantic heart could have a conversation, that would be great. Apparently my brain got left back at church. What is wrong with me?
“Thank you,” is all I manage.
He closes the door and moves around to the other side. He’s wearing a beige linen two-piece outfit that ruffles slightly in the breeze. It almost feels like a scene out of a ‘70s movie. All we’re missing is a beach backdrop and a few palm trees. And maybe some aviators, too.
