“I feel like dessert had this siren call on me from the very beginning,” Lizzie laughs. “I’m coming with you—don’t judge me for getting multiple pots!” She points at Maria and me.
“I won’t, because I’ll probably get more than you!” Maria laughs and hooks her arm into Lizzie’s.
After all that talking about dessert, John decides to hang back for a minute and looks at me.
“She’s great, isn’t she?”
“She is. I’ve been enjoying getting to know her and I can already tell so much about her character from this night alone.”
“I thought she’d maybe make for a good wife candidate for you.” He raises his eyebrows.
My hand unwillingly clenches. “She’s leaving in two weeks though. We live different lives.” I look over at her, contemplating what any of this could mean.
“Nothing’s too big or complicated for God, brother.” He pats me on the shoulder and heads toward the dessert table.
I don’t know what to think about any of this.
All I know is that I’m really enjoying this night.
9
Lizzie
“I’d love for you guys to finish the night off at my place. It’s just a minute’s drive away, and I have to show you the view at this time of night. I don’t even think you’ve seen it, John,” Nate says.
Maria looks over at me.
“That sounds good to me,” I reply, shrugging.
I’ve enjoyed their company tonight so much. But I’ve especially enjoyed Nate’s. I started the night steady and sensible—not thinking it could really be a date. Now I almost don’t want it to end. I want to pretend the looming reality of my departure doesn’t exist… just like I have while laughing my way through the evening.
“Alright, let me just get the check.” He motions to the waiter with the universal sign forcheck, please.
The waiter brings it over, and just as Nate is about to pay for all of us, Leo—the owner—appears and puts his hands out in front of him before he can.
“No, no, no! I won’t have you paying the first night you try out my restaurant!” he says.
Nate chuckles. “Leo, I’m not going to expect you to let us dine here for free tonight. Come on.”
Leo’s eyes sparkle with mirth. “I think you misread me. I’m giving it to you for free so you can keep giving me good deals on my meat.”
Our laughter chimes together.
“I’m kidding. But honestly, this place wouldn’t be the same without the amazing quality meat you provide us with. Let me host you tonight,” Leo continues.
“Alright, alright. But when I come back again, I’m paying,” Nate says.
We stand, gathering jackets and bags, Nate clapping Leo on the back and shaking his hand. The air feels easy, filled with warmth and genuine laughter. It strikes me how rare nights like this are—where conversation flows effortlessly, the kind of easy joy that isn’t forced.
And I can’t help but wonder if I’m the only one who felt the quiet undercurrent between us all evening.
We arrive at his car, and make our way back to his apartment.
As we round the few streets we passed earlier, I notice it’s a high-rise along Boa Viagem beach. Living in a building right across from the water, on the most famous stretch of Recife’s beach, makes sense: convenience, safety, beauty all woven together.
The sea-salt air drifts in through the slightly cracked windows, warm and fresh at the same time, curling around me.
He drives down into the underground parking lot, and we make our way onto the elevator. I notice he presses the button all the way to the 26th floor. Must be some view up there.
