“So it was more than a date when we ran into you at the wharf.”
“No…” She shrugged. “I don’t know. It’s all kind of new and confusing. We have gone out to dinner twice more now. We didn’t want our first real date to be at the wedding.”
“I would imagine a wedding could be awkward for a first date.”
And since their newfound honesty was going this well… “Ted makes you happy, doesn’t he, Mom?”
Her mother’s eyes twinkled with delight. “He does. Very much so. I’m glad… I’m glad we found each other again.”
“I’m glad you did, too.”
“We have a date tonight.”
She was pretty sure her mother had a date with Ted almost every night if the town gossip from the Jenkins twins was right… and they were usually one hundred percent correct in their gossip. “I hope you have a wonderful time.”
The faintest blush settled on her cheeks. “Oh, I think we will.”
Evelyn left her mother’s suite and headed back to the cafe, stunned at the conversation they’d just had. Could it be possible after all these years that she and her mother might become close? Actually become friends?
That was more than she’d ever hoped for from her mother. Honesty. Support instead of judgment. A delighted happiness spread through her. She could get used to this new relationship with her mother. Very used to it.
Patricia waited in her suite for Ted to show up. They were going to go over to Belle Island for dinner at Magic Cafe. Dining outside had never really been her thing, but Ted loved it. And she had gotten a bit used to it… possibly even enjoyed it. The views were really pretty at the restaurants on the wharf. Magic Cafe was right on the beach, and they were timing it so they’d catch the sunset there.
She picked up the wedding invitation sitting on the table. Heather and Jesse. It was a lot to take in. First finding out Heather had a son, and now this wedding. The wedding was scheduled a bit quick, but then she’d never been able to convinceanyof the girls to do things the proper way. And maybe the proper way wasn’t so important after all. Maybe. She’d at least managed to keep her thoughts about how quickly the wedding was being planned from Evelyn when her daughter had stopped by today.
She glanced over at the framed photograph on the shelf. The Parker women. Warmth spread through her as she looked at her family.
She did feel like she’d mellowed a bit since dating Ted, with his easygoing ways and the joy he took in even the simple little things in life. Like when they’d found an out-of-print book at the antique store. One he’d read as a boy. And he was so pleased. Or the first day the new hibiscus plants in the courtyard at Sunrise had bloomed. He’d snapped pictures with his phone and sent them to Cassandra.
And the way he was about Cassandra. Totally supportive of her. Adored her. He was always so proud of her work with finding homes for the foster children. He even seemed to be okay with Cassandra and Delbert Hamilton’s budding relationship. Whatever their relationship was exactly. But what future did they have when they lived thousands of miles apart? She kept those thoughts to herself. And really, what business was it of hers?
She put the invitation down and frowned. It wasn’t her business what Cassandra and Delbert did. Or the fact that Heather was rushing into her wedding. Why had she always thought that people would want her opinion about what they did with their own life? She walked over and stared at herself in the mirror. How had she become so judgmental? Too much time around her husband, she guessed. Nelson was the most judgmental person she had ever met. Of others. Of her. A strict sense of what was right and proper. Evelyn was right. It was freeing to be out from under that.
The woman in the mirror stared back at her. The woman with wrinkles beside her eyes and the corners of her mouth. She’d aged, but she hoped she’d done it gracefully. She still kept her regular appointment with her hairdresser, and no one would ever see a stray strand of gray hair. She took pride in putting on her makeup every morning. Her nails were done on schedule. So she hadn’t totally changed. Not too much.
Then she looked down at her sensible walking shoes. Something she’d never have believed she would ever wear. But they were ridiculously comfortable. And practical for all the walking they did around town. And they were more sensible for going to a restaurant on the beach than her fancy pumps. Someone really did need to design a more fashionable walking shoe, though.
She sighed. She’d become a paradox. Never really certain which person she was. The lighthearted woman she was with Ted. Or the critical woman whose persona was so easy to slip back into when she wasn’t looking.
But, she admitted to the woman in the mirror, she liked the woman she was when she was with Ted. The woman who was easing her way back into her family.
She opened the door to Ted’s knock, and he beamed at her. “Hello, there. You look exceptionally beautiful tonight.”
His compliments always sounded so sincere. “Thank you.” He looked pretty handsome himself in pressed slacks, collared shirt, and casual leather loafers.
“You all set to go?”
“I am.” She started to reach for her purse and paused, uncertain if she should say what she was thinking. “Ted?”
“What?” He paused and looked at her.
“I— I’m really enjoying dating you.” The words spilled out.
His smile grew even wider, making his eyes twinkle in delight. “And you, my dear, are the bright spot of my life these days.” He leaned over and kissed her gently. “I’m so glad we found each other again.”
“I am, too.” She grabbed her purse, surprised at how she’d just blurted out her feelings about dating him. Since when did she talk about feelings? Well, she had this afternoon with Evelyn, too.
“Let’s go. Haven’t been to Magic Cafe in forever. I bet we have a wonderful evening.” Ted took her elbow and led her out the door.
