He pulled the last thread of my resolve when he sent dinner. Of all the people in my life, only Auggie would know I don’t eat when I’m upset. There would be no way for Billie, Savannah, or Noelle to prime him. He knew feeding me would get me to talk to him. Getting my all-time favorite breakfast pastry was a nice touch.
When Auggie kissed me in his half-asleep state, it was nice. That said, when he pulls me into his arms now, it feels different. I want to embrace it, but I’m terrified. At this point, there’s nothing for me to do. I have to let him show me he’s in this with me. With all the thoughts pinging in my head, my drive home seems to pass quickly.
Me: I’m home.
Auggie: Thank you again for hearing me out.
Me: Of course. Are you off tomorrow too?
Auggie: No.
Me: Good night, Auggie.
Auggie: Good night, Caroline.
I sigh and trudge upstairs to my bedroom. I toss my clothes into the hamper, pull on a loose T-shirt, and fall into my bed. For the first time in the last month, I’m cautiously optimistic we can find our way forward together. I certainly hope so because I can’t get the memory of his hard body against mine out of my head.
The last time I looked at the clock, it was three in the morning. I know why I’m awake. The bigger question is will it end once we’re an official couple. My alarm blares, and I bolt out of bed thinking I overslept. Principal Brooks doesn’t tolerate tardiness for her students or staff.
After a hot shower, I dress and hurry to work. I order ahead at the coffee shop a block over from the school.
“Hey Stella! Thanks,” I call out as I grab my takeout order from the sideboard.
“Hey, Caroline. Have a great day!”
I wave and hurry to school. I bite into my glazed donut as my phone chimes. Glancing at the clock, I take a quick look, knowing I don’t have a lot of time before my students file in from the courtyard. I smile when the preview tells me it’s from Auggie.
Auggie: Good morning. Have a great day!
Me: Good is a stretch. It’s Monday right after a long weekend. The kids will be monsters. LOL. Thank you. You too.
I silence my phone, inhale the rest of my donut, and chug half of my coffee as my students take their seats. During our morning announcements, I’m summoned to the office during my free period to speak with Principal Brooks. I have no idea what the chat is for. Wonderful.
As I prepare to knock on her office door, she calls me in.
“Miss Waterman, thank you for stopping by.”
“What can I do for you, Principal Brooks?”
“You’re getting a new student tomorrow. Her name is Sienna Fordham Fullerton. Her mother indicated on her application you two know one another. A Jennifer Fordham, I believe.”
Just what I need, Jenny Fordham in my everyday life. “Yes, I vaguely recall her from boarding school.” Principal Brooks doesn’t need to know the history between us.
“Wonderful. She’s going through a tumultuous divorce, and her daughter will be changing schools effective tomorrow.”
“I understand. Do you have her records so I can review them?”
Principal Brooks passes me a folder. “I’ll review this in-depth and get Sienna in line with the rest of the students quickly.”
“Thank you. Have a nice afternoon,” Principal Brooks states. Just like that, I’m dismissed.
I review the file at lunch and note Sienna has some of the same issues Cooper had. Her math and science are off the charts, but her reading needs significant improvement. All I can do is welcome her and suggest Noelle’s company for assistance if it’s necessary. I don’t know Jenny now, but high-school-age Jenny wasn’t a nice person.
Instead of the reemergence of Jenny Fordham bringing me down, it brings Auggie back to the front of my mind even during the school day. The rest of my day plods on. After school I head out for a long walk before reading Sienna’s file again.
Returning home, there is a note attached to my door with a single, red-tipped yellow rose.
Caroline,
Will you accompany me on a date this Sunday?
Auggie
Style points for Auggie asking me on our first official date with a note and not a text. A huge smile graces my face. I smell the flower and find a small vase to put it in. I know Auggie can’t talk now; he’s already started dinner service. It’s Monday though, so it might be slow. Throwing my manners out the window, I change quickly and drive to Auggie’s restaurant.
When I arrive, the front of the house manager, Brittany, greets me by name.
“Hi, Miss Waterman. Would you like a table this evening?”
“Hi, Brittany. No thanks. I need to talk to Chef Morgan though if he has a few moments.”
“Sure, no problem. I’ll check.”
I’ve been here enough before the restaurant opens on weekends that most of the staff know me by name. I’m sure most suspect we’re already dating. Are we now? Brittany returns, pulling me out of my thoughts.
“Right this way.” She leads me into the private dining room near the rear of the restaurant. “Chef Morgan will be right out.”
“Thank you.” For whatever reason, I’m nervous. I’m about to accept a date with my best friend. I’m pacing back and forth, dealing with butterflies and fear at the same time.
“Hey, Caro. Is everything okay?”
“Yes. I know you’ll be here for a while, and I wanted to answer you in person.”
“About?”
“Is there another hot chef who knows where I live and left me a note with a single rose asking me on a date for Sunday?”
“You think I’m hot?” His expression is serious. I can’t tell if he’s joking.
“You already knew that, didn’t you?” My tone sounds unsure. Does he truly not know I’m crazy attracted to him and have been for years?
A huge grin breaks out on his face. “Maybe, but I don’t mind hearing it now since we’re actually dating.”
“Are we? Don’t we actually have to go on a date for that to be true?”
“I suppose. You were saying something about a hot chef asking you on a date?”
He’s actually going to make me say the words. Isn’t it what I asked for? “Yes, I would like to go on a date with you on Sunday.”
Auggie’s arms surround me and lift me off the ground. We spin around a few times before a loud crash sounds from the kitchen.
“That can’t be good,” I mumble, knowing I’m about to feel cold when he sets me down.
“No, it can’t.” Auggie lowers me to the floor.
Allowing myself to actually feel him against me is foreign but so very good. I want more, so much more. There’s a moment where I thought he might kiss me, but his sous chef, Lexi, steps into the room, asking for assistance. Whatever is all over her is likely a key ingredient in today’s special. “I’ve got to go. I’ll call you when I can.” Auggie kisses my cheek and hurries back into the kitchen.
I compose myself and head back to my car. Once home, I make a quick dinner and prepare for seeing Jenny and her daughter tomorrow.