Page 19 of Wait For You

“Well, the eighties had some amazing music. I love that era too,” I replied.

“Tell me something I don’t know about you,” he added.

I was discovering something about Adam that I liked. A lot. He was patient. I never sensed he was restless for me to answer. He actually listened. Having only one relationship that was a sheer disaster, I was accustomed to Rich’s impatience, his constant annoyance for me to hurry up with what I was saying, or just completely ignoring me. It had gone that way for so long that I shut down and didn’t expect to share anything with him. It was easier for me to stay quiet.

I fidgeted in my seat and took a quick swallow of water. “I don’t know what you don’t know.”

Adam rested his elbows on the counter. “In all honesty, I don’t know much about you, Tessa. You’ve been McKenna’s friend for as long as I can recall. I know David is your uncle, and I know you married an abusive asshole and had a son. I also know you’re a weather reporter and really good at your job.”

I could feel the heat rising to the surface of my skin and knew my cheeks were pink. “Oh.” I swallowed nervously. “I also love Taylor Swift.”

“Well, Taylor Swift is a total badass. She’s an incredible songwriter and musician,” Adam said with a nod of respect.

“She is. I’m glad you agree,” I said with a grin.

“Your turn,” I prompted. “What do you do in your spare time?”

Adam was quiet for a few beats, and I could’ve sworn I saw shadows drift through his gaze like clouds passing across the sun. “I work a lot. I don’t have much spare time,” he offered quietly.

“I know. But surely you have something you like to do. A hobby?”

“I like to build things.”

“Like your house?” I lifted a hand, gesturing in a little circle.

“Yeah, like that. What about you? What do you do in your spare time?”

His question gave me pause because I didn’t do much for fun. I could chalk it up to being a mom, which was partially true. But being married to Rich had taken so much from me. He had an opinion about everything, usually negative. To protect myself, I didn’t do much of anything because it limited what he could critique about me. As I contemplated this, a piece of knowledge about Adam and me clicked into place.

I knew his family story. I understood he had things to protect himself from, just like I did. I sensed perhaps I trusted him so easily because he understood something that I didn’t fully comprehend about myself until this very second. I protected myself so thoroughly.

As we sat there, looking at each other quietly, comprehension flickered between us. It was more than just concrete information. It was unspoken, but I knew he understood it. Precisely as I did.

“I don’t have any hobbies. I’m a mom, and I…” I took a quick breath. “I like to read. Maybe we should find some hobbies.”

Adam’s brows rose. “We?”

“I don’t mean together,” I said in a rush.

“But it could be,” he said quietly. “If you wanted a hobby, what would it be?”

“I always wanted to take cooking classes for things I’ve never tried.”

“Let’s do it.”

“Together?” I asked, unable to keep the skepticism out of my voice.

“Sure. Do you have a preference? Thai food, Indian food, or something else?”

I pondered this before shrugging and casting him a sheepish smile. “No. Just something new.”

“I know there are cooking classes in Fireweed Harbor through the local community school program,” he suggested.

“It can’t be in Fireweed Harbor,” I said quickly.

Adam fell quiet, his gaze measuring. “I think I know why not, but can you tell me?”

“Because if Rich sees me going, he’ll start showing up and ruin it.”