The Last First Date

Almost

Chapter Nine — Almost

Amara began noticing little things.

The way Daniel remembered how she liked her coffee.

The way he knew when she was upset even when she said she wasn't.

The way he listened when she talked.

The way he never rushed her.

She noticed everything.

And the more she noticed, the harder it became to pretend that she felt nothing.

One Saturday, they went to an art exhibition.

Amara loved places like that.

She walked from painting to painting while Daniel followed.

"You like this one?" he asked.

"Very much."

"Why?"

She studied the painting.

"It feels peaceful."

Daniel looked at her.

"You like peaceful things."

"Yes."

"Why?"

"Because life is noisy enough."

He smiled.

They continued walking.

Eventually, they reached a quiet corner of the gallery.

Amara stopped.

Daniel stood beside her.

For a moment, neither spoke.

Then Daniel said, "Do you ever think about what happened that first night?"

"All the time."

"Really?"

"Sometimes."

"What do you think would have happened if we hadn't been at the wrong table?"

Amara smiled.

"I probably would have gone home."

"And I would have had dinner with someone I don't know."

"Exactly."

He looked at her.

"I'm glad it happened."

"So am I."

Their eyes met.

Neither looked away.

Daniel moved slightly closer.

Amara's heart raced.

She knew what was happening.

She could feel it.

But just before the moment could become something else, she stepped back.

"Maybe we should go."

Daniel nodded.

"Okay."

He didn't ask why.

He didn't pressure her.

That made her feel both relieved and disappointed.

Outside, they walked in silence.

Finally, Amara spoke.

"I'm sorry."

"For what?"

"For earlier."

"You don't have to apologize."

"I just..."

She stopped.

"I don't know what I'm doing."

Daniel smiled gently.

"Neither do I."

She looked at him.

"But I know I don't want to make you uncomfortable."

"You don't."

"Good."

They continued walking.

That night, Amara lay in bed thinking about the moment.

Almost.

They had almost crossed a line.

And part of her wished they had.

Another part was terrified.

She picked up her phone.

She opened Daniel's conversation.

Typed.

Deleted.

Typed again.

Finally:

Amara: Goodnight.

His reply came quickly.

Daniel: Goodnight.

She stared at the screen.

Then another message appeared.

Daniel: And Amara?

Amara: Yes?

Daniel: There's no pressure.

She smiled.

That was exactly what she needed to hear.