“You want us to be friends?” Was that possible? She was feeling something, that was sure, but was it new or a shadow of the old? Of course, it was natural to look back and be curious about what might have been. But looking forward to what could be? When it came to Nate, she’d always have a weakness. But was that a problem?

“Right now I’m taking life a day at a time.”

“As you’re taking life a day at a time, what are your plans for tomorrow? It’s my day off. Do you want to swim? I could bring a picnic.”

They’d reached the path and he waited while she slid on her sandals, taking her time while she thought. Did she want to swim? Did she want to sit on a picnic rug and share food with this man who had once had her whole heart?

Maybe she did.

If she was going to stay here, live here, make the place her home, then she didn’t want to hide from any part of it.

“I can’t do tomorrow. I have plans with Ashley.” She could see he didn’t believe her. “She’s teaching me to cook. Tomorrow is grilled cheese sandwich. The day after that is chicken—or maybe risotto. I can’t remember. Ashley is in charge.”

“Chicken? I thought you were vegetarian.”

She smiled. “Sometimes.”

“So...grilled cheese? Why?” He looked confused. “You’ve been married to a top chef for two decades.”

“Precisely. I crave food that doesn’t expect applause when it arrives at the table, and I want to learn to make it myself. Ashley is teaching me.” An idea came to her. “Give me a few days to practice a few dishes, and then you can come to dinner. The question is, are you brave enough to say yes?”

“Yes.” He didn’t hesitate and she smiled.

“I’ll let you know when. We can eat and swim from the beach, like we used to.”

“Sounds good. Do you have your phone?”

“Yes. Why?”

“Because you’re going to need my number for when you invite me to dinner.”

She pulled out her phone, unlocked it and handed it over so that he could add himself to her contacts.

She had a feeling Ashley would be proud of her.

She was going to invite him on a date.

She was going to swim with him. She was going to cook for him. She was going to be his friend.

Did that make her brave or foolish?

She didn’t know, but no doubt she’d find out soon enough.

18

Mel