But by about Tuesday, she started to withdraw a little bit. I could practically hear the worry in her voice. Via text.

Me: Want to get together sometime this week?

Amelia: I’m so busy right now. Work is exhausting.

Me: Same here. But we still gotta eat, right?

Amelia: Let me check my schedule and I’ll get back to you.

Now that was frustrating. There’s no playing hard to get with this woman. She is flat-out hard to get.

I bided my time, though, and tried my best to remain patient. Kept our conversations casual. Never pressing too hard or for too much. I treated her like a friend. To me, she’s that really hot friend I want to see naked, but I banished those last thoughts from my mind and focused on the word friend instead.

We texted a lot throughout the week after the reception. The beginning of December is a hotbed of activity at the tree farm, and with Charlie gone for his short honeymoon, it felt like we were running extra hard. Amelia was just as busy. She told me about the stream of customers who came in day in and day out. Talking about engagement rings and diamond necklaces and pearl earrings. There’s a lot of rich people who live around here, and they don’t hold back when it comes to Christmas gifts.

On Thursday I sent her photos throughout my day out at the farm, and I think she loved it. She did the same for me the following day, sending me photos of beautifully wrapped gifts and jewelry that looked like little works of art, sparkling and shiny beneath the store lights. She also sent me a photo of the tree I brought to their shop, perfectly decorated and festive in its spot of glory in front of the window.

It felt good, sharing a part of myself with a woman, and having her share a part of herself with me too, even if we’re going at a snail’s pace. Though I guess a week isn’t really considered slow, but when it comes to this woman, I want her. Now.

I’m having to learn patience with Amelia, but it’s been difficult.

She’s worth it, though. I can feel it.

Finally, I break her Friday afternoon with a text.

Me: Dinner tonight?

Amelia: Oh my God, YES. I need some wine and good food.

Well, hot damn. I took my opportunity where I could and made arrangements. Asked around at work and figured out a nice seafood place to have dinner at, not too far from her family’s jewelry store. I offered to pick her up but she said she’d rather meet me, which I found disappointing, but I told myself to get over it.

I’ll get this woman to come around. Eventually.

I had just enough time to go home, take a quick shower, change into nicer clothes and give myself a shave. By seven o’clock I’m sitting at a table for two right by the front window, a single candle burning on the table, feeling anxious as I stare at the door, waiting for her to walk in.