Chapter 12 - THE FIRST KISS THAT WASN'T ABOUT GRATITUDE
Julian invited Tess to dinner in June.
Not at Aster Row.
Not at a restaurant filled with memories of Sloane.
A small place in Brooklyn with mismatched chairs and homemade pasta.
Tess arrived wearing a blue dress.
Julian stood when he saw her.
“You look beautiful.”
She blushed.
“Thank you.”
They talked for hours.
About nursing.
About Elise.
About Tess's mother.
About the future.
At the end of the evening, they walked toward the waterfront.
The Brooklyn Bridge glittered above the river.
Julian stopped.
“Tess.”
She turned.
“Yes?”
He took a breath.
“I need to tell you something.”
She waited.
“I care about you.”
Her heart pounded.
He continued.
“But I don't want you to think this is because you saved me.”
She smiled softly.
“I know.”
He looked at her.
“I want to know you because you're you.”
Tears filled her eyes.
She stepped closer.
“Then ask me.”
He smiled.
“May I kiss you?”
She laughed softly.
“Yes.”
He kissed her beneath the bridge lights.
Gentle.
May you like
Unhurried.
And for the first time in years, Julian felt hope without fear.
