Along The Distant Shore

Chapter 6

As I walked down the sun-drenched streets of Bar Harbor, I felt a flutter of excitement in my stomach. The café Leo had texted me the address for this morning was just a few blocks away, and with each step, I could feel my nerves giving way to a sense of anticipation.

I glanced down at my outfit: a baby blue dress with delicate lace accents that swayed gently around my knees, paired with light brown cowboy boots that felt like a part of me. I had thrown on a small light brown shoulder bag, just big enough to hold my phone and a few essentials. It was a look that felt effortlessly me—comfortable, yet put together.

As I strolled along the familiar streets, I found my thoughts drifting to Leo. There was something so refreshing about being with him. He didn't look at me like I was made of glass, like I might shatter if he took his eyes off me for a second. He treated me like a normal person, and I desperately craved that feeling of normalcy.

I knew my dad meant well when he worried, but sometimes, it felt suffocating. I didn't want to think or talk about anything serious for a while; I just wanted to enjoy being a twenty-something in a small town, hanging out with a cute guy. I wanted laughter, lightness, and the kind of conversations that filled the gaps in silence with easy banter.

With every step closer to the café, the weight on my chest began to lift. Maybe today would be the breath of fresh air I needed. I could just be me—no expectations, no heavy conversations—just a fun lunch with Leo.

I took a deep breath, letting the salty sea breeze fill my lungs, and picked up my pace. The café was just around the corner, and I was ready for whatever the afternoon had in store.

As I rounded the corner, the tantalizing aroma of steaming dumplings wafted through the air, guiding me to the restaurant. There stood Leo right outside, leaning casually against the wall, a grin spreading across his face as he spotted me.

He looked effortlessly cool in light wash jeans and a snug white t-shirt that accentuated his toned arms, covered in tattoos that seemed to tell stories of their own. A backwards cap rested atop his head, completing what I could only describe as his signature look. I felt my heart race a little faster as I approached.

"Hey there, fashionista!" he called, waving me over. "You look like a dream in that dress."

"Thanks! You're not so bad yourself," I shot back, eyeing his outfit with a playful smirk. "I see the tattoo sleeves are making their grand entrance today."

"Gotta show them off, right?" he said, flexing his arms playfully. "They don't get enough sunlight being cooped up under long sleeves all the time."

"True, true. They deserve their moment in the sun," I replied, rolling my eyes in mock seriousness.

"Speaking of sunlight, I can't believe we're finally at this dumpling place. I've been craving it for weeks!" he said, his excitement infectious.

"Let's not waste any more time, then! I'm starving," I replied, glancing at the door.

"After you, my lady," he said with a flourish, gesturing for me to enter first.

We stepped inside, the cozy atmosphere inviting us in as the chatter of other diners filled the space. "What's your dumpling strategy?" he asked, a playful glint in his eyes. "Are you a classic pork-and-chive gal, or do you prefer to live on the wild side?"

"I think I'll have to try a bit of everything," I declared, feeling a surge of confidence. "After all, life's too short for just one flavor."

"Now that's the spirit!" he said, his laughter ringing out as we found a table by the window. "Let's order enough to feed a small army."