Between Then & Now // Hugh Jackman

28 // Second First Date

Only a day had passed since that family dinner when my phone buzzed with a text from an unknown number. Before I even read it, I knew who it was based on the preview of the notification. I stared at the screen, my heart thudding as I opened the message.

???: Hey, Kinsley. It's Hugh. Alana said you'd be available for dinner this week. Just wanted to confirm. Saturday still good for you?

A smile tugged at the corners of my mouth as I saved his number. I finished cooking my microwave dinner and made my way to the couch. I wasn't a fan of them, but on day when I was feeling particularly lazy, it was just easier to heat it up and cozy on the cushions watching my favorite TV show. But at the moment that was on hold as chewed on the inside of my cheeks and typed back a quick reply.

Me: Hi! Yeah, Saturday works. At what time? Those details weren't exactly given to me yesterday.

The response can almost immediately.

Hugh: Would 7 be okay? I think that's the earliest I can get out of filming.

Me: Yeah, that's perfect! You sure you're okay with going out right after work?

Hugh: To see you again? I'd leave earlier if I could without getting reprimanded.

I bit back a smile, and that was the start of continuous blushes and heart flutters as the texts were exchanged throughout the rest of the day and the entire week. They remained short and light, and it kept my phone nearby at all times.

Just like that, a rhythm fell into place. Every morning began with a message from Hugh. Sometimes playful, sometimes sweet, but always thoughtful.

I hadn't told him much about myself, but we were in the process of figuring each other out. Plus, there were certain things better discussed in person rather than through text, but we were vibing off one another. We would banter, flirt, tease each other. Every reply built off one another. There was never a dull moment, and each one always brought a smile to my face.

I was content - no. More than that. I was happy. Overjoyed that even in this time Hugh was still into me. It felt like I had never said goodbye to him, never tried to move on. It had been more of a pause, and now, things had somewhat gone back to normal, almost making me forget the heartache altogether.

Hugh was consistent in his messages, even though sometimes his responses came slower while he was filming, but he'd always send a text as soon as he could with an apology. One I told him he didn't owe me, but he never stopped saying it anyway.

And each night ended with a quiet goodnight message, as if he was slipping into my thoughts before I drifted off to sleep, just like I knew I was for him

With every text, I found myself looking forward to them more than I cared to admit. That connection between us was going stronger and stronger, slowly building back toward we had both felt in 1994. Like it was inevitable. Like destiny was pulling us towards one another. It was kind of terrifying to think about but in the most satisfying way.

With us texting, the week sped by.

The night before our planned date, just as I was settling into bed, my phone started to vibrate, but it didn't stop. This time, instead of a goodnight message, Hugh was calling me. His name kit hi the screen, and my breath caught in my throat in surprise.

But, then I practically lunged for my phone on my bed and swiped up to answer it.

His warm and familiar voice came through the speaker, immediately making me grin wide.

"Hey, I hope I'm not calling too late."

I pulled my phone slightly away to check the time. It was almost midnight, but even though I was getting ready to go to bed, I wasn't going to fall asleep any time soon.