See, Ethan? Sometimes destiny just needs a misunderstanding to start something good. Let me see if I got this right, Vanessa said the next morning, while I stirred my coffee. He brought his mother to the date because he thought you would bring yours too.
Exactly, I confirmed, unable to contain my smile. And you didn’t run away? I couldn’t. The chicken was too delicious.
Vanessa shook her head, incredulous. Lily Parker, you’re the only person I know who could see a date with a guy and his mum as something positive. She’s amazing, Vanessa.
Intelligent, funny, warm. And you should have seen how Ethan treats her, with so much respect and affection. I paused, recalling the contrast with my ex-boyfriend.
Besides, Ethan is… different from what we imagined. He has a collection of rare vinyl records, grows orchids, and has travelled to more countries than I could name. Wow, Vanessa arched her eyebrows.
It seems like the office weirdo has layers. Don’t call him that, I defended, surprising both of us with my protective reaction. He’s just… Ethan.
Oh, my God, Vanessa said, breaking into a wide smile. You really like him. I couldn’t deny it.
There was something about Ethan, his disarming honesty, his attention to detail, the way his eyes lit up when he talked about something he loved, that intrigued me in a new and unexpected way. A few weeks later, we were back in the same restaurant, this time, just the two of us. The maitre d’ recognised us, leading us to the same corner table where it all began.
The conversation was flowing easily now. We discovered that despite our different personalities, I, more extroverted and impulsive, he, more methodical and introspective, we shared similar values and a compatible sense of humour. His quirks, which others considered odd, I found endearing.
How is your mother? I asked, as our fingers naturally intertwined over the table. Ethan smiled, that genuine smile he was now showing more often. She’s great.
She asks about you every day. Your mother is amazing, I commented, recalling how Margaret had invited me for tea the previous week, where we spent hours talking about books and recipes. I know, Ethan agreed, his eyes shining, and she already warned me not to mess it up.
We laughed together, conspiratorial, and I raised my glass in a toast. To the best misunderstanding of my life, I proposed. To fate and its strange ways, he replied, clinking his glass against mine.
As I watched Ethan at that moment, I realised that sometimes life presents us with the unexpected in the most unusual ways. Who would have thought that a casual remark, completely misinterpreted, would lead me to the most sincere meeting I’ve ever had? Sometimes, love begins with a mistake, but the heart, when ready, always understands the right message.
