Chapter 2 Waves of connection

Luna's POV

The morning rays flooded my room, bright and comforting, while I braided my hair into a loose plait. Breakfast was fast, and my anxiety buzzed with a blend of excitement and dread. Today was the day I would have a conversation with Adrian. No longer gazing from the hill.

Dad observed my unusual haste as I snatched my satchel from the hook by the door. "You're hurrying away," he remarked, a mischievous grin dancing on his lips. "Allow me to predict...another surge of creative inspiration?"

"Something along those lines," I answered, dodging his perceptive look.

"Just be careful not to let the inspiration divert your attention excessively. You could run into something or someone," he teased, his eyes sparkling.

I chuckled awkwardly, murmuring a farewell before going outside.

The atmosphere was refreshing as usual. The quiet town began to wake as fishermen made their way to the docks, and neighbors occasionally chatted while greeting each other. I headed towards the hill, my heart racing faster with each step.

From above, the recognizable view of the docks came into view. The boats rocked softly, their silhouettes extending over the glimmering water. And there stood Adrian Vega.

He operated with a skilled fluidity, hoisting nets onto his boat, the muscles in his arms tensing with every movement. The sunlight glimmered on his dark hair, and I found myself admiring how seamlessly he merged with this environment.

I stood by until he arrived, my hands sweating as I moved closer. The sound of my footsteps echoed on the wooden boards, and for a moment, I thought about going back. But then he glanced upward.

"Luna, right?" he said, his deep voice catching me off guard.

I froze, blinking. "You...know my name?"

He smiled a boyish grin that made my heart skip a beat. "Of course. You're the artist always sketching on the hill."

"I didn't realize you'd noticed," I said, my voice smaller than I intended.

"It's hard not to," he replied, leaning against his boat. "What brings you here today? Looking for inspiration?"

"Yes...and no," I said, taking a shaky breath. "I came to talk to you. I mean, I've seen you working, and you...you have this way about you. It's inspiring."

Adrian raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "Inspiring, huh? That's not something I hear every day."

I hesitated, suddenly feeling foolish. "Sorry, that probably sounded weird."

"Not at all," he said, his gaze softening. "It's nice to know someone sees more than just a fisherman."

Motivated, I moved nearer. "I believe there's nothing 'just' about you. The manner in which you operate feels as if you have a bond with the ocean that few others possess."

He gazed at me for an instant, his face impossible to interpret. "And what about you, Luna? What are you connected to?"

The question surprised me unexpectedly. "I...I'm not certain. I suppose I'm still trying to understand that."

"That's fine," he remarked. "Occasionally, it can take time to discover your horizon."

We chatted for what seemed like hours, exchanging stories about our lives. Adrian shared with me the extensive history of his family as fishermen and his dream to someday navigate beyond the known waters of our town. In exchange, I revealed my difficulties with painting and the stress of desiring to produce something significant.

"It appears that we're both pursuing something," he remarked, his eyes wandering to the skyline. "Perhaps we'll discover it one day."

"Perhaps," I replied quietly.

As the sun sank further in the sky, casting the water in shades of orange and pink, Adrian glanced at me, his eyes glinting with a blend of playfulness and earnestness.

"Luna," he suggested, "why don't we take a break from discussing dreams for one night and simply savor the moment? Allow me to take you out this evening. Dinner is on me."

My heart raced for a moment. "You mean...as in a date?"

"Just like a date," he stated, his smile both playful and sincere.

I paused for just an instant before agreeing. "I would appreciate that."

"Wonderful," he replied, his grin becoming broader. "Seven at the Blue Harbor?"

"I will be there," I said, my tone sounding more confident than I truly felt.

While I walked back to the town, my mind was flooded with thoughts. Nervousness mingled with thrill, and I could barely grasp what had just transpired.

"Luna!"

I looked to see Sofia rushing towards me, her curls bouncing with each step. "Why do you have that dreamy expression? Did anything happen?"

I bit my lip, trying and failing to suppress a grin. "Adrian asked me out."

Sofia gasped, grabbing my arm. "No way! When? Where? Tell me everything!"

I laughed, recounting the conversation as we made our way to my house.

Sofia's excitement was infectious. "This is huge, Luna! You've been crushing on him forever, and now you're going on a date? We need to get you ready!"

She pulled me into my room, throwing my wardrobe door open. "Alright, we want something that shouts 'natural beauty.'"

After extensive discussion, we chose a flowing navy blue dress that accentuated my shape perfectly. Sofia fashioned my hair into gentle waves, and after some persuasion, I allowed her to put on a bit of makeup.

When she stepped back, her eyes sparkled with pride. "Luna, you look incredible. Adrian's not going to know what hit him."

I glanced at my reflection, hardly recognizing the confident woman staring back. "Thanks, Sofia. I couldn't have done this without you."

"Just promise me one thing," she said, grinning. "Have fun tonight. You deserve this."

At seven on the dot, I reached the Blue Harbor, my heart racing like a drum. Adrian stood by the entrance, wearing a neat white shirt that accentuated his tanned complexion. His smile, friendly and sincere, caused my anxiety to dissipate.

"You look stunning," he remarked, his gaze exploring me with respect.

"Thanks," I replied, sensing a flush rising on my face.

He kept the door open for me, and as we entered, the gentle flicker of candlelight and the smooth sound of jazz music set an intimate mood.

Our table was near the window, facing the water. The waves glistened in the moonlight, while the fragrance of salt and ocean combined with the delightful smell of food just prepared.

As the night progressed, I discovered myself laughing, grinning, and entirely enchanted by Adrian. He recounted tales from his youth, his desire for adventure, and the insights he'd gained from the ocean.

In exchange, I shared my experiences with art, my challenges, and my anxiety about not succeeding. For the first time, I felt genuinely recognized not merely as an artist, but as a person.

As the waiter presented dessert, a rich chocolate cake, Adrian leaned in, speaking softly.

"You know, Luna," he remarked, his gaze fixated on me, "I believe you undervalue your abilities. You possess a certain...radiance within you. It's uncommon."

His speech left me speechless. "Thanks, Adrian. It means a lot to me."

As the night progressed, I came to understand Sofia was correct; I truly deserved this. And perhaps, just perhaps, this marked the beginning of something wonderful.