Isaiah watched until she was safe. Then he looked at the ribbon keychain. I found her. Now I just have to win her heart. Over the next two weeks, Isaiah and Victoria met four times. Officially discussing the community center. Unofficially, they couldn’t stay away from each other. Their meetings always ran long. One hour turned into three.
Business dissolved into stories and laughter. Isaiah noticed everything about her. The way she checked her phone constantly for work emergencies, the way she ate lunch quickly, the way her shoes were worn at the heels. He wanted to fix everything. But she’d said no to money, so he found other ways.
Every meeting, Isaiah brought coffee, always the same order. Caramel macchiato, extra shot, light foam. Victoria noticed. How do you remember? You told me once. I remember everything you say. Something shifted in Victoria’s eyes. Isaiah also brought sandwiches. Different kinds. Italian sub, turkey club, grilled cheese.
You really like sandwiches? Victoria laughed. Isaiah’s voice was soft. They remind me of the best time in my life. Victoria’s smile faded. She understood. One afternoon, Victoria mentioned the center needed a new heating system. $30,000 they didn’t have. Let me look into that, Isaiah said. 3 days later, a brand new system was installed.
Victoria cornered him. How much did you pay? I found a contractor who owed me a favor. You paid for it yourself. Does it matter? The kids have heat now. Victoria let it go. But she was watching him carefully. During their fourth meeting, a teenage boy knocked. Marcus, 16, aging out of foster care soon. Ms. Hayes, they’re kicking me out.
I have nowhere to go. Victoria’s frustration was visible. I’m trying, but the system always fails. Isaiah watched, saw himself in Marcus. After Marcus left, Victoria put her head in her hands. This happens every week. I can’t save them all, Isaiah said carefully. What if there was a program for kids aging out? That would be amazing.
But who’d fund it? Let me make some calls. One week later, news broke. An anonymous donor pledged $500,000 for a foster youth scholarship fund. Victoria called Isaiah. Was that you? I don’t know what you’re talking about. Don’t lie. Silence. Then does it help the kids? Yes. Then does it matter? Victoria’s chest tightened. He was saving people just like she’d taught him.
Meanwhile, Isaiah started appearing at the center. Not for meetings, just there. I was in the neighborhood, he’d say. His office was 30 minutes away. Victoria’s coworker whispered, “That man is in love with you. We’re just friends. Friends don’t look at each other like that.” One evening, walking to her car, Victoria shivered.
Chicago winter had arrived. Isaiah put his coat around her shoulders. Isaiah, you’ll be cold. I’ll be fine. Victoria froze. those exact words. 22 years ago, reversed. She looked at him. He remembered everything. Her heart cracked open. What Isaiah didn’t know. Victoria was falling, too. Despite her fears, and soon he’d show her exactly how deep his feelings went.
Isaiah called Victoria 3 days later. I want to take you to dinner. Not business, just us. Victoria hesitated. Isaiah, please. You said one dinner as friends. Okay. Friday at 7:00. Friday arrived. Victoria stood in front of her closet for 20 minutes. Three dresses, all old. She chose the black one.
Her grandmother called, “Baby, where are you going all dressed up?” “Just dinner with a friend.” Is this the boy you used to feed? Victoria smiled. Yes, Grandma. That boy’s in love with you. Has been for 22 years. Isaiah arrived exactly at 7. Suit, simple daisies in hand. You remembered, Victoria said. You said you liked simple things.
