Chapter 31: First Date

Chapter 31: Chapter 31: First Date

The name Irene sounded vaguely familiar to him, but looking into her blue eyes, brightened by seawater, he couldn’t place it.

His attention was on the girl in front of him. Drenched, she still didn’t look disheveled.

Her smile had a distinctive quality, and the faint familiarity was carried off by the sea breeze.

"So, Irene," he leaned forward slightly, hand resting on the jet ski’s handlebars, his casual tone betraying nerves.

"Tomorrow at ten in the morning, I’ll wait for you at the main pier of the Granvireya Hotel? We could see the antiques first, and if the weather’s good, maybe snorkel by the coral."

Irene didn’t hesitate. This unfamiliar boy and his talk of shipwreck artifacts were far more appealing than watching Britney and Edward.

"Okay," she nodded, water dripping from her hair. "Ten o’clock, main pier."

Henry’s face lit up, like someone given a gift. "It’s a date, then." He put his goggles on and started the jet ski smoothly.

The engine revved, but he didn’t leave immediately. He turned the jet ski in a clean arc, sending up spray like a parting gesture. Then he accelerated toward a larger yacht in the distance.

Irene watched him disappear across the bright water, her mood improved. She turned, eased the throttle, and headed back to Edward’s private island, already looking forward to tomorrow.

At dinner, Irene asked the butler if there was a dress code for the Granvireya’s antique exhibit.

Before the butler answered, Britney spoke. "Irene, are you visiting the hotel? I’ll come with you." She’d spent the afternoon with Edward and felt guilty for not spending time with Irene.

"Ah... but we planned to snorkel tomorrow..." Edward said quietly.

"Shut up."

"No need, Brit. I have plans tomorrow. You should go snorkeling with Edward." Irene finished her last bite, wiped her mouth with a napkin, and said, "Mr. Butler, could you prepare an outfit suitable for a date tomorrow?"

"Certainly, Miss Irene."

With her answer, Irene left the table, leaving Britney surprised.

"Oh my god, Irene has a date tomorrow!" Britney’s voice was loud.

"It’s not surprising someone would ask the boss out," Edward said.

"You don’t understand. Plenty have asked, but she’s never said yes." Britney stood, intending to go to Irene’s room for details.

Edward stopped her. "Wait, Britney, are you saying the boss has never dated before?" This was as surprising as learning Britney was still inexperienced.

He didn’t care personally, but he knew girls often discussed first experiences, and these two were exceptions.

"Shh. It’s a secret, understand? A secret. Don’t say it so loud."

Edward nodded, promising silence, while thinking: Who was just yelling?

They decided not to disturb Irene; a first date deserved privacy.

In fact, Irene returned to her room, showered, and went to bed.

She hadn’t slept the night before, and jet skiing had taken energy. After dinner, sleep came easily.

The next day.

Irene woke as the sun rose.

She opened the window. The salty sea air touched her face, waking her fully.

Outside was quiet except for the waves.

Irene stretched. It was a new day.

Opening her room door, she found the shirt dress the butler prepared, ironed and hanging by the door, with sunglasses, a straw hat, and accessories.

The butler was efficient. She took them in, changed, and added perfume.

Downstairs, breakfast was ready. Even Britney was already seated.

They exchanged good mornings and ate quietly. The lack of Britney’s chatter felt unusual to Irene.

But she didn’t start conversation, not wanting endless questions, so she ate quickly and asked the butler to prepare the yacht for the Granvireya’s main pier.

Until she boarded, Britney behaved, saying goodbye at the pier and wishing her luck.

Irene frowned as she waved. She didn’t trust Britney to be this quiet; something might be planned.

At 9:50, Irene arrived.

Henry was already waiting.

He leaned against a bollard, wearing a light blue cotton shirt with sleeves rolled to his forearms. The casual look suited him.

Seeing Irene, he straightened, smiling openly.

"Punctual." He stepped forward, voice relieved, as if he’d been uncertain she’d come.

"Thought I wouldn’t show?" Irene joked lightly, not expecting an answer. "Have you been waiting long?"

"I just got here." Henry turned to lead her.

"This way. The exhibit is in the west wing, facing the sea."

They walked along the coast toward the west wing.

When Henry spoke, he angled toward her to maintain eye contact. Describing shipwreck stories, he slowed, as if each detail mattered.

At the archway to the exhibit, he stopped and faced her, expression serious.

"Honestly, I’m glad you came. After meeting you yesterday... " He paused, choosing words.

"I went back and kept hoping I’d see you again today."

Sea breeze moved the hair on his forehead, and the light in his eyes was warm and clear.

It answered her earlier joke.

Realizing they were both anticipating the day, Irene met his gaze and smiled, unable to hide her good mood.