Esme knew she should be frowning in disapproval at the over the top offerings, but in fact she was slightly amused and vastly flattered. Wine, flowers, chocolate and even a teddy bear—her date had spared no efforts in trying to gain her good favor. She would have thought him a smooth talker if he hadn't been absolutely tongue tied and blushing which was oddly sweet and very reassuring—he obviously wasn't a man used to dating many women.
However, something was off with Carlisle. He seemed to b exceedingly nervous and fidgety … Perhaps he wasn't comfortable dining at her home? Cursing herself, Esme wondered for the thousand time why she hadn't chosen to meet him at a restaurant. Deep down she knew it was because she wanted to avoid her acquaintances—she was aware that they would ridicule her for pursuing a romantic entanglement at her old age. But there were certain things that were better left unacknowledged.
Carlisle's uneasiness made for stilted conversion and awkward silences—not even a hostess as gracious as Esme was able to smooth the tense atmosphere surrounding the lavish table. No matter how charming or witty she tried to be, Carlisle's only reply was an absent sort of smile, almost as if he were apologizing for not being really there. Eventually, she gave up and concentrated on enjoying the scrumptious food.
Lamenting the colossal failure of a night that had held so much promise, Esme almost missed the whispered words of Carlisle's pained confession.
"There is something you have to know."