Chapter 3 – Unspoken Things

The night air was cool against his skin, the low hum of cicadas filling the quiet spaces between thoughts. Joel couldn’t sleep. He sat on the porch, elbows resting on his knees, lost in the kind of silence he rarely had time for. Then he heard the screen door creak open. Esme stepped outside, barefoot, cigarette in hand. She didn’t see him right away — just leaned against the railing and lit up, exhaling slowly into the night. He hadn’t meant to stare. But Esme had this way about her — like she was both tough and fragile, standing on the edge of something and holding herself together anyway. He wondered what battles she fought under that calm exterior. Joel cleared his throat softly. “You okay?” he asked, voice low, rough from disuse but genuine. She startled just a bit and turned, eyes catching the porch light. “Yeah, just… tired.” He nodded. “It’s a lot, coming here. Starting over.” Esme gave a small smile. “Yeah. Feels strange—but good.” They stood there in a companionable silence, the kind that didn’t need filling. Not awkward—just full of things left unsaid. Joel shifted his weight, thumb tapping lightly against his knee. Part of him wanted to reach out, to say more. But he held back. “You know,” he said instead, “if you ever need anything—anything at all—just say the word.” Esme met his gaze, steady and warm. “Thanks, Joel. That means a lot.” A few minutes later, Joel reappeared from inside the house, holding two cold beers. He handed her one without a word. “Thanks,” Esme said softly, her fingers brushing his as she took it. The warmth of his hand lingered longer than it should have. The air had cooled just enough to feel bearable. The backyard was quiet, wrapped in soft porch light and shadows. Joel sat down beside her on the steps, leaving a respectful space between them. “So,” he said, casual but kind, “how’s Texas treating you so far? Besides melting you.” Esme smiled. “Hot. And everyone seems convinced I’m starving all the time.” Joel chuckled. “Barbecue portions aren’t for the faint of heart.” She laughed—a real one this time. Light and unexpected. “Guess I’m going to have to bulk up.” He shook his head, grinning. “You look fine to me.” The words hung between them for half a beat. Esme looked away, suddenly fascinated by a crack in the porch wood. “You’ve got to teach me how to handle Texans,” she said. “Or I might drown in brisket and sweet tea.” Joel took a slow sip of his beer, eyes drifting toward the darkening sky. “I might know a thing or two.” They sat in silence again, this one even easier than the last. No pressure. No expectations. Just the soft hum of the night, the warmth of a shared drink, and two people learning to find their rhythm—slowly, quietly, in the space between unspoken things. As they sat there, Esme felt a sense of peace wash over her. It was a feeling she hadn't experienced in a long time. She glanced over at Joel, who was watching her with a gentle smile. “You’re easy to talk to,” she said. Joel’s smile faltered for a moment, and he looked away. “I’m just listening,” he said. Esme nodded, feeling a flutter in her chest. She knew that she was drawn to him, but she was scared to admit it. As the night wore on, they sat in comfortable silence, enjoying each other's company. The cicadas hummed, and the stars twinkled above. It was a moment of perfect tranquility. Esme knew that she would always treasure this moment, this feeling of peace and connection with Joel. As the night drew to a close, Esme stood up, brushing off her pants. “I should get going,” she said. Joel nodded, standing up beside her. “I’ll walk you to the door,” he said. As they walked to the door, Esme felt a sense of reluctance. She didn’t want the night to end. But as they stood in the doorway, Joel smiled and said, “Goodnight, Esme.” “Goodnight, Joel,” Esme replied, smiling back. The door closed behind her, and Esme felt a sense of peace wash over her once again. She knew that she had found something special in Joel, something that she hadn’t experienced in a long time. And as she drifted off to sleep, she couldn’t help but wonder what the future held for them.