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“Hailey?” a familiar, deep voice calls for me. I look up and see Eric standing near Scarlett, smiling at me. Scar looks up at him, then at me, winking.
“What are you doing here?” I ask. This man makes me blush more than anyone ever has.
“Oh, I’m just seeing more of the city. Figured I’d stop by and grab some food while doing so.”
“Would you like to sit with us?” Scar asks.
I widen my eyes.
“Oh, sure! Thanks,” he says.
I scoot over and he sits next to me. His cologne smells refreshing, and my heart races.
“I heard you stayed over at Hailey’s the other night.”
I kick her in the shin underneath the table and she gives me achill out face.
“Oh, uh, yeah, she called and said she needed company.”
“I also know you two kissed.”
My face turns bright red. I can really feel it. I purse my lips and cover my eyes.
“Scarlett, shut up,” I laugh.
Eric looks at me and places his arm over the top of the booth with a big smile. I sense he is loving this.
“It was a good kiss,” he says.
Oh my god, the butterflies are worse now.
“Anyway, today is going to be interesting,” Scarlett says.
“Yeah,” I reply.
“Why’s that?” Eric asks me.
“Oh, uh, picking out clothes for the funeral on Saturday.”
Eric’s smile fades, and his expression softens. “If there’s anything I can do to help or support you, please let me know.”
“Thanks,” I say, touched by his sincerity. “It’s been a tough few days, but I’m lucky to have Scarlett here with me.”
He nods, understanding. “Having good friends around makes a world of difference.” He pauses, then continues, “So, Hailey, could I talk to you about something?”
I side eye Scarlett and she nods.
“Sure,” I reply. Eric stands up and offers me his hand. I accept, and he gently grasps my hand and helps me from the booth. He doesn’t let go while leading me outside on the back patio.
He stands in front of me, his face serious, but a small smile appears.
“I know this is bad timing, but I can’t stop thinking about you.” He looks me in the eyes ever so sweetly, like he’s wanting to say more but doesn’t want to move too fast.
As his words sink in, I can feel my heart rate increasing. Despite the bustling sounds of the city and crashing waves around us, it is as if time stands still, leaving only the two of us in this moment. I can’t help but feel a mixture of surprise and delight at his confession.
“I… I wasn’t prepared for that,” I confess, feeling embarrassed. “And yeah, the timing is complicated.”
He lets out a nervous chuckle, his fingers tightening slightly around mine. “Yeah, I know. I promise I’m not trying to make things more difficult for you. It’s just that spending time with you the other night, that kiss, it felt… right.”
