Leo’s hands are folded and his shoulders are relaxed. He appears all settled in, ready for more. Part of me wants to tell someone, anyone, about my hope of becoming an author…but the other part of me is still scared. What if he laughs in my face? I mean, I barely know him so I guess it doesn’t really matter, right?
I chew on my lip, thinking through my next words.
“So, what’s missing?” Leo leans forward, resting his elbows on the table.
I avert eye contact and try to steady my breathing. My heart is pounding having Leo’s full undivided attention. “I don’t know for sure, but…there’s this thing that I’ve always wanted to do. I’m just not sure if I’m good enough. Sorry, I don’t mean to be cryptic. I just haven’t told anyone yet, and I’m still working up the courage.”
Leo raises an eyebrow. “I’m intrigued. When you’re ready, I’d love to hear about it.”
“Thanks.” That was such a sweet response. Not pushy, just curious. I wipe down my area with a napkin and set it on my plate.
“So, what’s your plan while you're in Sunshine Shores?” Leo asks.
I look up at him, and for some reason, at that moment, it really hits me. I have no plans…no plan at all. What am I going to do tomorrow? My heartbeat starts thumping in my ears. “I…I don’t know. I got my job at MVP right out of college. I’ve always been in school or working.”
He tucks a stray hair behind his ear. “Sounds like a nice break.”
“It does? I don’t know what to do with myself.”
“I’m sure Val will have ideas. She’s always up to something.” He finishes his glass of chocolate milk, smiles and sets it down gently. “Ready to head out?”
I nod, distracted by his tan skin and the enormous blank page that is my future. As we walk out toward the truck, Leo opens the door for me again. I’ve never had a guy do that before. I thought it might be awkward or unnecessary, but I like it. It’s nice.
On the drive home, Leo points out a few places—the library, a surf shop, a boutique. The sun is shining high overhead. It’s early afternoon, but I’m suddenly exhausted.
A moment later, Leo pulls into Val’s driveway (well sort of mine now too) and puts the truck in Park.
My eyelids feel heavy, and I look over at him with the best smile I can muster. “Thanks for the sugar.” As soon as the words are out of my mouth, I realize what I said. “I meant like sugar as in the dessert, not like the euphemism for sugar.”
Leo grins. “Of course. Welcome to Sunshine Shores. Sorry it wasn’t the best first day.”
“The cupcake redeemed it.” I grin and hop out of the truck. “Thanks again.”
“Chloe.” I pause at the sound of Leo saying my name. “I’m glad you’re here. I hope I’ll see you around.”
I nod and walk toward the front door. I can feel my cheeks muscles. Why are they sore? Have I been smiling for the entire last hour?
I know I said the cupcake redeemed my first day, but honestly, Leo was the best part. The cupcake was an added bonus. I replay his last words. “Chloe, I’m glad you’re here. I hope I’ll see you around.”
As I close the door behind me, I lean against it, shut my eyes and sigh like a romantic movie cliché.
“Well hello.”
I cringe. Aunt Val is staring at me with a giant grin on her face. I called her earlier while I was changing in the bathroom—you know, to make sure Leo wasn’t a serial killer.
Her response? Immediate gushing about what a wonderful guy Leo is and that she’s so happy we’re spending time together.
Aunt Val is practically bouncing on her tiptoes. “So, how was it?”
“The cupcake? Amazing. Dangerously amazing. I’m gonna have to work on my self control so I don’t blow through my savings at that café.”
“No,” she says exasperated. “How was itwith Leo?”
I don’t want her to get her hopes up, or my own. I’m turning over a new leaf. I’m living rooted in adult reality where I don’t form a crush on every extremely handsome guy I come across. I try to think of a response to match this new outlook and decide on, “He’s nice.”
Aunt Val begins walking toward the kitchen, so I follow. “That’s it? “Nice? Leo Cruz is not nice.” She turns away from me and then spins back around, throwing her hands in the air. “He’s an angel. How dare you sum him up asnice.”
Whoa. Did not expect to walk into that. My mom is very even-keeled. I guess Aunt Val got the dramatic gene. “All right, all right. He’s great. I really enjoyed my time with him. Is that better?”
