She was right when she said I needed more excitement and adventure to spice up my life. So maybe going out with Ethan wasn’t such a bad idea. Trying something new wouldn’t kill me—besides, he wasn’t good at this either.
I let out a soft exhale, letting all my anxiety evaporate. “Where do you have in mind?”
A radiant smile spread across his face, accentuating the relief in his gaze. “I’m not sure,” he said, his eyes boring into mine. “Where doyouwanna go?”
My heart warmed with affection, and as simple as that question was, it stirred something inside me. I lowered my head, tucking some stray strands behind my ear to mask my flushed cheeks.
“Honestly, I don’t know,” I answered, raising my head again. “I don’t go out very often.”
“That makes the two of us,” he answered amidst chuckles. “I’ll figure something out, and um…I’ll text you.”
“Mm-hmm.” I nodded, lips pursed, fingers tapping absently on my apron.
He held my gaze a while longer before quietly walking away. “Oh, one more thing.” He stopped in his tracks, turning to face me. “Congratulations on your final exams.”
I beamed at him. “Thank you.”
Ethan gave a curt nod, then turned around and left.
I let out a soft sigh after holding my breath for so long.
“I take it back,” Damon said, materializing beside me. “You’re not allergic to fun.” His lips curved into a mischievous grin.
“Hey, what was that about?” Audrey approached us, casually flexing her thumb toward Ethan.
“Ethan asked Lettie out on a date, and she said yes,” Damon answered, tapping my shoulder.
“What? That’s good news!” Audrey laughed, spreading out her arms.
I bowed my head in shame, rubbing my eyes with my fingers. “Don’t you guys think you’re exaggerating a bit? I mean, it’s not even a date.”
“Of course, it is,” said Audrey.
“What’s going on here?” James joined the conversation. “Are you guys having a meeting without me?”
“Ethan asked Lettie out on a date, and she said yes,” Damon and Audrey chorused.
“Oh, my God,” I murmured under my breath, knowing James would make a big fuss about it.
His brows shot up in disbelief. “Shut the front door!” He lifted me off the ground. “Damn, girl, finally!”
“Put me down.” I giggled as he spun me around twice.
While these crazy folks of mine were busy helping me planmydate, my eyes were fixed on the space across from me. I didn’t realize how charming and sweet Ethan was until now. He wasn’t the most handsome man in the room. But he was an amazing person.
How come I’d never noticed him this whole time?
He locked eyes with me and beamed that charming smile that melted my heart like ice cream. Maybe Eva was right after all—maybe all I needed was some excitement in my life. I wasn’t sure where this thing would lead, but I sure loved how it made me feel alive again.
I was never going to look at Ethan the same way again, because now it felt like a veil had been lifted from my face. I saw him differently, in a way I never had, and there was no going back.
All through the night, we shot hidden glances at each other as I worked. To celebrate my upcoming date with Ethan, Damon and the others decided to ease my stress by refusing to let me work as hard as before. I didn’t like the idea, but those stubborn mules were unrelenting.
Later, after closing hours, Ethan offered to walk me home, but I politely declined his offer, saying he’d made my night already. He asked if I was sure, that he didn’t mind at all, but I insisted that I would be fine on my own.
I saw the reluctance in his eyes; however, he respected my decision in the end.
“Call me when you get home,” he said.
