He inspired me to take chances.
And I’m going to let him inspire me now.
“I know this is going to sound weird,” I say slowly, “but you have a really good vibe about you.”
Hadleigh’s face brightens. “Oh, that’s so nice of you to say. I can say the same about you.”
“I was wondering if you’d want to meet up for a coffee and hang out. If you’re game for that.”
I anxiously watch her face.
A bright smile fills it. “I would love that,” she says. She swipes a few things on her phone and hands it to me. “You can put your contact info in.”
“Do you want me to call myself ‘Herb Stuffing Girl’ so you remember?” I ask.
She laughs loudly at that, and I type in “Scarlett” and hand the phone to her. She looks down at it and begins to type. “Here, this is better,” she declares, showing me the screen.
Scarlett Herb Stuffing Girl
I burst out laughing. She types again, and my phone buzzes in my hand. I glance down at the screen:
Sorry I tried to kill you with stuffing, but so glad I got to meet you.
I’m bubbling over with happiness. “I’m so glad you want to meet up. I’ll text you some dates later.”
“Perfect. Enjoy your dressing,” she says cheerfully.
“You too,” I say as she pushes her cart and heads down another aisle.
I take a moment to absorb what happened. I might have made a new friend today. All because I was brave. I don’t think I knew how much fear had been holding me back from making friends. Dumb fears, like fear of looking stupid or being rejected.
Which easily could have happened. However, I would have survived if it did.
I took this chance because of Aiden. Since I found him—and found courage I didn’t know I could have—it’s spilled over to this area of my life, too. I might have made a new friend because of it.
I put two jars of canned cranberry jelly in my cart and begin to peruse the store happily.I’m changing because of him,I think.In the best way possible.
And I can’t wait to see how my life continues to change because Aiden’s in it.
Chapter Seventeen
When Aiden raps on my door, I eagerly jump up to let him in. Not only am I excited for us to share our own Thanksgiving meal, but I have the Christmas tree assembled and ready to decorate, too.
I open the door a crack, so he appears in a sliver in my view. “Shut your eyes! I have a surprise for you!”
Aiden grins. “Are you naked? Please say yes.”
I burst out laughing. “No, I’m not.”
His smile fades. “Damn it.”
“You can see me naked later. Now shut your eyes!”
“Bossy. Will you be that later, too? Preferably when you’re naked. Please say yes.”
“Aiden!”
“Okay, okay,” he says, closing his eyes.
