Still, it was kind of impressive that he hadn't lost more than just his gloves.
Eli finished tying up his coat and turned toward me. His lips curled into a grin when he caught me watching him. "What?"
"Nothing. Just wondering how you keep your head attached to your shoulders."
He sent me a playful glare, but it didn't stick. Instead, he held his hand out. "Ready?"
I nodded and slid my hand into his. His fingers curled around mine like it was the most natural thing in the world.
We made our way out the front door and into the hall. The air was cooler out here with that faint draft that always crept in during winter, but Eli's hand stayed warm in mine. We hadn't even made it to the stairway when the door across the hall creaked open.
Mrs Cavanagh looked up and smiled as she stepped out of her flat. "Well! If it isn't my favourite troublemakers." She locked her door and tucked her handbag under her arm as she shuffled to catch up to us. "Out for the night, are we?"
I nodded. "Going to see the fireworks."
"Yeah? That makes three of us, then."
Eli flashed his usual easy grin. "You're coming, too?"
"Of course I am! Us old folk don't just sit inside and listen to everyone else having fun." She adjusted her scarf and gave us a pointed look. "Although, judging by the racket fromyourflat the other night, you two have been making plenty of noise on your own."
I nearly choked.
Eli just laughed. "Ah, you heard some of that, did you?'
Her eyes twinkled with mischief. "Heard it? I thought you were breaking the furniture. Or each other."
Heat hit my face in an instant and burned all the way to the tips of my ears. "We – we werenot– I – " I cleared my throat and tried to recover some of my dignity.
Eli released my hand and draped his arm around my shoulder. "Guess we should've put a pillow behind the headboard, huh?"
I shot him a mortified look. "Eli."
Mrs Cavanagh just chuckled. "Oh, don't get so red, love. I'm old, not blind. Besides, it's good to see some life back in you." Her voice softened a bit, her teasing sliding into something more genuine. "You look happier now."
The heat in my face didn't exactly fade, but it eased away from panic into more of a flustered acceptance. Even so, I couldn't help the small smile that tugged at the corners of my mouth. Embarrassing as her approach was, I knew she meant it. And she was right. The last few weeks had felt different.
I glanced at Eli, who was still wearing that crooked grin, and the warmth in my chest rose again. This time for a better reason.
I sighed and shook my head fondly. "Come on. Before we miss the show."
Mrs Cavanagh hummed in agreement, and the three of us made our way down the stairs, stepping out into the cold winter air.
By the time we reached the park, the festival was already in full swing. String lights criss-crossed through the trees, casting a faint glow over the crowd. Stalls lined the walkways selling all sorts of seasonal comforts, and the air buzzed with conversation and laughter.
We were barely through the entrance when I noticed a group of young girls standing nearby. One held her phone out at an awkward angle, fumbling with the screen as she attempted to take a decent selfie. In the dark.
I nudged Eli and tilted my head toward the scene.
He took one look, snorted under his breath, and leaned in slightly. "Told you."
I laughed quietly and watched for a minute as the girl lifted her phone a little higher, adjusting her hold in what was clearly a losing battle.
Mrs Cavanagh suddenly stopped in her tracks. "Well, lads, I think this is where I leave you two to enjoy the night."
I immediately became suspicious. "Wait, what?"
She gave me an indignant look, though her lips twitched with a barely contained smirk. "You don't need me to play chaperone all evening. You're big boys. You can keep yourselves out of trouble."
