‘You didn’t catch my question earlier, I’m guessing?’ he asks mildly.
‘I didn’t,’ I admit with a nervous smile. ‘I’m sorry, it might have been a little subtle for me. I thought you just meant… you know, the group. It’s not really in my DNA to assume someone has romantic intentions.’
He starts to say something, but I can’t stop the words that are tumbling out of my mouth.
‘I just – I couldn’treallybelieve that you would actually like me. With you being you. You’re so kind. You’re considerate and funny. I think you’re one of the best guys I’ve ever met. And you know. You look… likethat.’
He huffs out a laugh. ‘I don’t know what that means, but I’ll take it. Thank you.’
I can’t do anything but beam at him.
‘And I do,’ he adds without humour. ‘Like you.’
I resist the urge to fall to the floor but thankfully he doesn’t seem to expect any further explanation.
‘Well, in that case… I’m going to try one more time. And I can’t emphasise enough that this is not my forte. Generally, I mean, I’m not very good at this.’
He stops to look at my face, which must be a true picture of horror. Oh no. This is what I was meant to be doing!
‘Can I take you out? You know – we could, um…’ He gestures awkwardly with his hands between the two of us.
‘We could,’ I agree politely. ‘Yes.’
‘Could I take you out for dinner or a drink or something? Sometime?’ he finishes in a rush.
I am fascinated by the reality that someone so painfully beautiful also happens to not be very smooth. Notquiteas bad as me, but still. The whole thing is stilted and it makes my affection for him instantly triple. And underneath it all his eyes pierce through mine and something inside me feels like it’s taking flight.
‘Yeah.’ I grin so hard my cheeks hurt. ‘I’d love that.’
His lovely awkwardness continues as he smiles and rubs the back of his neck, trying to find the right words to say. ‘Alright, well. Let’s maybe do something this week, if you’re free.’
‘How about now?’ The words leave my mouth before I really think about it.
‘Now?’
‘Sure.’ I gesture around us. ‘It’s just us. We’re surrounded by endless bars and entertainment. Seems like the perfect opportunity.’
He nods as his smile widens. ‘Sounds like a good idea.’
‘How about The Lakes? I was just there, it’s pretty amazing at this time of day.’ And if I’m honest, I’m done with pounding music and stages and crowds for now.
‘Sounds perfect,’ he says, turning to leave without further discussion. And as he does, he threads his fingers through mine.
43
Night falls over Firecrest and a bittersweet air settles over the site. A small shred of guilt wells inside me that I’ve stolen Elliot’s last night for myself before I remind myself that he is here willingly. And is on a date with me. Willingly.
The only noticeable change between us so far is the whole holding hands thing. It’s a welcome change.
We sit next to the lake, on the quieter side that overlooks the stages of The Lakes area. Fairy lights encircle the water and hang from every tree and flag around us, casting long, scattered reflections of light across the lake’s surface. An enormous willow tree towers beside us, its feathery branches falling around us like a curtain, masking us from curious eyes. I watch them shudder and move together as the breeze grows colder.
I remember with a start that I should update Hennie. She has probably bitten all of her nails off by now.
I shoot Elliot an apologetic look as I grab my phone and open up an ongoing stream of messages from her.
How did it go???
Please update me asap
