Not to mention how Daisy had totally called him on his bullshit, and now he couldn’t stop wondering if he really was just repeating his old pattern. Was it possible he’d gotten attached to Daisy just because she’d talked to him first? Was he really that pathetic?
A woman talks to him and he’s ready to marry her.
Could it have been anyone?
He was a mess, and he was characteristically nervous about this date.
It was one thing to talk to the book club or be spotted together at the beach, but a Dream Harbor festival was no joke. He’d briefly popped into last year’s Midsummer festival, and he hadn’t lasted more than a half hour. It had been packed, and he’d been completely out of his depth.
After today, Daisy would probably be wishing she’d picked a better fake partner, one who was more adept at being charming and chatty. One who would sell her story better and help her save her shop.
‘Okay, all set.’ Daisy emerged from her bathroom, dressed and ready to go. As soon as he saw her, his earlier question was immediately answered.
No, it could not have been anyone.
Daisy was different.
‘You’re not wearing black.’ A brilliant thing to say. He was nailing this already.
Daisy glanced down at her dress like she’d forgotten what she’d put on. She ran a hand over the velvety material. The dress was long with billowy sleeves, and her black boots peeked out from the bottom.
‘I thought dark purple was more… festive.’ There was a hesitation in her answer, a touch of nerves. It made him feel better to know he wasn’t the only one feeling that way.
‘I like it.’
She smiled, tucking a piece of hair behind her ear. ‘It’s a pagan festival, might as well go with a witchy vibe.’
‘It suits you.’
Daisy laughed.
‘I mean…’ He winced. Shit. Was it bad to say she looked like a witch? He meant she looked like a sexy witch. ‘I just meant you look really… beautiful.’
Daisy’s laughter faded and as she held his gaze, he felt his cheeks pinken. ‘Thank you.’
‘You’re welcome.’
‘Should we go?’ Daisy asked, and he realized he was just staring at her stupidly and completely blocking the door.
The door he had pinned her against only a few days earlier.
Elliot swallowed hard.
‘Yes. Definitely.’
He followed Daisy out of the apartment and through the shop to Main Street, cursing himself the whole way for being so damn awkward. Daisy had wanted to change aftersetting up this morning, and he offered to walk with her back to the festival. He would be by Daisy’s side while she sold her flowers, and then later, they’d get to enjoy the festival together.
It all sounded very simple, but the whole plan hinged on him surviving that long and not making a fool of himself sooner rather than later. This day was reminding him of every reason he avoided dating. The main one being he was bad at it.
‘So, what should I expect at this festival?’ he asked, grasping at something to say to fill the silence, even though he’d been at nearly every town meeting and knew perfectly well what was planned for the day.
The street was already busy with townsfolk heading toward the square. After another long winter and a rather dreary spring, it was the perfect day for a festival celebrating the coming of summer. It was warm and sunny, the air scented with flowers and the sea. The effervescent mood of the crowd was contagious and Elliot felt himself getting caught up in the excitement. Neighbors waved and greeted each other as they came out of the café with iced teas and lemonades complete with edible flowers floating on top of the ice. Even the drinks were festive. A few people waved and smiled at Elliot, and he couldn’t help his flush of surprise and pleasure. They probably only said hello because he was with Daisy, but it was nice to finally feel like he belonged here. At least a little bit.
A little girl ran past them chased by another. They were each holding balloons that flapped wildly behind them, squealing with delight as they ran.
‘Cece, Ivy! Slow down!’ Noah called, appearing beside Daisy and Elliot, flushed and out of breath.
‘Hey, guys,’ he said.
