ELLIE
“What do I do?What do I do?” I whisper to myself while I stare at the white ceiling.
I’m lying on the cozy couch in the living room of the guest house, thinking to myself about many things. I’ve been in the same spot for two hours, going back and forth in my head. While I was out with Riley and Hailey at the beach, I got a phone call from my job.
I wanted to throw up when I saw “work” pop up on my phone screen. Chef Roberts wanted to know when I’d be returning. What I hadn’t expected her to say was that she thought of me as a daughter and was invested in me as her successor.
The dread started to settle into me after the phone conversation. My mind is completely blank on what I need to do. Not one single thing. All this pressure isn’t helping, needing to perform to the absolute best of my abilities. And this new role would up my stress tenfold.
My stomach turns with anxiety at the thought of it all. Especially when I need to get my stuff out of the apartment I shared with Charlie. I let myself forget all about that. Ugh. Being an adult blows.
I groan out of frustration when I feel my phone vibrate on my belly. I grab it and see a text from Rowan. I instantly smile.
Rowan: I’m taking you out tonight.
Ellie: Oh? A “date” re-do?
Rowan: Yes, and I promise that this time, I’m asking you because I have a crush on you. Hope that’s okay.
The cheesiest smile escapes from me, and I would gag at myself for how I look. Good thing I can’t see my reflection. At least he was smooth this time when asking me again. The very first time he asked me on a date, he stammered a lot and kept wiping his hands on his jeans because of how nervous he was.
Ellie: You have a crush on me? Oof, good luck with that. Three out of ten stars would not recommend it.
Rowan: I don’t know. I’m looking at the reviews right now and you’ve got high ratings. I’m looking at one right now by this guy named Rowan. Weird, we have the same name. He says he wished he didn’t fuck up the first time because he really, really likes you. Yikes, poor guy.
Ellie: lol what am I going to do with you?
Rowan: I’ll pick you up at 7pm.
Ellie: *heart emoji heart emoji heart emoji*
Rowan: *blush emoji*
* * *
“The beach?” I look at Rowan, who’s carrying a basket of goodies, a blanket, two hoodies, and a lantern.
We continue to walk toward the beach as the sun sets in the sky. A slight breeze pushes off the ocean, blowing my hair back behind my shoulders. Rowan told me to wear something comfortable. I wasn’t sure what that meant. Comfortable can mean a lot of things.
I played it safe, wearing leggings and an oversized shirt with my sneakers. Rowan is wearing gray sweatpants and a simple shirt. I keep catching myself looking down at his pants, and I’m going to rip my eyeballs out if I don’t stop. Ever since that incredible night, I can’t stop thinking about wanting him again.
“I thought going to the beach on our second ‘date’ wouldn’t have as much pressure as our first did. Now that we’ve gotten past the awkward first one and hadamazingsex, I'm playing off our vibes.”
“And our vibes are the beach?” I smirk.
“Our vibe is chill, fun, and feeding each other chocolate covered strawberries while looking at the beautiful sunset.”
I look at him and let out a laugh. “Who are you?”
“I’m your best friend-turned-lover. Again.”
“Lover? Bold of you to assume I love you.”
“I know you love me as a friend, and I’m slowly working my way back up again. Don’t you worry.”
“And what about you?” I look at him again, his beautiful wavy hair blowing in the wind.
“What about me?” He looks down at me.
