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I nod, swallowing back a lump in my throat.
"Yeah, she said she was sad I didn't attend Dad's funeral. That... hurt to hear, but I deserved it.”
Chloe is silent, her eyes studying me. It's a patient, encouraging silence, the kind that urges me to continue.
"But I told her I was back for good. That I'd visit her more often. And I have been," I add, smiling despite the pain the old memories bring. "I bring her groceries and spend time with her. Try to make up for the lost time, I suppose."
Chloe's smile is warm like she's proud of me. It's a look I could get used to, and suddenly, the throbbing ache doesn't seem so unbearable. I just hope she'll look at me one day with more than just friendliness in those beautiful eyes.
"Seems we've been talking a lot about me," I say, shifting my gaze from the fire to meet hers.
"What about you, Chloe? How are things with your parents, especially after Liam left?"
She lets out a small laugh, stretching her hands towards the fire. A shy smile tugs at the corner of her lips as she glances at me.
"I've never shared this on a first outing with someone," she starts. "But with you... I don't know why, but I feel safe."
She takes a deep breath, her eyes fixed on the flickering flames.
"After Liam left, I blamed our parents. I felt like they'd pushed him away. He never sent any word, no letter, no email. Maybe he thought I felt the same as them... and that’s my fault. I never told him otherwise."
My heart twinges. I scoot a little closer until our shoulders are brushing. Her warmth is enticing, her scent intoxicating. I find myself lost in those deep blue eyes of hers.
"I’m sure Liam knew," I say, my voice barely above a whisper. "He always spoke fondly of you. He loved you."
A smile blooms on her face, making my heart stutter. She thanks me, then takes a deep breath.
"Three years after Liam left, I also left our parents' house. I'd been saving up, and when I saw the old librarian had retired... I knew it was my time."
"And your parents?" I ask, my voice rough. "How did they take it?"
Her lips curl downward, her eyes glazing over.
"Not well," she admits. "They said I was abandoning them like Liam did, that they'd disown me."
I'm left speechless. How can parents treat their children like that? I don't know what to say, how to make her feel better. So, I do the only thing I can. I lean in, placing an arm around her.
I pull her close, feeling her warmth seeping into me. She rests her head against my shoulder, her body shaking with silent sobs.
"Thank you, Aaron," she whispers, her voice muffled against my shirt.
"Anytime, Chloe," I reply, pulling her closer.
And I mean it. I would be there for her anytime, anywhere. Because that's what you do when you're in love, even if she doesn't know it yet.
As Chloe's hand settles on my leg, the fear gripping me is nearly tangible, and I can only hope she doesn't feel the insistent pulse against my thigh. I try to shift, make it less noticeable, but she stays put, turning her gaze towards me.
"Aaron," she says, her voice soft, "you've really changed. I...I like this you."
A warmth unfurls in my chest, spreading throughout my body. I can't help but smile at her.
"And you've changed too. The shy girl I knew from high turned into a beautiful grown woman...you're so much more than your parents think of you."
She chuckles, pulling her head from my shoulder. She quickly dries her cheeks with the back of her hand, her laughter light and soothing.
"I had to grow, Aaron. And besides, I worked in this semi-secret bar in Willow Creek. Not the best clientele, but it was always safe. And the tips...they were good."
I blink, taken aback.
