Elijah’s head snaps up, eyes narrowing. “Wait.Hayden Harlow?The funeral director?”
Dominic blinks. “Stonevale’s recluse? Thought he was more of a local myth. Like Bigfoot, but with better posture.”
Haydendoeshave that whole tortured poet thing going on.
“Oh, he’s very much real,” I confirm, dragging a hand down my face.
Elijah grins. “Most people call him Stonevale’s Most Eligible Bachelor.”
“Most people?” Dominic cuts in. “Or just you?”
“Exactly.” I nod in agreement. “Does he come with a warning label?”
“Both of you, hush. Levi’s out here getting sunflower lectures from a town legend. I need details.”
“He’s…tall. And serious. Painfully serious. The kind of guy who survives exclusively on espresso and existential dread.”
Dominic nods sagely. “So, your exact type, then?”
“Exactly his type,” Elijah echoes.
I groan loudly. “He’s not my type. He’s moody, difficult, and scowls all the time.”
“Moody, difficult, and scowly?” Dominic smirks. “Oh, babe, that is your type.”
Elijah taps the table knowingly. “Levi, you’re blushing like a baby gay at his first Pride.”
“I am not—”
“You absolutely are,” Elijah cuts in gleefully. “Dominic, our dear Levi has a proper grumpy crush. I give it a week before he’s picking out pet names and joint dental insurance.”
Dominic laughs loudly. “Two days, tops.”
I bury my face briefly in my hands. “You’re both assholes.”
Dominic leans back smugly. “Let me guess. You left him apology flowers, didn’t you?”
My eyes widen. “How do you…?”
Dominic sighs dramatically. “Levi, please. You have, like, three moves total, and flower-based apologies are easily your favorite.”
“That, or strategic sexual diplomacy,” Elijah adds helpfully.
“Oh my god,” I groan, burying my face in my hands. “We’re definitely circling back to this running list of my moves you’re keeping.”
Elijah grins, leaning in conspiratorially. “It’s actually more of a spreadsheet at this point. Very thorough.”
Dominic nods solemnly. “Color coded and everything.”
I groan again, louder this time. “Please, for the love of all things holy, let’s change the subject.”
Dominic shrugs dramatically. “Fine, but I’m coming to happy hour tomorrow. You’ll need emotional support when Mr. Existential Crisis inevitably shows up.”
Elijah sighs dramatically. “I can’t believe I’m missing this for a work seminar. Academia hates me.”
“Rain check on the chaos?” I ask, smiling weakly.
“Always,” Elijah promises, raising his glass.
