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Without hesitation, I pull my cell phone out and turn on its small flashlight. Turning around, I bump into something hard. A scent of cologne fills the surrounding air. I nearly fall over, but a firm set of hands place themselves on my hips, keeping me balanced. I shine a light into the eyes of the person holding onto me.
“Wow, girl, you trying to blind me?” Eric asks, laughing.
“I’m sorry!” I quickly face the light down.
“You okay?”
His hands are still on my hips. I look down and feel warmth rushing to my cheeks. He notices and takes them off. “Just didn’t want you to fall.” He scratches the back of his head, and I can sense the nervousness in his voice.
“It’s alright.” I clear my throat. As I look up at him, I can feel butterflies fluttering inside my stomach. “Would you help me grab candles in the back?” I ask.
“Uh, yeah, sure.” He follows me as conversations continue behind us in hushed tones.
Scarlett gives me a thumbs-up with a cheeky smile, and I roll my eyes. I give a subtle nod as Eric and I both slip away from the crowd, making our way to the small office at the rear of the building. “Ah, here they are,” I say, pointing toward a box of candles nestled high on a shelf among the clutter. He’s right behind me now, his fingers stretching out, a gentle warmth brushing my skin as he reaches for them. His breath, oh so warm, tickles my ear, and it’s like a thousand tiny sparks igniting inside me. Goosebumps surge across my body, and I can’t help but shiver.
He lays the box down on the desk with a quiet thud, and then his hands move to the drawers. I watch as he rummages through them, searching for matches. Each second feels like an eternity as I stand here on the edge of something thrilling, my heart pounding and my senses alive with the anticipation of what’s to come.
I walk into the storage closet to retrieve a couple of holders—and to put a little distance between Eric and myself before I do something I’m not ready for.
When I return, Eric has already arranged a few candles in a rustic basket, ready to be carried out to the tables.
“We should have enough for each table,” I say.
He looks at all the candles we have. “Agreed.”
“Let’s bring some light and charm to these tables,” I say.
We set about our task, carefully placing candles at each table, watching as the flames cast a warm, inviting glow. The soft illumination dances across the faces of the guests, lending an air of intimacy to the scene. Eric and I exchange coy glances here and there while setting the candles down on tables and ledges.
I stop at the counter after I’m done, and Eric walks up to me with his hands inside his front pockets.
“Hailey, you sure know how to light up a room,” he says with a shy smile.
I smile back, also shyly, feeling a mixture of nerves and excitement. “Thank you, Eric.”
He nods and walks back to his table. Scarlett walks toward me with a smile. I catch Eric’s eyes lingering on me for a moment longer. Scarlett nudges me, her playful expression saying it all.
“See, Hailey? Sometimes, all it takes is a little light to illuminate the possibilities.”
CHAPTERNINE
Candles flicker,casting a soft, dancing glow around the café as the power outage encompasses us. Thunder rumbles outside, and my fingers twitch involuntarily.I hate storms.Scarlett, a beacon of vibrancy in the dimness, moves gracefully, trying to keep the atmosphere alive despite the storm’s intrusion.
Game night progresses under the candlelight until suddenly the lights flicker back on, taking us all by surprise. Cheers and applause erupt around us, and Scarlett’s voice rises above the commotion. “We’ve got a winner for tonight’s games!” All eyes are on the middle table, and Scarlett’s mischievous grin makes me smile.
“Congratulations! You guys are the champions tonight! Enjoy your $500 prize and free dinners for the summer!” She hands a couple a written check, along with a certificate for the café. The couple yells in excitement. I notice some disappointed faces, but they are still cheering for the winners.
I walk behind the counter and grab my phone from my pocket. There is a missed call from my mom and four missed texts from my dad.My shaky thumb hovers over the messages from him. I click it open and let out a shaky breath.
Dad
I have tried reaching out, yet you never respond. Why is that?
I’m your dad, always will be!
I will sell all of my baseball cards just to pay the child support. I am sick of this shit!
You’re a bitch, just like your mother!
