Page 17 of All at Once

“He also works here apparently, and it seems like he’s pretty busy from what I’ve seen. It would have been nice to know this before coming here,” I add, momentarily forgetting that I also decided to go on this vacation for me.

“Would that have changed your mind on going though?” Georgia reasons.

I ponder over this for a second. “No. Not really.”

“Then don’t worry about it.”

“I guess I was just really excited since it was like my first official day today.”

“I get that. Maybe he was excited to see you as well. Who knows? But he never said that he was going to spend time with you before you went. Did he?”

“In my head he did…,” I mumble.

“I’m sure he did,” she says with sarcasm. “No, but just try to think of this as an unexpected vacation. You’re just getting to know each other, and if something comes out of that, then great.”

I can’t deny how rational her advice sounds. The problem with having a crush is that rationale usually flies out the door.

“You’re right,” I reply. “Thank you.”

“No problem. Just let me know who’s the better kisser,” she says nonchalantly, her voice giving away her smile.

“Georgia!” I blush at the thought. “Okay. I’m leaving.”

“Love you too,” she says as I chuckle before ending the call.

Struggling to remember why I even brought up Luca first during our conversation, I fall asleep shortly after.

_________

As soon as I wake up from my nap and notice that it’s already 9 pm, I quickly run to get my phone.Shit. Enrique already texted me. But I breathe a sigh of relief when I notice that the message was delivered within the last hour.

Enrique: I just finished my shift. This day has been ass. Except for the part where I saw you

Jasmine: That sucks. And you’re welcome for making your day

Enrique: I know it’s getting late, but maybe there’s still time to make the evening better?

Jasmine: What were you thinking?

Enrique: The café by the lobby still serves food for the next hour. I can be there in a few minutes

Jasmine: I’m on my way

I don’t know why I sent that last message, considering how I’m not even close to getting ready. Still in my outfit from earlier, I accept that I don’t have time to do much except for comb through my long wavy hair and brush my teeth. It doesn’t hurt to prepare for my first kiss even though I’m still not sure if this is even a date.

My eagerness must show when I arrive before he does.

It looks like he changed. Now I’m questioning if I should have as well. His khaki sweatshirt reminds me of something that he’d wear in college, my heartbeat slowly increasing as I get up from my seat to greet him.

Maybe I should’ve stayed in my seat? Or maybe scrolled through my phone to look like I was doing something more important before he got here?

My thoughts go on pause when Enrique leans in, this time for a hug. “I’m sorry it’s so late,” he says.

“It’s fine. This is early for me,” I reply, making sure my giddiness over our brief proximity doesn’t peek through.

“I should be more free tomorrow. We can do whatever you want,” he offers with a warm grin despite the noticeable heaviness around his eyes.

I give him a playful glance. “I’ll check my schedule and get back to you.”

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