Page 9 of Down the Aisle
Honestly, with no set schedule, the chances of running into Adam were probably slim to none. Even if I'd been living here long, it would've probably been impossible to cross paths with Adam. Maybe I should take this as a sign, because coincidences didn't just happen for no reason. However, I don't think I could make room for anyone else in my life right now.
Grinning at me, Adam quickly shut the trunk before reaching out and ruffling the top of Asher's head. "Well, better late than never, I say."
Then, awkwardness… I mean, obviously, this was where we said bye to each other and made promises to see each other later, but this felt weird. Of course, it could also be me being an awkward little duck and making a big deal out of nothing.
Luckily, a warm chuckle from Adam broke the icy tension—thank God. "Let's get Asher into his car seat." Lordy, that should not sound so natural, as if we were a family.
Humming in agreement, I made my way over to the door of the backseat with Adam, thanking him softly when he opened the door for me. I quickly, I buckled Asher in and stepped aside so he and Adam could wave goodbye. Then, I stepped back fully to let Adam shut the door.
Swallowing the lump in my throat, I looked up at Adam with a lopsided smile. "Well, thank you again. You really didn't have to do any of that." This felt awkward, especially with the fact he'd paid for my groceries dangling in front of my mind. "Listen, about the groceries—"
As if he knew what I'd say, he held a hand out and shook his head. "Eliza, it's nothing to me. The cost, I mean, so don't try to insist on paying me back." He really didn't sound bothered by it one bit, which really threw me for a loop.
Then, his warm smile curled playfully as he leaned so that our faces were inches apart. "Well, actually, you could pay me back…" Damn, I knew there was a catch. "…by agreeing to a date with me when we can work something out."
Okay, never mind, maybe I was a little harsh on him.
Unable to help it, I cracked a small grin and giggled. "I mean, no promises since I'm a pretty busy person, but I'll try." If he was even serious about it.
Again, I was convinced he would delete my number or forget about me in the days to come. I'd probably just be 'that grocery store girl' to him sooner rather than later.
Straightening himself back up, he slowly reached out and took my hand, rubbing the back of it with his thumb. "Drive safe, and have a good night, Eliza." His body twitched toward me for a split second as if he wanted to lean in, but he was quick to recompose himself with a smile. "Iwilltalk to you later, promise." The depth of his stoney gray eyes made them shine in a way that made my doubts dissolve.
Chapter 4
Adam
Well, I wish Icould say I was surprised, but I really couldn't. Eliza Huyen really wasn't much. As harsh as it was to say, she was a sad and boring person.
Honestly, her file was probably the saddest one I'd seen in a long while—or maybe ever. Seriously, the thing wasn't even an inch thick!
Her life was boring. She was born in Salem, Oregon, in 1998—which put her at twenty-eight years old. Her grade and high school educations were received through the public school system, and rather than attend an out-of-state college, she went to the local community college. Hell, she only remained there for a short time, before dropping out over a year ago, when I assume Asher was born.
True to her word, her record showed that she moved to Seaside about a year ago, a few months after her son was born when her parents relocated back to their home country of Vietnam and passed from the land of the living shortly after. With no college degree in hand, she'd been working a low-end job as a housecleaner, contracting herself to a local companyhere in Seaside. Outside of her housecleaning job, she worked as a delivery driver for various food delivery apps.
She was a simple girl stuck in life, simple as that—in my opinion.
So, why the hell am I so enamored with her!?
Biting out a frustrated sigh, I closed the folder with a little force before throwing it into the top drawer of my office desk. Running a hand down my face, I racked my brain for a reason as to why I couldn't get her demure smile out of my mind.
She was a girl down on her luck who would probably use me in the end, so why was I obsessing over her?
Mentally slapping myself, I shook my head in denial because thinking about her like that felt wrong. I shouldn't think ill of her, not with the goodness I saw in her sad and broken eyes.
God, those eyes. Those lovely, amber brown eyes with a perfect ring of black flecks, haven't stopped haunting me since the grocery store. Even when I was out on my stupid date that night—all I could see, whenever I looked across from me, was her shy figure and smile instead of the busty and leggy brunette who was more interested in her phone than me. Yeah, that was one of the worst dates of my life. Thankfully, I don't think she cared enough when I told her it wouldn't work out and threw a few bills at her.
Sighing heavily, I picked up my phone and opened my messaging app to send Eliza a quick text.
Good morning, Eliza, how are you and Asher this morning?
At least she hadn't ghosted me, thank God. When I texted Eliza three nights ago, I was surprised when she responded. It wasn't much; just a quick 'good night' exchange as it had been late. The next day our text exchange was also short and to the point, but yesterday was a little smoother with her opening up a little to me.
Good morning, Adam! We're just busy as always lol! Hopefully we won't be too busy this weekend because it seems like it'll be nice, so I wanna take Asher to the park.
Oh, I was planning on taking Adelaide to the park this weekend too while her mom works. Let's make it a playdate for the two and we can grab lunch as well?
I couldn't help but smile in anticipation as I watched the three dots pop up on the screen. I mean, it was perfect timing!
