Even though Jamie was prepared, he didn't expect her excuse to be so absurd. It was clear she knew it too, because as soon as she finished speaking, the room fell silent.
After a while, Jamie decided to rescue the guilty little rascal. He let out a calm "Oh" and said, "I see. My mistake then."
Sara, immersed in embarrassment and shame, didn't care to catch the teasing in his tone. She just wanted to end this matter "gracefully." So she quickly agreed, "Yes, you misunderstood."
But after saying this, she didn't know what else to say. Jamie also stayed silent, and the air fell quiet again, with only their breaths entwining through the phone.
Who knows how long it took, but Jamie spoke again, "Want to have dinner in town tonight?"
Sara was the kind of person whose flaws and strengths were equally obvious. She was the type who would bloom with a little encouragement and never seemed to learn from her mistakes. She already felt like the matter was behind her and immediately bounced back with energy: "Exactly! I'll head to town first and check out some places for dinner. I'll let you know when I find one."
Jamie stood up, "Let's go together."
"No, I'm already on my way. Just wait for my message."
Jamie was slightly taken aback, "How are you getting there?"
"My little scooter. I charged it up last night... Alright, I won't keep you. I need to get back on the road. It's so hot out there."
The call ended, and Jamie twirled the phone in his hand twice, planning his next move.
Sara was rushing to town due to her shyness. He couldn't be too hasty, or she might flee even further next time.
*
Westbrook Hamlet was above Elmwood Riverside, about a half-hour ride by electric scooter. By the time Sara reached town, she was drenched in sweat. Luckily, the town was well-developed and had a decent-sized shopping mall. She quickly dove in, strolling around while enjoying the air conditioning.
Around three in the afternoon, Jamie called, asking where she was. Sara answered casually, then realized, "You're here?"
"Yeah, I came early to buy something for Grandma. Wait for me there, I'll be right over."
While waiting, Sara didn't feel much, but when she saw Jamie approaching, her heart started pounding.
Although Jamie "believed" the morning was a misunderstanding, she knew that she really did want to kiss him then.
Now, she felt a mix of awkwardness, shyness, and a little...
Jamie was already in front of her, his lips moving, "Where do you want to go now?"
Sara forced her gaze away from his lips, silently adding in her mind, a little regretful.
Just a little!
She pointed ahead. Jamie nodded, and they started wandering the streets, each lost in their thoughts.
Jamie didn't talk much, but he often mentioned things about talked about things in Elmwood Riverside that Sara didn't know. Gradually, Sara forgot her earlier awkwardness and eagerly encouraged him to share more.
Jamie's eyes, hidden behind his glasses, slightly curved, his voice calm as he continued talking.
Sara listened intently, enjoying every moment. It wasn't until they had dinner at an old, well-known restaurant that she reluctantly stood by her scooter and waved at him. "Tell me more next time, okay? Bye!"
Jamie glanced at her scooter, estimating it could handle the weight of two people on the way back, and then he frowned, saying with difficulty, "I forgot to tell you, my car got a flat tire on the way and is still in the shop for repairs."
