Page 37 of When Ellie Falls in Love

It’s not a date. Don’t overthink it.

Ellie had been repeating the same sentences to herself for the past hour as she got ready to hang out with Sadie. She’d settled on ripped jeans and an oversized sweater, the one she’d stolen from Mason’s closet the last time she was there. Her hair had been her hold up; wearing it up seemed too casual, but wearing it down seemed too formal. Maybe a braid would work.

Checking the time on her phone once more, Ellie sighed. She’d made plans to meet Sadie downtown at the arcade at six. It was less of a final destination and more of a jumping-off point for the evening. Ellie had asked Mason for casual hang-out places while trying to avoid the inevitable conversation ofwhyshe needed such a location. Thankfully, Mason had been distracted recently as she, Chase, Blake, and Alexis worked to plan Vera and Isla’s surprise twentieth wedding anniversary party.

Of course, Ellie knew what else they had planned that was distracting Mason. She and Chase had plans to get marriedatthe anniversary party. Ellie thought it was an insanely sweet gesture, even if it was all mushy and shit. Mason and Chase were perfect for each other and Ellie couldn’t wait until they were officially married.

Maybe I’ll ask Sadie to the anniversary party.

“You idiot, she’ll be there,” Ellie finished braiding her hair and flipped it over her shoulder. She debated a baseball cap—to be worn backwards, as was her preference—but it seemedtoocasual. Ellie wanted to look good for Sadie.

Well, notforSadie.

Not exactly.

Ugh. Feelings are the worst.

Her feelings had grown rapidly since Saturday. Something about that night on Sadie’s roof had made Ellie realize how much she actually liked Sadie. And it wasn’t just as friends, no matter what she told herself or her parents or her siblings. It was too soon to be sharing those feelings, especially to Sadie. They needed to establish a friendship first.

Or at least that’s what she kept telling herself.

Grabbing her sling bag, Ellie put it over her head as she headed out the bedroom door. She walked downstairs, thankful that her siblings and parents were out to dinner in Portland. It allowed her to avoid any questions about why she’d added an extra spritz of her favorite perfume for hernot a datewith Sadie.

The drive downtown was one of Ellie’s favorites. There were several ways to get there, but Ellie often chose the longer route that took her by the lake and over the old logging bridge. It was the most picturesque option, with its bountiful trees and views of the lake between their gaps. Ellie would always choose that route over the one that went by the elementary school through the center of town. That way had one too many stop signs for Ellie’s lead foot.

Finding a parking spot along Main Street, Ellie walked the few blocks to the arcade. It was nestled in a back alley where a speakeasy once occupied the space. A flashing green arrow pointed to the entryway, and an illuminated neon sign welcomed everyone in. Ellie pulled open the door and stepped inside.

The Grid had a stereotypical eighties vibe, complete with movie posters and music from the era. Pinball machines, air hockey tables, racing games, and other classic arcade games filled the small space. Bright neon-colored rope lights ran around the arcade's walls, flashing various designs and colors coded by the shop’s owner.

Ellie looked around the room for Sadie but didn’t see her. Deciding to wait for her outside, she walked back out the door and ran right into Sadie.

“Hey.”

“Hey,” Sadie’s smile widened as her eyes locked with Ellie. “It’s good to see you.”

“You, too.”

There was a slightly awkward hesitancy as they went in for a hug, stopped, and mutually decided to hug. Ellie couldn’t stop thinking of how it felt to be in Sadie’s embrace, how their bodies fit next to each other, and how Sadie smelled like freshly picked oranges.

Ellie had to force herself to pull out of Sadie’s embrace. She stepped back, nervously flipping her braid over her shoulder so she could twirl the end of it. It was one of her nervous habits; her mom would have told her to stop but she wasn’t there.

Which was good because Ellie knew her mom woulddefinitelyknow her feelings for Sadie if she saw her looking at her. But how could Ellienotlook at her? She was stunning. The University of Tennessee sweatshirt fit her well, as did her yoga pants. Like Ellie, she’d worn Converse—black ones, while Ellie’s were maroon. And her hair had the gentlest curl in it, as if it had been kissed by the ocean breeze.

“You look pretty,” Ellie said before her brain registered she’d said itout loud.

Too late to take it back now.

Sadie smiled, tucking her hair behind her ear. “So do you.”

Ellie felt her brain short circuit. She had to think of something to say that didn’t sound stupid, which was harder than she realized. Finally, she settled on, “Do you want to go inside?”

As Sadie nodded, Ellie held the door open for her. She walked in behind her, repeatedly telling herselfnotto check out Sadie from behind. But she was only human. A glimpsemighthave been taken.

“So, what do you want to play?”

“I’m good with anything.”

“How about air hockey?” It was Ellie’s favorite game, and she beat anyone she ever played against.

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