Page 66 of Introvert

Still, a melancholy settled over me and refused to leave.

"Okay, one last question for all the hopeless romantics out there," she said, obviously trying to end on a positive note. "I always lovehearing these stories. How did you and Aurora first meet?"

I sighed in relief because I knew this was an easy one.

He could just say we met under a tree by chance and got to talking.

But Felix's answer surprised me.

"We met one night on the beach," he said.

"Oh, this sounds good," Drew said.

Madison shushed him. "Go ahead, Felix."

"I had stepped outside to get away and get some air," Felix continued. "The guys were throwing a party. But I'm not much of a people person."

"Understatement," Santino coughed.

But I was riveted to whatever would come next.

"Anyway," Felix said, "I walk outside, expecting some peace and quiet, when I see thisgirl trying to wrestle a shirt away from my dog. She was being really nice about it too.My dog, though, wasn't having it.Onyx won that battle, jerking away the shirt, while the girl fell forward. I got there in time to catch her, but my dog literally turned tail and ran, kicking dirt into her face."

My jaw dropped as I remembered.

"She couldn't see me, but I could see her. I didn't know her name, but I wanted to help her."

It's okay. You're okay.

"I had a bottle of water and asked her to tilt her head."

You're going to feel something wet on your face.

What? I said.

Just water to get the sand out.

Oh…okay.

Try to keep your eyes open.

I scoffed quietly. Easy for you to say. You weren't just accosted by woman's best friend.

A chuckle.

Are you laughing at me?

Yes.

Hmph.

"She was quiet at first, but as I poured the water, she cursed like a sailor," Felix said, and it sounded like he was smiling. "Wiping away the tears, she saidit was a good thing she loved dogs, and she had to get back to her cousin who was naked or something, so I let her go."

I shook my head still unable to believe what I'd heard.

"Did she thank you?" Madison asked.

"Kind of. She said 'I don't know who you are, but thanksfor that. Also, you smell really good. Also, it's not nice to laugh at strangers in distress.'"

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