Page 50 of A Grecian Getaway

Caroline: I can sit by my candle and pretend I have someone to cuddle with.

Noelle watched the video.That actually sounds like a quiet crackling fire.

Noelle: That’s cool. But not the pretend cuddling part.

Claire: Ok, that’s fun. I may have to borrow it from you.

Noelle: I like it!

Caroline: This candle is so cool and romantic. I may take myself to lunch right now. Then candle and I may cozy up together tonight for a little fun with BOB.

Claire: *gagging gif

Noelle: WHO IS BOB???

Caroline: Oh Noelle, so innocent. BOB- battery operated boyfriend. AKA my vibrator.

Noelle: TMI!!!

Claire: LOL

Caroline: Gotta go, I’ve gotta get to class. Love you. Byeeee!

Claire: Love you both too. Can’t wait to see you Noelle!

Noelle: I can’t wait either! *heart emoji

Noelle’s phone dinged again before she set it down. The text was from Eli, a friend from work.

There were two graphic designers in the office who worked alongside Noelle: Diana and Eli. Both were fun and friendly and close to Noelle’s age. When they all started hanging out outside of work, it just made sense. They’d grab dinner here and there, catch a movie, or hit the beach on the weekends. As timewent by, Diana met a guy and started missing out on the group fun more and more. Noelle and Eli ended up hanging out alone often. She didn’t mind. She thought of Eli as a friend, so it was no big deal. He was tall, blue eyed, and had wavy blonde hair. He was quite handsome, and if Noelle’s heart wasn’t stuck on someone else, she could have seen herself being interested in someone like him in the past.

Eli: Are we still on for a movie tonight? Diana bailed again. She has a date.

Noelle: Planning on it! See you there!

Eli: I can pick you up. 7 sound ok?

Noelle: Ok, sure. Thanks!

Eli had talked Noelle into catching an old scary movie at the theater. Noelle was not a fan of that genre, but she agreed to go.

***

“OH MY GOSH!” Noelle turned her head, whisper screamed, and grabbed Eli’s arm at a frightening moment.

“Oh, sorry!” She pulled her hand from his.I hate scary movies. Why did I agree to this?

He looked at her and smiled. “No problem.”

When the movie was over, Eli invited Noelle for a drink. She figured maybe a glass of wine would calm her nerves after that mess of a movie. Instead of hitting a bar, Eli took her back to his place and poured Noelle a glass of wine.

“Sorry about the movie. I hope you aren’t too scarred for life.” Eli took a sip of wine.

“No, I’ll be fine. I should have mentioned I’m not a big fan of those types of films. I watched one of theScreammovies with my two best friends and didn’t sleep for days. But that was when I was younger. I’m sure I’ll be fine.”

“Well, if you need someone to keep you safe…” Eli leaned forward and placed a light, lingering kiss onNoelle’s lips.

When he pulled away, she stood up. She paced Eli’s apartment.The kiss felt wrong. It wasn’t bad or anything, but he isn’t who I want to kiss.Before she could formulate words, he spoke up.

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