“Yes, I get it.” Hadley grinned, nodding. “There have been a lot of overnight shoots lately. I’ll be sure to catch up on my sleep.”
Switching topics, she glanced at him curiously. “What brings you here so early in the morning?”
A faint glow stretched across the sky, still not fully daylight.
“Today’s schedule is packed,” he admitted.
With Eric’s day already crammed full, early morning was the only chance he had to see her. He steered her toward the car. “I wanted to pick you up and go see Joy before I got swamped. I set eight alarms last night just to make sure I’d wake up in time. You should’ve heard the chaos—every alarm went off at once and nearly gave me a heart attack!”
Hadley couldn’t help but burst into laughter, completely entertained by his antics. “You really are something else!”
A sheepish grin spread across his face. “What can I say? I’m hopeless. Come on—let’s get you home. You need rest.”
By the time they reached Jewel Avenue, morning was just beginning. Eric stayed for breakfast, keeping Hadley company.
He peeled a hard-boiled egg, ate the yolk, and handed the white to her. With a hint of uncertainty, he spoke up. “Do you think you’ll be free next Friday night?”
Her cheeks were full as she replied, “Friday? What’s happening on Friday?”
Eric nodded, trying to keep his tone casual. “I want to take you out for dinner.”
“Dinner?” Hadley grabbed her phone and scrolled through her schedule. “Friday night looks free, though I might be running a bit late. What’s the occasion?”
“No special reason.” Eric smiled as he offered her a glass of milk. “I just want to have a meal with you.”
“Alright…” Hadley nodded, taking the glass and meeting his gaze. “I understand.”
After they finished breakfast, both headed upstairs to visit Joy. Since the morning was still young, Joy remained fast asleep.
Once they checked in, Eric walked Hadley back to her room. “Try to get some proper rest. I’m heading out now. Bye.”
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“Bye.”
The moment she settled into bed, her phone vibrated with a message.
This time, it wasn’t from Eric. Phillips’ name appeared on the screen.
“Hadley, do you happen to know what’s happening next Friday?”
“What day is it?”
“It’s Mr. Scott’s birthday.”
Those words made Hadley pause. She pulled up her phone’s calendar to double-check. Next Friday?
Eric Flynn’s birthday had always been on her mind, but it turned out next Friday was his actual birthday. So that was what he was up to. A quiet laugh escaped Hadley’s lips.
He wanted to celebrate his birthday with her, yet chose not to mention the real reason when he asked her out.
.
.
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