âYou told me you were introducing me to a friend. You didnât mention itâd be Joelleâs brother.â
Lily feigned surprise, her smile carrying just enough intrigue to subtly shift the focus to the true purpose of todayâs meetingâShawnâs blind date.
Shawn, ever composed, sat down with practiced politeness and introduced himself.
âHi, Iâm Shawn Watson.â
âJust call me Lily.â
The glint of approval in Lilyâs eyes was unmistakable. Katherine, picking up on the pleasant energy between them and sensing no resistance from Shawn, quickly found her opportunity to make an exit.
âOh! I almost forgotâI need to pick out a birthday gift for Bobby. Come help me for a sec, Joelle. Lily, Shawn, you two can chat!â
She was giving them some alone time.
If Shawn couldnât see through her plan, he might as well have been living under a rock for the past few decades.
âWould you like something to drink?â Lily asked, though her fingers nervously twirled a lock of her hair.
Explore fresh tales at g aln ov el s ; com Shawn let out a soft sigh.
âI didnât realize today was supposed to be a blind date. I thought Katherine had just invited me.â
Lily, however, shrugged it off.
âNo worries. Itâs not too late for us to get to know each other, is it?â
Shawn smiled back, but there was an unmistakable trace of apology in it.
âIâm afraid it is for me; I already have feelings for someone else.â
Lily blinked, clearly taken by surprise.
âWait, what? What did you say?â
Shawn confessed, âThe truth is, the person I like is Katherine. But she doesnât believe Iâm serious about it.â
âAre you joking right now?â Lilyâs expression darkened, and she began to gather her things, preparing to leave.
âIâm sorry, truly. But Katherine didnât mean any harm. If youâre angry, you can be angry with me. Iâve ruined what was supposed to be your day. But I can introduce you to someone else or make it up to you somehow.â
Lily paused, still simmering with frustration, but Shawnâs straightforwardness threw her off balance.
She was more upset with Katherine for pulling her into this mess than she was with Shawn, who, in his bluntness, was simply being truthful.
âYou really like Katherine?â Lily asked, settling back into her seat.
âBut arenât you two just friends?â
Shawn replied, âSometimes, love isnât something you reason out. Itâs like a spark you just know when itâs real. The moment I met her, I felt it.â
âButâ¦â Lily hesitated.
.
.
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