Our Deep End | ✔️

CHAPTER 27

Author's Note
I can't believe I've already uploaded twenty seven chapters of a story I never intended to be read by eyes other than mine. To anyone reading and keeping up with 'Our Deep End' thank you so much. <3 You're appreciated more than words can say.
Enjoy!

Christian's POV
"Five years later and the service at this place is still shitty." I grumble, eyeing the surroundings of the comfortable ice cream parlor. Despite the crappy staff, this spot used to be my favorite as a child. Elle and I would stop by almost every Friday afternoon and split whatever ice cream we could afford. Being back in Rosewilton has brought back a lot of memories, most of them with Elle. Who would've thought?

I contemplate taking a photo of the cozy shop and sending it to her, but I decide against it. Only because I know she won't be too happy that I'm here with someone else. Instead, I continue to scan the room for our waitress who is nowhere to be found.

"Eighteen years later and you're still an impatient brat." Micah chuckles, only adding to my annoyance. I dropped Elle home a few hours ago, and made plans to meet up with Micah. It is nice to see her, but she honestly hasn't crossed my mind that much since I moved.

We'll text occasionally, and exchange a few warm regards but that's about it. Our friendship was never the needy, codependent kind.

"I'm not impatient, I just feel like as a paying customer, I deserve better treatment."

My visible anger causes her to laugh.

"Relax, the ice cream is on its way." She rolls her eyes, and reaches across the table to place her hand on mine. I cringe at the overly friendly gesture, but I know it's not that serious. I can't imagine what Elle would think though.

Subtly, I pull my hand away, and reach for my phone  to cover up the fact that I didn't want her touching me.

"But until then, let's talk about your girl. I spent my whole Uber ride feeling so stupid and embarrassed for how standoffish I was. I hope she doesn't hate me."

"She doesn't." I lie, trying to hold back a laugh when I remember the grimace on her face when she first saw Micah.

"Okay, good. She seems pretty cool!"

I think about all the things I love about her...her mind, her humor and her beauty. A smile creeps on my lips.

"She's amazing."

"Oh my gosh." Micah gasps.

"What?"

She stares at me with wide eyes, and a decent sized smile on her face.

"You're in love."

I'm what?

"Huh?"

"You are in love." She speaks slowly to articulate every word. In love? Me?

"Why do you say that?" I press. I mean, I know I've got strong feelings for Elle, but am I in love with her?

How would I even know?

"It's obvious just by the way you look at her." Micah answers my thoughts without knowing.

"And how exactly do I look at her?"

"Like it's the first time you've ever seen her..." She smiles softly. "Like she's the most beautiful girl to walk the planet."

I swallow hard. I had never really dug deep into my feelings for Elle and our relationship. It's not that I avoided it, I'm just genuinely happy in a way that doesn't need questioning. Being with her feels right. Hell, it's the only thing that feels right these days.