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THE CLOCK TICKS CLOSER TO Darcie finishing. She has minutes to go, but the bell chimes with her boyfriend entering rather than a customer. Embry offers both Darcie and his mother a warm smile in greeting.
"Good afternoon, my son," says Tiffany. "I would like to think you're here for me, but that wouldn't be true, would it?"
"I always want to see you, Mom. I got you dinner," Embry holds up a bag full of food. "You told me you were working overtime, so I thought you might be hungry."
Tiffany smiles, accepting the food. "You're sweet. Thank you."
"Overtime?" Darcie mumbles, turning to Tiffany. "You should have said as I could have helped."
"I've got it covered," Tiffany brushes it off before smiling at the two. "So, is it date night again?"
"No," answers Embry. "Not tonight. Jacob and Quil keep moaning about us ditching them."
Tiffany laughs. "It's something they're gonna have to get used to," she tells them. "You're both going to want to be alone together more now than with them."
"They're like needy children," Darcie says, lovingly.
Then, she heads out to the back, putting her coat on and picking up her rucksack before leaving. Since she's officially off duty, Embry is quick to greet his girlfriend properly with a sweet peck on her cheek.
"You guys are just too cute," Tiffany tells them.
"Mom!" Embry protests as Darcie laughs.
"Sorry, sorry," says Tiffany. "You'd think after two weeks, I'd be used to it by now, but you both just constantly make me smile."
Darcie looks up at Embry. "I think we're pretty used to it now, right?"
"Yeah," Embry agrees, taking her hand. "This is how it's supposed to be between us."
The two exchange a smile that's a little shy but still shiny with the idea of them being together still. Darcie's certain that nothing can burst their bubble nor can her heart seem to grow any larger.
Together, the couple leave as they walk towards Embry's car. The sky is already starting to darken with the sun sinking, but they were due to meet their best friends out for dinner shortly. At his car, Embry pauses, turning to face Darcie again.
"Before we go..."
Darcie giggles. "Yes, Em?"
Embry doesn't say anything as he cups Darcie's cheeks, tilting her head backwards for their lips to collide together. Her hands fall on his chest, balancing herself as she stands on her tiptoes, trying to reach him.
"Can't we ditch them?" Embry asks after.
"No, we can't do that," says Darcie. "We're not going to be those friends, Em."
