the manuscript || Leonardo DiCaprio

Chapter 3: Rainy Pier

I was already shivering when Leo and I ventured back out to the pier. I felt like I was falling in love whenever he would grab my hand. I blindly followed him, since my hair was blowing in my face so much that I couldn't see well. The rain had started up again just as we slipped into one of the shops. Leo pushed his hair back, since it was a bit damp, me just staring before going down one of the aisles.

"I always love the things they sell here. They're kind of overpriced, but I enjoy looking anyway," I shared as I went over to the beach themed magnets. I was checking out one of a blue, striped surfboard when Leo called to me.

"Hey, they have hoodies over here," he said, which instantly captured my attention. I was already speed walking to the area he was in.

"They have such pretty colors," I breathed as I took it all in. "Do they have a purple one?" I was already searching the rows as he shook his head.

"I don't think so. Pick out whichever one you want. I'll get it for you," he offered.

"You really don't have to do that. I know it's a date, but you already paid for lunch and that was enough. I can pay for anything in the stores. It's not like I didn't bring any money with me," I added as I touched the fabric of a red one.

"No, Evie, I want to get it for you. If I hadn't brought you somewhere so chilly, you wouldn't even need it."

"Leo, I'm going to buy my own. I don't care if you're rich, I still want to pay for something."

"It's not about how much money I have. I just want to do something nice for you."

"You've already gone on this date with me and got me the best veggie burger I've ever had. I don't need anything else."

"Alright," he finally caved as he looked at the floor for a moment. His jaw tensed up as I felt bad, since he didn't act very happy.

"I didn't mean to make you mad. I just think it's important that you don't pay for this whole date, okay?"

"I said, alright," he stated before walking off a little bit.

"You're not being fair. We just met, and you already bought me an orchid, so that can be my gift if you want to count it."

"I wanted to get you something that was more than just a flower. It's your birthday too, Evie, not just a date."

"I guess that's true... Fine, if it'll make you feel better, then you can get me a hoodie," I reluctantly caved.

"What color were you thinking of getting," he wondered, his tone already lightening up.

"Maybe the red one because it reminds me of Christmas, but it could be used all year. Well, except for when it's too hot in the summer."

"I thought the light pink would go with your skirt," he mentioned.

"Oh yeah, it would go really nicely with it. I don't care that much as long as it keeps me warm. I'm glad that they look good too though."

"What size do you take," he checked as he started going through the light pinks.

"Um, I usually take a small or a medium. It just depends if it's oversized or not," I explained as he nodded, taking both sizes off their hangers. I slipped the small on first, turning around in it as he chewed his lower lip. "What do you think?"

"I think it could be a little bigger if it shrinks in the wash. Unless you use cold water or just want to hang it up to dry."

"That's true. I prefer using the dryer, but I always use cold water."

"Good. It helps the environment," he sweetly smiled, causing my heart to flutter.

"Yeah, I prefer it, because the colors don't run too. I think I'll go with the medium then. This one is a little snug," I decided, pulling the other one over my head.