When Stars Align

Chapter 3

"I can't believe you said that to her!" Alex says while looking horrified.

"I know I know." I quietly say.

I still can't get over the fact that I said that to Jamie. It's been 3 days since our first interaction and I'm still mortified about it. Since then I've seen her around and I catch her looking at me, not that I'm looking at her to notice or anything. She's probably looking because she also can't believe what I said to her. She probably dislikes me anyways, which is great because then we don't have to get to know each other.

"Damn Haley, you really know how to win over the ladies." Alex laughs as he flicks his football up in the air and catches it.

"What are you talking about? There are no ladies to be won over, we clearly don't like each other and we are definitely not compatible anyways." I squint up at him while shading my eyes from the sun with my hands.

"Come on, she's so hot" Alex shoots me a knowing grin.

"I have eyes, Alex. I'm aware that she's hot. Still doesn't mean we are compatible. We have like, nothing in common." I roll my eyes in annoyance.

"I think you're being a little harsh with her, Hales." Alex turns to look at me straight in as he speaks.

"What do you mean? I've been staying out of her way and she's been staying out of mine. I don't see that as harsh." I cross my arms in defence.

"I know that. Buuuuutttt, she's really nice, I think that if you actually tried talking to her, you'd maybe not dislike her so much." Alex shoves my arm and he gives me a soft smile.

"You can be a real pain in the ass sometimes, you know that right?" I let out an exaggerated sigh and flop back down on the picnic blanket.

"I'm just saying I think you should give her a cha- what are the odds. Jamie! Hey." Alex shouts and waves in Jamie's direction.

Yoba, she really is hot. Today she has that long, wavy, brown hair thrown in a messy high ponytail and her cheeks are looking sun kissed from her long days farming and it's making her freckles stand out even more. She has a black tank top tucked into brown work pants that have streaks of dirt across them, and this outfit is allowing for much of her muscles to be on display. She is so strong and feminine, it's mesmerizing.

"Haley?" Alex whispers while nudging me.

Shit- I was staring at her and so lost in my thoughts that I had no idea they started talking and now, they're both looking at me with questioning looks.

"Sorry, lost in my own thoughts I guess" I murmur while trying to hide the flush taking over my cheeks.

I need to get a hold of myself. I am a big enough woman to admit that Jamie is attractive. Every one of her features are captivating, but that still doesn't mean that I have to like her. I can just not like her while also finding her very nice to look at.

"I gotta head home, but I'll see you guys around!" Alex shouts while already walking away. I don't miss the quick wink he shoots.

I stand up from my picnic blanket and I start packing up my things to try to distract myself from this awkward silence that we have now fallen into. I'm busy putting things into my tote when I hear Jamie clear her throat. That grabs my attention so I turn to see what she wants my attention for.

Any of the thoughts in my brain are completely stopped when I see her outreached hand holding a bouquet of daffodils, with a deep blush staining her cheeks.

With my eyes wide, I flick my gaze between the flowers and her eyes. I've never had anyone give me flowers before.

"I uh- I seen these while I was out foraging this morning and I thought that maybe you'd like them so- here." She moves the flowers even closer to me so I have no choice but to grab them.