If We Fall Again

Chapter 7

Elise had settled into her new routine at the bar, and after a few days, things were running smoothly. Managing the bar had come naturally to her, and she was becoming fast friends with the staff, especially Taylor. Their camaraderie made long shifts enjoyable, and they often joked around to pass the time. Even Sam called from time to time, engaging in playful banter that left Elise laughing during their conversations. Despite everything, life seemed calm and in control—for now.

On her day off, Elise decided to take a walk to the beach, needing some fresh air and a break from the busyness of the bar. The sun was bright but not too harsh, and the ocean breeze felt refreshing. As she neared the shoreline, she spotted Noah, sitting alone, playing with the sand.

"Hey, Noah," she greeted with a warm smile, approaching him. “Where’s your dad?”

Noah glanced up, looking somewhat bored. "He’s just getting something from a shop nearby."

Elise sat down beside him, eyeing the little mound of sand he was working on. “What are you making?”

Noah scrunched his face, clearly thinking hard. “A sandcastle… but I think it looks more like a melted blob.”

Elise chuckled. "It’s a pretty good blob. Better than any blob I could make, that’s for sure."

Noah gave her a small grin. “You just say that because you like me.”

“Well, I won’t deny it. You're a cool kid,” she teased, nudging him playfully.

They spent the next few minutes chatting, their conversation easy and light. Elise found herself genuinely liking Noah, who seemed like a mini version of Nate—sharp, serious for his age, but with a playful side underneath. He was a smart kid, throwing out facts and ideas that made her laugh.

“You’re pretty smart, you know,” Elise said.

Noah shrugged, nonchalantly. “Yeah, my dad says that all the time.”

Elise smiled softly. "He’s right. But hey, speaking of your dad… where’s your mom?"

The moment the words left her mouth, she regretted them. Noah’s face turned serious, and he became quiet, almost closing in on himself. He shook his head, looking down at the sand again.

Elise immediately backtracked. "Sorry, I didn’t mean to pry. You don’t have to answer."

Noah just nodded silently, continuing to poke at his sandcastle, the previous lightness between them fading.

Before she could think of something to change the subject, she spotted Nate approaching them from the distance. He was carrying a bag, likely filled with whatever he had picked up from the shop.

Noah perked up a little when he saw his dad, but there was still a hint of disappointment in his eyes. “That’s my dad,” Noah said softly, as Nate got closer.

Elise’s heart gave a little tug, watching Noah try to hold on to their conversation, but Nate was already close.

Nate stopped a few feet away, his face its usual unreadable expression. He looked at Elise briefly before focusing on Noah. “Come on, buddy. Time to head home.”

Noah sighed, dragging his feet. “But I was having fun talking to Elise.”

"Maybe next time," Nate replied, his tone firm but not harsh.

Elise and Nate’s eyes met again for a brief moment, and she couldn’t help but feel the weight of the years between them. She expected some words from him, maybe even a greeting, but instead, he just gave her a curt nod before turning away.