Twenty-six Steps with Easton

four

T S S W E

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FOUR

belong

—

to fit in with a particular group or place naturally

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IT HAD BEEN a week since Paloma had last seen Easton.  She hadn't heard from him since he'd walked her back home that morning, and she felt herself missing his presence more than she imagined she would.

Her phone chimed from its place on the couch, but she chose to ignore it.  She didn't want to lose herself in the hope that a certain someone had messaged her.  It was unusual for her to become so attached to another person so quickly and even more so that she admitted it to herself, but she liked Easton.

A lot.

He was charming and goofy and kind beyond the conventional stranger.  He had a stunning smile and held himself with an air of confidence that encouraged Paloma to be herself when she felt afraid, to see things in a new light and just go for it.  She didn't really know him, only having interacted with him a handful of times, but she knew she wanted to.

A ring echoed throughout the loft, alerting her of a new caller.  Without checking the caller ID, Paloma moved from her place on the couch and picked up the phone.

"Hello?"

There's some shuffling around on the other side before a familiar voice breaks through the line.  "Paloma, my love! Where are you right now?"

She chuckled at Dain's enthusiasm before answering, "I'm at home.  Why?"

"Be ready in five.  I'm picking you up and I'll hear no protest, aye?" she rolled her eyes but nonetheless, she said okay and ended the call, briskly walking to her room to get ready.

She was just barely putting on her jacket when Dain began knocking quite excitedly on her door.  She glanced at her watch, almost laughing at how punctual he was.  True to his words, Dain had arrived exactly five minutes after their call.  She could hear him repeatedly calling her name as he knocked.

"Coming!" she shouted, reaching for her keys and wallet near the door before heading out.

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"AM I ALLOWED to ask where you're taking me?"

Dain shook his head at Paloma's question, offering a sly smile and a wink.  Paloma let out a small groan as her curiosity was beginning to get the best of her.  They had been walking for nearly 15 minutes, but the path Dain was leading them along was unfamiliar to her, leaving her imagination to run wild.

That's just who Dain was, though — spontaneous & always surprising.

As they kept walking, she grasped onto his arm for comfort and looked around.  She took in the abundance of greenery, various bushes lining the pathway and towering trees providing shade from the shining sun.  Flowers blossomed all around and the array of colors made Paloma's heart swell in awe.

An elderly couple passed by, walking leisurely in the opposite direction.  Both women smiled fondly at the two of them to which they returned the gesture and continued on.  They looked happy, and Paloma could only hope she'd find a love as pure as theirs.