Page 46 of Barron's Second Chance
After doing a Pilates workout and checking her emails, she quickly dressed in a pair of jean shorts and a light green t-shirt. She slid her phone into her back pocket and grabbed the house keys from the hook by the front door before locking up, ready to take the short walk into town.
Eden had been home for over a month now and was enjoying the slower pace of life.
She had her second class next week, with her final talk being closer to the end of Summer break. After that, she was leaving New Haven and most likely wouldn't be back again until Thanksgiving break.
Her schedule was packed with New York and Milan fashion week in September, not to mention the number of fittings she had before and during that time.
Her stomach lurched at the thought of leaving home. She loved her life in New York and seamlessly adapted to a fast pace of life once she returned. So she didn’t know where this deep despondency feeling came from when she thought of leaving New Haven.
Eden crossed the street towards the yellow and gray diner she frequented growing up. It was still a firm favorite of hers.
As she pushed the heavy door open, the delectable smell of coffee and bacon hit her nose. The bell above the door jingled, causing a few patrons to turn toward the newcomer.
Gifting them with a shy smile, she found an empty stool at the counter before quickly grabbing a menu to peruse. She knew exactly what she was going to order, but she just wanted to use the menu as a shield from the eyes she could feel on her back.
"Coffee?" A waitress behind the counter approached her.
She smiled, her gaze lowering to her name tag. "No thanks, Sophie. Just water, please."
The young woman gave her a tired, appreciative smile. "Sure thing, hon."
Just as Sophie placed an ice-cold glass of water in front of her, she heard a familiar girlish voice ring out.
"Eden!" She turned towards the noise before her mouth lifted at the sight of Bailey approaching her, an excited smile lighting up the young girl's pretty features.
"Hi, sweetheart," she greeted as she bent to wrap the smaller girl in a hug. She had meant to call into Bailey's parent's place to see her.
"Who are you here wi-" the words died in her throat as she spotted the tall, fair-haired man behind her.
Barron flashed her a sheepish smile as he stepped up behind his cousin, resting his hands on her slight shoulders.
"Barron," she greeted weakly. "Hey."
Barron rubbed the back of his neck, awkwardness crowding his features as he appeared unsure whether their intrusion was welcome.
She gladly welcomed Bailey's presence. But given the strained atmosphere between them, Barron could probably sense that his attention wasn't quite as well received as his cousin's.
"Hey, Eden.” His golden, green eyes ate up her appearance. He glanced down at her cleavage before meeting her eyes, smirking at her heated glare.
She cleared her throat and turned away from his piercing focus. "What are you two up to?" She asked, mainly speaking to Bailey.
"Barron's taking me out! Will you sit with us?"
Eden's body tensed at Bailey's innocent question. She shot blue eyes up at Barron and witnessed the eagerness on his face.
She knew what answer she wanted to give but looking down at Bailey's open and smiling face; she pushed past her discomfort.
"Of course, sweetheart."
She didn't miss the way Barron's face lit up with a smile as his eyes searched the diner for a spare booth.
"There's a seat at the back, c'mon guys," he called out as he made his way down the aisle toward the red booths at the back of the diner.
He waited in the aisle, still smiling as he motioned for them to take their seats first. Bailey bounded in, causing Eden to hesitate a moment.
Did she want to sit next to Bailey and face Barron or sit across from Bailey while feeling the heat of Barron's body near hers? Deciding it was better to sit next to Bailey, she shifted across the red pleather seats.
But as Barron sat down heavily across from her, she felt a warm blush as his eyes continued to eat her up.
