An awkward laugh escaped her, the kind that bubbles up when you’re unsure whether to be amused or embarrassed. "Edrick," she said, trying to keep her voice light. "I didn’t realize it was you."
Edrick’s smile widened, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "What a small world," he remarked, his tone warm and teasing.
"Indeed," Ellen replied, still trying to wrap her mind around the coincidence. She shook her head in disbelief. "We really should stop meeting like this."
"Well, I couldn’t agree more," Edrick said, leaning back in his chair slightly, his gaze never leaving her face.
Ellen raised a finger, pointing toward the restaurant door where the woman had just exited. "Was that your... girlfriend?" she asked, her tone curious but cautious. She wasn’t sure if she wanted to know the answer, but the question slipped out before she could stop it.
Edrick shook his head quickly, a soft chuckle escaping him. "No, she’s just a colleague," he said, dismissing the idea with a wave of his hand. "Nothing more."
Ellen gave a nod, but truthfully, she wasn’t concerned about who it was. "I see," she murmured, her eyes dropping back to the menu in front of her. She let out another small, awkward laugh as she gestured toward the list of dishes. "I should probably focus on figuring out what I’m going to order."
But even as she said the words, she found it hard to concentrate. Her thoughts kept drifting back to Edrick, sitting so close, and the oddness of the situation. What were the chances they’d end up at the same restaurant, seated right beside each other?
She was just starting to lose herself in the menu when she noticed Edrick getting up from his seat. He took a step toward her table, his smile softening into something more sincere. "Do you mind if I join you?" he asked, his voice gentle, almost as if he was testing the waters.
Ellen hesitated, her initial reaction caught between surprise and uncertainty. She wasn’t sure if she wanted to share her table with him, not because she didn’t enjoy his company, but because it was so unexpected. But before the moment stretched too long, Edrick quickly added, "I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to intrude."
Ellen shook her head, her hand rising in a dismissive gesture. "No, it’s fine," she said quickly, offering him a reassuring smile. "Please, have a seat."
Edrick’s smile returned in full force, warm and appreciative. He pulled out the chair across from her and settled into it, his relaxed and easy movements were a reflection of his confidence. "Thank you," he said, his eyes meeting hers with a familiar intensity.
For a moment, they sat in comfortable silence, the sounds of the restaurant fading into the background. Then, Edrick leaned forward slightly, his elbows resting on the table as he glanced at the menu in front of Ellen. "So," he began, his tone light, "do you know what you’re going to order yet?"
Ellen shook her head, her lips curving into a small smile. "Not yet. I’m still deciding."
Edrick tilted his head, a playful glint in his eyes. "Mind if I help?" he asked, reaching across the table to pull the menu a little closer to him.
Ellen watched as he leaned in, his shoulder brushing against hers as he angled the menu so they could both see it. The sudden closeness was surprising, but it didn’t feel uncomfortable. If anything, it felt... nice. There was something intimate about the way they were huddled over the menu together, and Ellen found herself studying his face from this close distance.
Edrick’s brow furrowed slightly as he considered the options, his focus entirely on the menu. "If I can recommend something," he said, his voice dropping to a more thoughtful tone, "the grilled salmon with lemon butter sauce is excellent. Or if you’re in the mood for something lighter, the spinach and feta salad is also a great choice."
Ellen nodded, her eyes still lingering on him as she took in the sharp line of his jaw, the way his hair fell slightly over his forehead, and the way his eyes crinkled at the corners when he smiled. It was a rare moment to see him so close, and she couldn’t help but notice how handsome he looked, how at ease he seemed in this setting.
Edrick suddenly turned his head, catching her gaze with his own. "How does that sound?" he asked, a small smile playing on his lips.
Ellen blinked, momentarily caught off guard by the way his eyes locked onto hers. There was something in his expression—something warm and inviting—that made her feel a flutter in her chest. Ellen’s breath caught in her throat, her mind racing to make sense of the connection she felt. This was Edrick, a man she barely knew, yet in this moment, he seemed so familiar, like an old friend she hadn’t met in a long time. The thought unsettled her just enough to bring her back to the present.
She quickly composed herself, nodding with a smile. "Yeah," she said, her voice a little softer than before. "That sounds delicious."
Edrick’s smile widened, satisfaction clear in his eyes. He turned slightly in his seat, raising his hand to catch the attention of the waiter. When the waiter arrived, Edrick ordered the grilled salmon for Ellen and a pasta for himself.
The waiter jotted down the order and gave them both a polite nod before heading back to the kitchen. As the waiter walked away, Edrick leaned back in his chair, his posture relaxed as he looked at Ellen with a fond smile.
"You’re going to love it," he said, his tone confident.
Ellen couldn’t help but smile in return. "I’m sure I will," she replied, feeling a sense of ease settle over her. The initial surprise of seeing Edrick had worn off, replaced by a warmth that she hadn’t expected. It was as if the awkwardness of their past encounters had melted away.