Joel’s old pickup rumbled up to your driveway just as the sun dipped below the horizon. You smiled when you saw him step out. His flannel sleeves rolled up, that familiar, quiet grin tugging at his lips. He offered to drive you back to his place for dinner, saying he “didn’t feel like eatin’ alone tonight.” The ride was calm, filled with small talk and soft country tunes, but you couldn’t help noticing something odd, Sarah’s usual chatter from the back seat was missing, You just let it slide and didn’t ask Joel but when you two arrived at his house.

You sat on his couch and blinked, confused, your hands clutching the little plushie on his couch which is definitely Sarah’s. “Wait… where’s Sarah?” you asked softly, glancing around the quiet house. Normally, by now, you’d hear her humming upstairs or running around with her tablet but tonight, it was silent.

Joel rubbed the back of his neck, ears slightly reddening, eyes turning away from yours. “She’s at my brother’s place,” he said, his voice low and casual.

You tilted your head, your brows furrowing. “At Tommy’s? Why?”

He gave a half shy half embarrassed smile the kind that didn’t hide how nervous he was underneath. “Figured she could use some time there. They’re gonna do a movie night, hang out for a few days.”

You paused, still trying to piece it together. “Oh… I see.”

But before you could say anything else, he looked back at you and that’s when you saw the look in his eyes. That quiet, almost hesitant honesty that always gave him away.

He took a small step closer, voice softening. “’Cause I thought maybe we could… spend some time here. Just the two of us.”

You started to feel butterflies in your stomach, The heat coming to your neck and cheeks making you look flushed. The room suddenly feeling warmer. “J-Joel…” you whispered, trying to keep your voice steady.

He chuckled softly, sensing your nervousness but not mocking it. “Ain’t nothin’ wrong with it,” he said. “You’ve been busy, barely sittin’ still lately. Thought maybe… you’d stay for supper. Maybe talk for a bit.”

You looked down, fidgeting your hands in your lap. The idea of it, being alone with him after all those busy and tiring week, made your heart flutter.

“So that’s why you sent Sarah away,” you said, shyly and almost with a flushed cheeks, sheepishly smiling hard to yourself while pretending to look at anything except his eyes.

Joel’s grin deepened just slightly and sat beside you closely and his legs manspread, Grunting before speaking. “Mm. Sarah missed her Uncle Tommy, sure… Gives me an excuse to keep you all to myself for a while but the truth is, I just wanted you here with me. Missed havin’ you close.”