5. Second impression also matters

Layla

“I still need to get the original documents from Gideon.” I stopped in my tracks at the mention of his name.

Mom was on a call in her room. I should have been on my way to school, but now I needed to know what was going on with Gideon.

“The lawyer said I need the original documents. I don't think I can face him, Vicky.”

My phone vibrated in my hand and I glanced down at the text from Ellie.

Ellie: Sorryyy. I can't make it to school early today. My brother took my car last night and now it won't start. I'm waiting for my dad to look at it.

I'd texted her earlier because I was supposed to hitch a ride with her to school. I looked toward Mom's bedroom.

She sighed heavily before adding, “I'll ask Layla if she can pick them up later, or I'll find another way to deal with it.”

Gideon’s house? That was practically an invitation. Except Mom didn't know exactly how often I was at his house, and I definitely wasn't going to volunteer that information.

Maybe this was my chance to get the documents and see him at the same time. I grabbed my bag tightly and headed for the door.

The bus was already half-full when I climbed aboard. Thankfully, I made it to school with just enough time to slip into my first class before the professor arrived.

I settled into a seat in the middle rows and pulled out my phone.

Layla: Did you like it?

I texted and it took a couple of seconds before the typing bubble appeared.

Gideon: What did you put in it?

I smiled.

Layla: I told you before. Fig, black tea and cedarwood.

Gideon: No, not that. I burned it and it was weirdly comforting.

I had to stop myself from grinning like an idiot so the students around won't think I'm actually crazy.

I looked around as chairs scraped the floor and conversations bounced around the classroom as people tried to squeeze in one last conversation before the professor started.

Then another message appeared.

Gideon: I'll need another one today.

I stared at the screen.

Layla: I can't.

Gideon: Why's that?!

Layla: I told you. I lost my metal wick trimmer.

Gideon: Is it necessary?

Layla: No, but I need it. I can't get the wick to look right without it.

Gideon: I could get you a new one.

Layla: NO. I thought we've established this ‘helping me’ conversation.

Layla: Btw aren't you supposed to be at work?

The typing bubble appeared almost immediately.

Gideon: I slept in late. Just got out of the shower.

My face flushed instantly and I turned my phone screen flat against the table. I took a couple of deep breaths before picking it up again.

Layla: Can I see?

I sent it and dropped the phone back onto the desk before I could change my mind.

One.

Two.

Three.

Then I flipped the phone over. I nearly doubled over when I saw that Gideon had actually sent a picture.

He was standing in front of what looked like his bedroom mirror, his hair still damp, a few strands falling messily across his forehead. Tiny droplets of water clung to his jaw, and his dark eyes were fixed on the camera.

He looked unfairly good.

And somehow, despite having a face that could make me forget my own name, he had managed to take the picture with the expression of an old man who'd just been handed a smartphone and told to figure it out.

I bit my index finger nail to stop myself from laughing.

Layla: So handsome. *With a heart emoji.*

Layla: Let me see your lower half.

I stared at the message, then at the send button, then back at the message.

I probably shouldn't…

Someone dropped a book onto the desk beside me and I jumped so hard my phone nearly slipped from my hand.

“Morning.” I looked up and it was the boy that bumped into me yesterday.

“Hi,” I replied, still flustered from Gideon's picture.

“You dropped this yesterday.” My eyes widened as they landed on the small metal wick trimmer he held out.

“Oh.” I took it from his palm and immediately stuffed it into my bag. “Thank you.”

I turned my phone back on and quickly pressed send on the last message I'd been trying to send Gideon.

Then I pulled out my notebook and started arranging my things. Except he was still sitting there.

I glanced at him and he looked like he wanted to say something but couldn't quite figure out how.

“Do you need anything else?” I asked.

“I, um…” He scratched the back of his neck and looked down at his hands.

“I didn't get your name.” I couldn't help smiling at his awkwardness. At least I wasn't the only one getting flustered.

“It's Layla.”

“That's a nice name.” His shoulders relaxed slightly. “I'm Malcolm.”

“Nice to meet you, Malcolm.” I smiled.

“Isn't it weird that you transferred here right when we're about to graduate?” I asked. “Can you handle it?”

His expression changed slightly. “It actually wasn't planned. My mother passed away, so I had to come stay with… her husband.”

“Her husband?”

“Yeah. They got divorced, so… I'm here.”

Divorce really was becoming a trend these days.

“I'm sorry. I didn't…”

“It's fine.” He gave me a small smile.

“I’m sorry about your mother,” I said.

“Thanks.” He looked like he wanted to say something else, but before he could, the noisy classroom suddenly fell silent as everyone scrambled into their seats.

The professor had arrived.

“So, um… I'll see you later, I guess.” He got up to his feet and I nodded as he disappeared toward his seat.

I reached for my phone and saw a new message from Gideon was waiting.

Gideon: I'm a grown man, Layla. I can't send you dick pics.

I bit back a laugh and sent a reply.

Layla: Boring. *With a sad emoji* before quickly putting my phone away when the professor walked in.

Ellie finally made it to school during the next class. Apparently, her car had needed a jump-start, which explained her late arrival.

We spent the rest of the day together, and by the time I got home, I was exhausted. But I still had a candle to make.

I went straight to work the moment I stepped through the door. Luckily, Mom wasn't home yet.

So, I measured everything carefully, trimmed the wick, mixed the fragrance and poured the wax into the jar.

This time, I had my metal wick trimmer back. It took me longer than usual because I wanted it perfect.

By the time I finished, the candle had cooled enough for me to pack it safely into my bag.

Mom still wasn't home, so I slipped out before she could return.

When I arrived at Gideon's mansion, I quietly made my way through the back entrance.

He'd told me he'd be home early because he needed to sort out a few things, but I hadn't told him I was coming. I wanted to surprise him.

I walked farther down the hallway, clutching the candle against my chest.

“Can I help you?” The voice behind me startled me so badly I nearly dropped the candle.

My breath caught in my throat and my heart pounded as I slowly turned around. I was surprised to see it was the boy from school.

“What are you doing here?” I asked and he looked just as confused as I felt.

“I live here.”