Part 6

Sam was sitting outside near a small bonfire when I walked out. He looked over and smiled. I quickly looked away, blushing, then gathered myself and turned back.

"Hey, Sam."

"Hey."

I walked over. "Mind if I join you?"

He patted the spot next to him. I sat down, the warmth of the fire brushing against the cool evening air.

"By the way," I said, "the camera works."

"Great. Glad to hear it."

He casually slipped his arm around me. I noticed — and let him know. I liked him. And honestly? I didn't think he liked Willow the way she liked him. She'd understand. Sam and I have known each other for almost a year now.

The sun had set, and stars were beginning to appear.

"It's pretty outside," he said. "The sky looks beautiful."

"I agree. And the temperature's nice."

He hesitated, then said, "I want to confess something to you, Layla..."

My heart skipped. "What is it?"

"Ever since you moved a couple doors down, I thought you were attractive. I wanted to tell you, but I didn't want to scare you off. I also wanted to get to know you better — you seem like a cool girl."

I felt my face warm. "Really? I didn't know you felt that way. I thought you were cute, too. And... yeah, Willow was making googly eyes at you earlier, but I didn't say anything."

He laughed. "I don't doubt it. She doesn't hold back — even with people she barely knows."

"Yeah... that's her," I said, laughing softly.

"Thanks," he added. "I think you're a cool girl too."

We sat there, enjoying the quiet, the fire crackling softly, the night settling around us as we talked and got to know each other more deeply.