Ellen's breath hitched slightly as she fully faced Edrick. Why did she have to run into Edrick now, of all times? Her heart was still pounding from what she had just witnessed inside the restaurant, and now this? It was as if the universe had conspired to throw every possible distraction her way.
Ellen forced a smile, hoping it didn't look as awkward as it felt. "Hi, Edrick," she greeted him, her voice a bit strained. "I'm sorry, I didn't realize you were there earlier."
Edrick shook his head, a gentle smile playing on his lips as he looked at her with a mix of amusement and concern. "No need to apologize," he replied, his tone light. "I could see you were quite preoccupied with… whatever it was you were doing."
