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More than 15 days have passed. I've been trying to think through this whole thing and I've come to the conclusion that... I'm going to let it go. Anyway, since I saw the announcement of the organization of this ball, I have not seen Andrew at the store.

He must have had to stop coming. After all, it wasn't even normal for a prince to be at a rest stop so I can't blame him.

On the side of my life, I got closer to Alyssa who became my best friend. We kind of teamed up against Tom, our co-worker we hate.

At the store, the work has come to an end. There is now a new person working with us, a baker and pastry chef named Nathan. He's very nice and barely older than me, which is pretty cool. With Alyssa, we form a great trio. Our days are even better when we enjoy what we do.

" Hello ! What can I get you ? I said happily to the person in front of me.

A little boy, tall as three apples raised his head, high towards me. I leaned over the counter so I could see him better.

“A hot chocolate, please. »

He was too cute and adorable. I turned to serve him his chocolate and slipped him a pain au chocolat.

" A small gift. »

He still handed me something to pay for the hot chocolate and I gave him the change. He thanked me and joined his dad a few meters away. Only, when I looked up to look at them, I didn't just see this little one and his daddy but the person next to them: Andrew.

I acted like nothing had happened and ignored him. I turned to clean up the mess behind me a bit and leaned over to the display case to put the pastries back properly. Raising my head, I fell directly in front of Prince Andrew. I gasped and put my hand over my heart.

He accelerated stupidly.

" Sorry. I didn't mean to scare you. »

I capitulated.

" It's not serious. »

I leaned to the side to put the pastries back again.

“Am I dreaming or are you ignoring me? I have done something wrong ? »

I froze instantly and pulled myself to my feet very slowly, slowly raising my head to him. I didn't know, yes. Why ? I do not know. Maybe because he had disappeared from circulation for 15 days? That he was going to marry a princess?

" I'm sorry. What can I get you ? »

He smiled, giving an adorable little smirk. Impossible not to literally melt on the spot in front of this vision!

“I don't want coffee, Scarlett. »

I frown.

"What do you want then?" »

“I still think you're angry. Did I do something wrong or upset you? »

I simply cannot answer this question. I would be pathetic to say yes. I am a kid. I'm angry because he didn't come for 15 days but he surely had things to do. When you are a prince, you have obligations. He must have had some and I didn't think of that.

Now I find myself in a rather complicated situation.

" Nope. I said a little more curtly than I would have liked.

“Can you take a break? I need to talk to you. »

I huff and call Nathan. He arrives immediately and kisses me on the cheek naturally.

“Can you manage the cash register for two minutes? »

“Of course, Scarlett! »

" Thanks. »

I go around and find myself face to face with Andrew. He's a head taller than me. He's tall but I'm tall too so it's not that shocking. I follow him outside and find myself facing him. I'm afraid of our discussion. I don't know what he's going to tell me and it stresses me out to find myself face to face with him like that. However, I was not so embarrassed the day I had a coffee with him...

" I'm listening to you. What's the matter ? »

I raise my eyebrows.

“Thou now? »

He smiles.

"We're young enough for that, right? So, have you decided to answer my question or am I going to wait a long time? »

I smile mischievously.

"Would you mind waiting?" »

"No, as long as you're with me, I don't mind. »

I laugh.

“I'm not mad, it's just that... you disappeared for 15 days and you come back like this, I don't really understand. You left me with a disturbing sentence... You told me you liked me but you ran away right after and I didn't have time to answer..."

I lowered my head. I'm ashamed of the words that come out of my mouth. I don't even want to see what his reaction will be. He might laugh at this.

His hand rests on my crossed arm. It gives me warmth, it's impressive. It makes my whole body vibrate.

“I'm sorry I left like this, Scarlett. It wasn't great of me to run away after throwing that in your face. You intrigue me a lot. What would you have answered if I hadn't left? »

I clear my throat embarrassed.

“I would have said it was mutual. »

" Really ? he says in a surprised tone.

I nod my head. What interest would I have in lying?

“It makes me happy, really. I really like you, Scarlett. »

I smile blissfully. My god but what behavior I have in front of him, I am ashamed!

“If I came, it's because I had something to ask you. »

I stare at him, frowning.

“It's my birthday soon and of course there's a party at the palace... I invite you to go with someone of your choice if you want. »

Wow.

"Um...with pleasure but...what am I supposed to get you?" I ask a little lost.

“I don't want presents, I already have everything. Your mere presence will be enough for me, okay? he smiled. “But I forbid you to invite the guy who kissed you on the cheek there. By the way, who is this? Your boyfriend ? »

I laugh. Is he jealous or am I dreaming?

“He is my colleague and my friend, nothing more. Would you be jealous? »

He shakes his head from left to right.

" Of course not ! he smiled. "I'm going to have to go, I have to have dinner with my grandfather—again." Can you give me your number? I'll send you the details of the evening. »

I nod and give him my number which he saves on his phone. He leans over to put his lips on my cheek and pulls back.

"See you soon, Scarlett!" »

I watch him walk away and I feel like I'm dreaming. Wow but I'm invited to Prince Andrew's birthday!

Pinch me, I'm dreaming.