The childhood memories flitted through Lorelai’s mind like scenes from some old movie, emboldening her. Hence, she couldn’t help bringing them up as she asked, “Elliot, do you still remember the time when I broke the vase in your family home? I think I was about eight at the time, and I was so scared I couldn’t stop shaking. You were the one who took the blame for me, and I managed to get off without punishment!”
Elliot was a little taken aback by this as he asked, “I did that? Huh. I totally forgot about it.”
Her lips curled up in a smile. “Well, I still remember, because those are the happiest moments of my childhood. They say that a happy childhood is a soothing balm to the pains of growing up, you know. So, I guess I should thank you for giving me some of the best childhood memories.” She looked up at him after finishing her sentence and her gaze lingered on the features that she so adored.
Hearing what she said, Elliot gave her a perfunctory smile. “Did you have a good time abroad?”
“I suppose I did, though I was a little lonely,” she admitted with a sigh.
“If I ever come across someone suitable, I’d be sure to send them your way.”
She feigned embarrassment as she mumbled, “You don’t even know my type.”
“Oh, that’s right,” he said. “Come on, tell me.” He wanted to know what he should
look out for if he wanted to set her up
with someone.
She narrowed her eyes as if in thought. A sweet smile broke over her face as she gazed at him and said, “I’m not asking for much. I want someone as handsome and capable as you.”
Elliot’s instincts were sharp to begin with, and he could sense that the admiration she had for him was beyond platonic the moment he saw the smoldering gleam in her eyes. If he were any other man, he
might find her love for him a triumph, something to gloat about to his peers. But he was not such a man, and her unsolicited affections only served to push him away.
He eyed her sullenly as he said, “Lorelai, I do not wish to hear such things again.. Anastasia is the only woman for me, and nothing will ever change.”
He ended his sentence calmly, but there was no hiding the dangerous warning that belied his words.
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