Chapter 50: No Strings Attached

I had not expected Leila to ask that out of the blue. I froze, and my grip loosened. She did not let go. Instead, she shifted her hand in mine and threaded our fingers together. She said, "Look at you, scared out of your wits." I just smiled awkwardly and didn't say anything. On the way back, we crossed to the other side of the street. Passing a jewelry stall, Leila spotted a delicate little hair clip she liked and said to count it as her birthday present. After I paid, I looked around. The...