Chapter 27

HAILEY

She found herself back at the restaurant. “Hailey, over here.” Matt beckoned her with a look of concern.

“Are you alright?” he questioned.

She simply nodded.

“Alright, we’ll talk after work.” He retreated to the kitchen, leaving no room for her to protest.

When their shift ended, she waited for Matt to secure the doors.

He turned to face her, his eyes expecting an explanation. She let out a sigh. “Matt, I don’t have much to say. I’m not sure what you’re hoping to hear.”

“I just want to understand what’s happening in your life, Hails. You’ve become so distant. We used to share everything. But ever since you started working for Valerian, you’ve changed.”

“Matt, change is inevitable. It’s part of life. I can’t stay the same Hailey you’ve always known.”

“Yeah, but Hails, you’re not evolving in the way I thought you would. You’ve become so secretive—you were always a bit reserved, but not like this.

“You used to let me in, but now I feel shut out.”

“Matt, some things are meant to be shared, and some aren’t. You must understand that. I’m sure you have your own secrets.”

“Yeah, but my secrets aren’t like yours, Hails. If I shared mine, it could jeopardize our friendship.”

“How so, Matt? There’s nothing that could ever ruin our bond. You’re like a brother to me.”

Matt let out a sigh. “I just want what’s best for you, Hails.”

“I know, and I promise you, I’m doing just fine.”

“Alright, if you say so.”

“Fancy some ice cream?” She linked her arm with his.

“Now, Hails?”

“Why not?”

He seemed to ponder the idea.

“Come on, Matt. We used to do this all the time. For old times’ sake?” She flashed him a smile.

“Alright, let’s do it. I think Rogers is still open. We can grab some cookie dough.”

Her excitement was palpable.

“Wow, when was the last time I saw you this thrilled?” He laughed.

At Rogers, she was practically bouncing. She ordered two scoops of cookie dough, mint, and cheesecake. Matt stuck with just cookie dough.

As they settled in, she realized it was nearly two in the morning. She squirmed in her seat, scooped up a spoonful of ice cream, and popped it into her mouth.

“Some things never change.”

“What are you talking about, Matt?”

“I mean your late-night ice cream cravings, and that look on your face—it’s like you’re tasting these flavors for the first time.”

She giggled. “Really?”

“Absolutely. It’s nice to see you smile.”

“Have you finished all the seasons of ~Jane the Virgin~?”

“Nope.”

“You’re lying, Matt. But to even the score, I did watch all the seasons of ~Brooklyn Nine-Nine~ without you.”

“No way, Hails—that’s crossing a line.”

“Well, if we’re being fair, we both messed up. But I wouldn’t mind rewatching all the episodes with you.”

“They were that good, huh?”

“Amazing! But I won’t spoil anything for you.”

“Hails, if I revealed the major twist in ~Jane the Virgin~, you’d be furious.”

“No, the twist in ~Brooklyn Nine-Nine~ is way bigger, trust me.”

“Alright, Hails, here’s the deal. We’ll watch both shows and then decide which one has the biggest twist.”

“Sounds good. And the loser has to buy dinner and dessert.”

“Deal, milady.”

She laughed. It felt like old times with Matt.

After they finished their ice cream, Matt walked her to the bus stop. She boarded the bus and waved goodbye.

As she sat there, she began to wonder—was Matt right? Had she changed for the worse without realizing it?