After assuring Thomas for the hundredth time that I'd be fine by myself, he finally agreed and left. But not after I promised I'd come and find him in about forty minutes in his office.

So, I spend this time alone getting to know more about the work they do.

I'm amazed and inspired after only thirty minutes of walking around. As I learn more about all the projects they have, I'm n awe of their work. It's like they're really trying to make the world a better place. It makes sense why Thomas is such a nice guy. His parents are amazing and definitely raised him well

The more I learn about their work here, the more I feel like I've spent my whole life looking for all the wrong things. There are so many things I ignored in life that I'm embarrassed to say.

Coming from two parents who only breathed work, it came naturally for me to put my career first. And having not much while growing up, I chose a safe job, even though it was the last thing I wanted.

But even now, after opening Sweet Spot and finally being able to say I'm really doing what I want, it still feels like I missing something that all I think about is how to make more money. I don't even remember the last thing I bought for myself, or how much I could have done to help others who, like me, didn't always have much while growing up.

As I stop at a dog race line and see the excitement of the kids guiding them, I wonder when I started being so dull. I don't really remember having big goals and dreams before the bakery. And now that it's open and doing fine, I wonder what the hell I'm doing with my life.

I walk past a group of volunteers laughing and joking around and continue walking further to a calmer part of the area. I see a horse-riding arena with a single horse, a boy who is probably around eight, and an older guy who is probably in his fifties.

I lean on the fence and watch as the older man patiently holds his hand as if waiting for the kid to hold it. The little boy is looking down, but then the man says something I can't understand, and the boy nods, a cheerful smile on his face.

The man gets his phone to call someone and a couple of minutes later, a woman comes in their direction and guides the boy out of the arena, smiling and giving me a small wave when she sees me watching them.

I'm about to leave too when the man walks to me. "Have you ever ridden a horse?" He approaches me with the horse by his side, and when he gets closer, I smile at the resemblance. This guy is an older version of Thomas.

"I'm afraid I'm too scared of them to ever consider it." I smile.

"They can be quite intimidating at first, yeah... But they're the most amazing creatures." He smiles back while patting the horse.

"So now you're trying to impress girls with horse talk, too?" I hear Thomas coming in our direction.

"Horse talk?" I chuckle, turning to him.

"I think dad loves horses more than humans," he teases, but his father just laughs.

"I see you met my father." Thomas brushes his fingers on my shoulder and I force my body not to react.

"I'm afraid we were not properly introduced. I'm Lisa, Thomas's friend."

"Drew. It's very nice to meet you, Lisa. Thomas has talked really fondly of you." He offers me his hand and I feel myself blushing while shaking it.

"Don't believe a word he says about me." I narrow my eyes at Thomas, trying to sound serious.

"What? You did throw up on my shoes!" Thomas laughs and I smack his chest playfully.

"I don't even know why I bother with you." I ignore him and turn to his father, who's watching us with a knowing smile. "Sorry, he's just..."

"Annoying, right?" His father smirks.

"Yes!" I nod, embarrassed.

"I know the feeling... But I'm sure you'll be putting him in his place." He winks and I'm instantly at ease. "Are you staying for the barbecue tomorrow? It'll be really less crowded, just some close friends."

"I'd love to, thanks. Should I bring something?" I nod, excited to be spending more time here.

"It's all-"

"Just a bathing suit." Thomas interrupts his father.

"You're such a guy..." I shake my head, pretending to be annoyed.

"You love it!"

"You wish!"

"Well, I need to get him back to the barn." His father smirks, pointing to the horse. "I'll see you guys later. And Lisa, it was nice to finally meet you."

"Thanks, you too."

"Oh, mom is looking for you, by the way." Thomas entwines our fingers and his father raises his eyebrows at him. "Something about you being needed for a photo shooting thing."

"I'll find her later," he says, before leaving.

"Really, Thomas? You had to tell your parents I puked on you?" I shake my head and turn to go back to the main area, but he holds my waist, not letting me get too far.

"Come on, all puke apart, it was funny!" He chuckles and I choose to ignore him. My mind having some trouble processing a comeback since its only focus is the way he is holding my waist and turning me to him.

"I'm glad you're here," he murmurs and I take a deep breath.

"Thomas..."

"Lisa..." He smirks and I'm about to ask what the hell we're doing when we're both interrupted by the beep of his phone.

"Damn it! I need to take it." He looks at me for a moment, before answering it.

"What have you got for me, Davis?" He keeps his eyes on me, while whatever this Davis guy talks to him.

I see the moment his eyes widen, and his breathing goes hard. I'm not sure what's going on, but I have a feeling it's something serious.

"How much time do we have?... What?... Fuck... Yeah-No, I'm good. I'll get back to you tomorrow." He disconnects and looks down.

"Are you okay?" I ask.

"Spend the night at my place." He blurts and I gasp.

"What?"

"Shit! I'm messing it all up already..." He rubs his face.

"What's going on, Thomas?" I ask, confused.

"A fucking mission out of the country is going on... Come on, let's get out of here and find some place where we can talk."

____

A/N: Thanks for reading! :)

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- Celeste