Essel’s Pov
"Isn't she supposed to be here by now?" Charlie asked, glancing at his phone. It was ten past six, the movie was set to start at six-thirty, and there was still no sign of Ella.
"I'm sure she'll arrive any moment now. I just wish she would answer my calls," he continued. "In the meantime, I'm freezing. Should we wait for her inside the diner?"
"Sure, sounds good. Where do you want to eat?"
"I’m flexible, but wait—let’s go to Grill’d. I’m really in the mood for a hamburger."
"Looks like you do have a preference after all," Charlie laughed.
~*~
Once we stepped inside, I silently expressed my gratitude for the warmth. As we waited at the front desk and texted Ella about our location, a cheerful waiter approached us with a smile.
"Table for two?" she asked, gesturing betwe
