Meanwhile on the other end of Hidden Springs, two kindred souls sat together sharing a few laughs over some coffee and macaroons. “It’s about time you and Mercedes broke up,” Haley replied, taking a sip from her mug. River knew it to be true. In fact, breaking up with Mercedes felt freeing. They hadn’t left on any bad terms, but they both knew that what they had was River’s sad attempt at moving on from Lacy and Mercedes survival instincts kicking in. They were both using each other and River couldn’t really be mad at that. “But let’s talk about something else. It’s your last day in Hidden Springs. I won’t see you for awhile.” Haley had decided to live in Hidden Springs permanently, having gotten a job at the police department as a hacker.
“Actually I’ll be back here in a few months,” River replied. “The soccer team has a big game here and I’ll be on the field. So, maybe after the game we can get some celebratory drinks or something.”
“You’re so sure you’re going to win?” Haley mused, her lips twitching into a smile. A smile that never failed to make his heart race.
“I don’t have to win the game to celebrate seeing you again,” River said with a simple shrug. “So, what do you say? Let’s promise to meet up at this exact spot in a few months. But instead of coffee and macaroons we’ll have something more exciting.” River extended his hand over the table and Haley took it. With a simple shake their promise was sealed.
“Okay, I will see you here in a few months. Then maybe we can meet up again in Bridgeport and double date with Ayla and Sage?” Haley covered her mouth, realizing what she had said. Date.
But that didn’t bother River. It was his intention to court Haley anyhow and knowing she liked him back made things so much easier. “Let me take you on a real date first.” Neither of the two complained about that, and so their relationship had begun with an accidental admission of their budding feelings.










