I can't believe Oliver is holding my hand.

Again.

I nod dumbly and let him sort of drag me to the ice cream parlor. I realize he didn't lie about it being close-by, after we arrive walking for 2 minutes. On our way there, Oliver beams with his smile like the sun itself and I have to admit, having two suns around on a hot summer day wouldn't be something I like to have every day.

The ice cream parlor itself isn't actually that fancy. It's pretty small and plain in contrast to the coffee shop, but has a big variety of different flavors. I like it. Partly because it's hot and I need cooling, but also because I like simple and cozy places. I can imagine coming to this place more often in the future.

“It's...” I begin, but get cut off by Oliver, “not much, I know,” he says with a smile, “but-” now it is my turn to interrupt him, “I like it, don't worry.” I give him a warm smile of my own and walk towards the cold treats, trying to choose what to order. I learned from last time and want to spare myself from further embarrassment.

I admire the vast variety this small ice cream parlor has to offer. What?! I don't even recognize half of the flavors! Is this some kind of trick to poison me? I knew Oliver was being far too nice for any human being... Bringing me here to die a painful death by- garlic ice cream...? huh?

.

.

.

EHHHHHHHHHHH!??!

I am snatched out of my prejudiced thoughts as I hear a voice beside me. “Diana? Are you ok? You look kind of sick... should we go somewhere else to rest?” I almost jump and the sudden sound, but wave my hands in a defensive manner quickly after and almost shout, “No, no, no! It's alright! Probably just the heat again, haha... u-uhm, anyway, what are you going to pick? I'm still...” I look at the range of flavors again and swallow the lump in my throat, “deciding.”

I try to force a smile and wait for him to choose some sort of ice cream I can hopefully take as well. “Ah yes, there really are many choices to choose from!” he says with a chuckle. “Would you like me to recommend you something again?” Ahhh, I feel like having a déjà vu... “I've been here before, so I already know what tastes good and what's,” he tries to unobtrusively point at the previously mentioned garlic ice cream, “not so good.”

I let out a laugh that I try to hide with my hand, but I immediately stop when I hear a young woman shout, a little more playful than angry, “Oliver! Are you trying to shoo away my dear customers?” I turn to look at her, noticing her long, black hair, her brown eyes and her soft skin right away- so the exact opposite of me, in other words, beautiful.

“Just because you don't like my premium garlic ice creme, doesn't mean no one else does!” she continues. Wow, who knew that you could still look good while you're scolding someone? As I'm still thinking about her external features, she flips her head to me with a bright smile, almost the same as Oliver's, and asks, “do you want to try my garlic ice creme?” with a little big more enthusiasm than necessary.