I locked eyes with him, my mind suddenly racing back to the realization that his father was none other than Mr. Warren, the man I used to call out to as a kid., My thoughts were interrupted as Ernest stepped closer, prompting me to blurt out,

"Ernest, are you flirting with me because you like me?

",

"What else would it be, just for fun?

" He met my gaze, unflinching and sincere.,

"Then, are you keeping something from me? Like... have we known each other for a long time?

" Ever since learning about his father, this question had been nagging at me more than once., His eyes flickered for a moment.

"When you were little, I carried you on my back... and you kissed me.

", Ernest always had this way of catching me off guard. If it weren't for my past dating experiences, his words would have left me blushing furiously.,

"Really? Where did I kiss you?

" I asked, going for the direct approach., Ernest took a step closer, closing the already small gap between us., My heart started racing, but I stood my ground., Looking down at me, he whispered with his breath warming my forehead,

"Shall I demonstrate?

", I was speechless., At that moment, I was certain Ernest was a masterful flirt, acting all innocent while stirring trouble., Despite my effort, my face turned red, too embarrassed to look at him.,

"In your dreams,

" I retorted and turned to run away., I heard Ernest chuckle behind me, confirming he was just teasing., A memory flashed through my mind, one where I was playfully attacking him, calling him

"brother.

" Could it be that it wasn't just a dream?, But it was real?!, There was no way for me to find out; I was too young back then, and my parents, who could have confirmed it, were gone. Only Ernest held the answers, and he certainly remembered more than I did. However, I was too embarrassed to ask., Even as I quickened my pace, Ernest's long strides caught up with me.

"The lights here are all set up. Are you free tonight?

" He wanted me to see the lighting setup, but my heart was still fluttering from our conversation. I played it cool,

"I'm busy.

"

"When will you be free then?

",

"Not sure, I...

" I was about to tease him when my phone rang. It was Jefferson., Remembering the favor I had asked of him, I signaled Ernest that I needed to take the call and stepped away,

"Hey, Jefferson.

",

"Where are you?

" Jefferson's tone was light.,

"Out and about,

" I replied, then quickly asked,

"Did you find out what I asked you to look into?

",

"Hmm?

" Jefferson sounded puzzled., Just as I was about to roll my eyes at his apparent forgetfulness, he added,

"Oh, the investigation about your boss, right? I've got some leads.

", I let out a snort, realizing he was just pulling my leg.

"I knew I could count on you, Jefferson.

",

"You know I've got your back. If you want the details, meet me at The Star of Tang tonight at seven,

" Jefferson's proposal made me instinctively glance at Ernest., If I agreed to meet Jefferson, I wouldn't be able to check out the amusement park lights with Ernest., Though I had just told Ernest I was busy, truth be told, I did want to see the lights., After a brief hesitation, I told Jefferson,

"Can't you just tell me over the phone? I...

",

"Come find me if you want to know,

" Jefferson cut me off and hung up., Search the website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.