As Helen stepped out, a loud voice called out from behind her.
"Hey, boss!"
Helen turned to see Tommy and Bentley running toward her, each holding a cup of milkshake.
"It really is you, boss!" Bentley exclaimed, his excitement evident as he jumped up and down. "Did you come for the esports tournament too?"
"No, I'm just dropping off a friend," Helen replied.
Just then, Ashley stepped out of the car. She wore sparkling silver high heels and a flowing dress, making her stand out brilliantly under the mall's lights.
As Bentley noticed her, he instantly forgot about his milkshake. He stared at her in a daze, as if she had captured his very soul.
Ashley gave a polite nod to Tommy and Bentley before turning to Helen. "Well then, Helen, I'll be off now. Let's catch up over some barbecue next time."
A lovesick grin immediately appeared on Bentley's face, his heart fluttering with each beat.
"Oh my gosh, her voice is just as enchanting! She must be my perfect match!" he thought to himself.
"No problem, take care," Helen said warmly.
"Goodbye!" Ashley responded with a wave before turning and entering the mall.
Bentley's gaze remained fixed on her until she was out of sight. With a heavy sigh, he murmured wistfully, "Tommy, I think I'm in love."
Tommy shot Bentley a skeptical glance, assuming he was just being his typical dramatic self. Without missing a beat, he landed a punch to Bentley's stomach. "Snap out of it!" he quipped.
"Ouch!" Bentley cried out, clutching his stomach. "Tommy! You're such a sadist! Why do you always have to hit me? What did I ever do to deserve this?"
"That's what you get for spouting nonsense," Tommy said nonchalantly, sipping his strawberry milkshake without a hint of remorse.
Helen paused for a moment before nodding. "Sure thing."
She took out her phone and shared Ashley's Twitter and Instagram accounts with Bentley.
"Ashley," Bentley read aloud, his smile widening. "What a lovely name."
Recognizing the trace of youthful infatuation in Bentley's expression, Helen couldn't help but smile.
At that moment, Chandler emerged from the front passenger seat. He opened the rear door on the opposite side and called out, "Helly, we need to get going."
Long-term parking wasn't allowed at the mall entrance.
"Coming."
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