She laughed, clearly enjoying his reaction.
"Relax, I was joking. You're cute when you blush, though."
Theodore exhaled, trying to calm the rapid thudding of his heart.
"You shouldn't joke about things like that. Someone might take you seriously."
She winked. "Maybe that's the fun part."
Before he could respond, a voice called out in the distance. "Eleanor!"
She turned toward the sound, a small pout forming on her lips.
"Oh, looks like my sister is calling me."
Theodore's heart sank a little at the realization that their time together was coming to an end.
She stood up, dusting off her dress before glancing back at him with a playful smile.
"Oh, wait a minute!" she exclaimed, tapping her forehead lightly. "I don't even know your name."
He smiled, finally regaining his composure. "It's Theodore."
She beamed. "Nice to meet you, Theodore. I'm Eleanor."
His smile faltered slightly. Eleanor.