Last night, Ivy had come over with a tub of ice cream. We watched movies and laughed, our shared company easy and relaxed. It wasn’t a deep conversation, but it was comforting to have someone there, sharing the space with me.
During this week, I also took practical steps toward figuring out my next move. I sorted through my finances, making a plan for the potential gallery. A list of next steps now sat on the kitchen counter, a tangible reminder of the future I could create. Yet, I still wasn’t entirely sure I could go through with it. The fear of failure and the weight of my parents’ expectations loomed large, but at least I felt somewhat prepared for when they inevitably called.
This week had been a time to breathe, to process, and to begin the slow work of moving forward. Now, on this fresh Monday morning, I was determined to make the most of it. It was time to get dressed and face the world outside.
I rummaged through my closet, searching for an outfit that would blend in with the town’s vibe, while still flaunting my city style. Ivy had promisedto take me shopping this week if I was up for it, and I was looking forward to it.
I pulled on dark skinny jeans, a soft cream sweater with lace details, and stylish ankle boots. As I looked in the mirror, I sighed. The outfit looked nice but felt a bit off, like I was trying too hard to fit in.
With a final glance in the mirror, I grabbed my bag, eager to explore the town’s quirky, independent shops. I’d been thinking about them all week, curious to see what treasures they held. Ivy had mentioned she’d be at the Enchanted Quill, and suggested we grab lunch together during her break. I smiled at the thought, looking forward to catching up with her. It felt good to be excited about something again.
I grabbed my phone and keys, ready to head out, when my phone rang. I glanced at the screen and saw an unknown number. Curious, I answered.
“Hey, it’s Ethan,” came the familiar voice, slightly nervous but warm. “Hope you don’t mind that I asked Ivy for your number. I didn’t see you around town this week and, uh, just wanted to check in.”
A smile crept onto my face, my heart fluttering. “Hi, Ethan. No worries. It’s nice to hear from you.”
He continued, speaking a bit too quickly, “Yeah, sorry I didn’t reach out sooner. It’s been kind of crazy. You know, work and stuff. And then, this weekend I was helping my dad with his garden shed. The thing’s like, this old relic that’s somehow still standing, but barely. We were fixing it up, and I’m pretty sure we spent more time laughing at how it’s a miracle it hasn’t fallen apart yet.” Ethan laughed nervously. “Sorry, I’m going off on a tangent, aren’t I? I’m usually not this nervous. I just didn’t want you to think I was ignoring you after asking you out.”
His rambling was endearing, and I couldn’t help but chuckle. It was clear he was flustered, which only made him more charming. “It’s cute, really,” I reassured him, then immediately cringed, wondering if I wascoming on too strong. Quickly, I cleared my throat and added, “I mean, it’s fine. Life gets busy.”
In the background, I could hear kids shouting, likely his students. “Anyway,” he continued, clearly trying to focus, “I was wondering if you’re free today for that coffee? I’m finishing around noon, and The Sunflower Bistro makes an amazing latte. No pressure, but I thought it could be nice.”
I could practically hear him holding his breath, waiting for my response. “That sounds perfect,” I said with a thrill of excitement. “Noon works for me.”
“Awesome! Great! I’ll see you then,” he replied, relief and happiness evident in his voice. A bell rang in the background, and he hurriedly added. “I should get back to class now. The kids are . . . well, you know,” he let out a small laugh.
“See you at twelve,” I said.
As soon as I ended the call, anticipation surged through me. After a week of moping and wallowing in my emotions, something in me had shifted. I was tired of feeling sad and uncertain, of being weighed down by the past. Now, I wanted to be this new version of myself—confident, bold, and ready to take on whatever came my way.
Maybe it was the idea of a fresh start in a new town, or maybe it was the thrill of someone like Ethan showing interest in me. But it felt good, like a shot of adrenaline. I was ready to put myself out there and take risks, even if it was just for a simple coffee date. It felt liberating, like a chance to prove to myself that I could move on and start anew.
After spending the morning exploring the town, I found myself standing outside The Sunflower Bistro, a bag full of goodies from the local shops swinging at my side. I had picked up a handmade candle scented with lavender and sage from Wick & Whimsy, a delicate silver bracelet fromTrinkets & Treasures, and a jar of locally made honey from Sweet Haven Honey Shop.
Stepping into the bistro, warmth and the lively buzz of activity immediately enveloped me. Conversations mingled with the clinking of dishes, and the hiss of food sizzled in the open kitchen. Wooden tables and chairs contributed to the rustic charm, with the soft, buttery yellow walls surrounding it all.
Ethan sat at a corner table near the fireplace and, as I walked in, he looked up with a broad smile, genuine excitement lighting up his eyes. He wore a crisp white dress shirt under a knitted vest, the soft wool adding a casual touch to his otherwise polished look. The vest, which shouldn’t have worked on anyone else, somehow looked hot on him, accentuating his athletic frame.
A wave of self-consciousness hit me as I made my way toward him. I pushed a strand of hair away from my face, then quickly tugged off my scarf, stuffing it into my bag. I thought maybe I’d look a bit more sophisticated without it. As I approached the table, I nervously played with the dainty gold necklace I wore—a habit that surfaced whenever I felt anxious.
Ethan’s smile broadened as he looked up. “Hey, Vinnie,” he greeted warmly, standing to pull me into a brief hug. His arms were strong and comforting around me, and he smelled of fresh wood and zesty citrus, mixed with a hint of fresh cotton. The combination was both energizing and soothing, making my heart flutter a little. “You look great,” he added as he pulled back, his eyes bright with sincerity.
I felt a blush creep up my cheeks. “Thanks, Ethan. It’s nice to see you.” As he pulled out my chair, excitement fluttered in my chest at his thoughtful gesture. I smiled, settling into the chair and placing my bags on the seat next to me.
I glanced down at the menu, trying to steady my nerves. It had been so long since I’d been on a first date—if this evenwasa date—that I’d almost forgotten how jittery they could make me feel. The thought crossed my mind that Ethan hadn’t explicitly called it a date, and now I was overthinking it.
As I tried to sort through my thoughts, a waitress approached, ready to take our orders. Before she could say a word, Emily appeared beside her, quickly interjecting. “I’ve got this table,” she said, smiling down at Ethan with dreamy eyes.
“Hey, Ethan! How have you been?” Emily greeted him, completely ignoring me. I found it odd, especially since Emily had met me just the other day when Ivy and I were here. Maybe she didn’t remember, or perhaps she was just caught up in seeing Ethan. Either way, her focus solely on him made me feel a little out of place. I tried not to let it bother me, telling myself it was easy to forget faces in a busy place like this.
“Hey, Em,” Ethan replied, keeping his tone polite but neutral. He glanced briefly at me, perhaps sensing the awkwardness. “I’ve been good, thanks. Just busy with work and all.”
Emily giggled, twirling a lock of her blonde hair around her finger as she leaned in closer. Her soft makeup accentuated her striking blue eyes, which she fluttered at Ethan. “Work, huh? Always keeping you busy,” she purred, her voice taking on a more intimate tone. “We should catch up some time,” she added, her eyes lingering on him with clear intent. The subtle shift in her demeanor was unmistakable—she was clearly trying to capture his attention, her smile warm and inviting, almost desperate.
Ethan kept his polite smile and glanced at me before replying, “Yeah, lots of lesson planning and grading lately.” He brushed off Emily’s suggestion to catch up so smoothly that it eased the tension for me a little, though the situation still felt awkward.
He then gestured towards me, shifting the conversation. “Hey, Em, have you met Vinnie yet?” Ethan’s tone was friendly but had a subtle firmness, signalling his intent to include me in the conversation.
