Here Again?!
574 Words
The soft chime of the boutique’s doorbell echoed through the sunlit room as Lexi arranged the last few fabric swatches on the display table. She glanced up just in time to see Riley step inside, her smile brightening the space.
“Morning, Ms. Sinclair,” Riley greeted, setting down her tote bag with practiced ease. “I got your message and brought the trims and fabrics you asked for.”
Lexi nodded, grateful. “Thanks, Riley. Perfect timing.”
Riley spread the materials out on the table, expertly laying delicate lace trims beside bold, colorful textiles. “I also confirmed the delivery for the trims should be here by Thursday.”
Lexi’s eyes lit up with appreciation. “You’re a lifesaver.”
She glanced over the fabrics thoughtfully. “We have to wrap up all pending work soon. The gala preparations won’t wait.”
Riley nodded, pulling out her tablet. “Fittings, lookbook shoot, supplier follow-ups, all scheduled and on track.”
Without missing a beat, they dove into work, sketching, measuring, coordinating calls. Hours slipped by in a blur of creativity and focus.
Eventually, Lexi rubbed her tired eyes and stretched. “I need a quick coffee break,” she muttered.
She stepped into the small café next door, the comforting aroma of fresh espresso wrapping around her.
At the counter, she smiled politely. “Just a black coffee, please.”
The attendant barely glanced up. “That’ll be $3.50.”
Lexi handed over cash, but the attendant didn’t meet her eyes. “We only accept cards or transfers now.”
Puzzled, Lexi glanced around. Because frequented this place she had left her phone and bag at the boutique. All she planned was a quick coffee and a moment to breathe.
Her voice softened, a quiet plea. “I only have cash. Isn’t there any way to make it work?”
The attendant threw an annoyed glance. “No.”
Lexi’s shoulders sagged. The simple act of buying coffee suddenly felt complicated.
Then, a familiar voice cut through the tension behind her.
“Let me handle that.”
Ethan stepped forward with calm authority.
She turned slowly, heart skipping.
What was he doing here.
And Of all places.. why here?
Why did he always have to find her in uncomfortable situations?
Her cheeks burned with a mix of gratitude and embarrassment.
She wished the ground would swallow her whole.
Ethan pulled out his card and paid without hesitation. His eyes briefly met hers, steady, unreadable.
“Thanks,” she murmured, barely above a whisper.
He nodded. “Don’t mention it.”
An awkward silence settled between them as they stood there, caught in the unexpected encounter.
After a moment, the attendant placed her coffee on the counter with a soft clink. Lexi quickly grabbed the cup, fingers tightening around the warmth as if it could steady her racing thoughts.
She glanced up at Ethan, who was still watching her with that unreadable expression. For a second, she wanted to say something, anything, but the words tangled in her throat.
Instead, she offered a small, hesitant nod.
Ethan’s lips twitched in what might have been the ghost of a smile.
Without another word, Lexi turned and pushed open the café door, the cool air brushing against her face. She took a slow breath, steadying herself as she walked away, the weight of the moment lingering behind her like a shadow she couldn’t quite shake.
- Writer
