Briar
The café buzzed with the midday rush, a symphony of clinking cups and muted conversations. I sat at a corner table, my fingers drumming an anxious rhythm on the smooth wood. The scent of freshly ground coffee beans and buttery pastries filled the air, but my stomach was too knotted with nerves to appreciate it.
Every chime of the door had me looking up, a jolt of anticipation and dread shooting through me. I took a sip of my now-lukewarm latte, grimacing at the bitter taste.
Finally, the door swung open, and Selena swept in like a red tide. Her dress clung to every curve, the color so vibrant it seemed to demand attention. Heads turned as she passed, but she paid them no mind, her eyes scanning the room with cool detachment until they landed on me.
As she approached, I couldn't h
