Chapter 6: The Coffee Truce
687 Words
Emma wasn’t sure why she agreed to this.
Sitting across from Aiden Carter at the small café next door, she tapped her fingers against her coffee cup, trying to ignore the curious glances from other customers. The café, much like her bookstore, was usually quiet—until today. Now, thanks to Aiden’s presence, it buzzed with whispers and not-so-subtle phone cameras.
Aiden, of course, looked completely at ease. He leaned back in his chair, stirring his iced coffee with a lazy grin. “You look like you’re regretting this already.”
Emma let out a sigh. “I just don’t see the point.”
He raised an eyebrow. “The point of coffee?”
“The point of this,” she clarified, waving between them. “You don’t owe me anything. You don’t have to prove yourself.”
Aiden’s smirk softened into something more thoughtful. “Maybe I just wanted to get to know the person who called me overrated.”
Emma fought the urge to roll her eyes. “I didn’t mean it personally.”
“I know,” he said. “But most people don’t say stuff like that about me. It’s kind of refreshing.”
She scoffed. “You like being insulted?”
“Not exactly,” he chuckled. “I just like honesty.”
Emma studied him for a moment. She had assumed he was just another egotistical celebrity, but now… he seemed genuine. Maybe even a little tired of the constant admiration.
“So,” Aiden said, resting his chin on his hand. “Tell me about you.”
Emma blinked. “Me?”
“Yes, you. The woman who runs a bookstore but apparently doesn’t care for romantic movies.”
“I never said I didn’t like romantic movies,” Emma corrected. “I just don’t get swept up in all the hype.”
Aiden smirked. “Okay, then. What’s your favorite movie?”
She hesitated before answering, “Before Sunrise.”
Aiden’s eyes lit up. “Really? That’s a great choice. Unexpected, though.”
“Why?”
“I figured you’d pick something more… practical.”
Emma raised an eyebrow. “What does that mean?”
He shrugged. “You seem like the type who prefers reality over fantasy.”
She took a sip of her coffee. “Maybe. But Before Sunrise isn’t a typical love story. It’s about two people connecting in a way that feels real—without the grand gestures and dramatic moments.”
Aiden nodded, considering her words. “So, you do believe in romance.”
Emma hesitated, then admitted, “I believe in connections. But love isn’t always like the movies.”
“True,” Aiden agreed. “But sometimes, it’s fun to pretend.”
Emma shook her head with a small smile. “Spoken like a true actor.”
Aiden chuckled. “Guilty as charged.”
For a moment, a comfortable silence settled between them. It surprised Emma how easy it was to talk to him.
Then, Aiden leaned forward, his expression playful. “Okay, your turn. Ask me something.”
Emma thought for a second before saying, “Why acting? Out of all the things you could have done, why choose a career where you’re constantly in the spotlight?”
Aiden’s smirk faltered slightly, and for the first time, he looked… uncertain.
“It wasn’t always about the spotlight,” he admitted. “At first, it was just about escaping. Playing different characters meant I didn’t have to think about—” He stopped himself, then forced a grin. “Well, that’s a story for another time.”
Emma frowned. She could tell there was more to that answer, but she didn’t push. Instead, she simply said, “Fair enough.”
Aiden seemed relieved. “See? That wasn’t so bad, was it?”
Emma sighed, shaking her head. “I suppose not.”
“Which means you might even enjoy working with me,” Aiden teased.
“Don’t push your luck.”
He laughed, and for the first time, Emma wondered if maybe—just maybe—she had been wrong about him.
- Writer
