Chapter 3: Coffee and Confessions
656 Words
The rest of the day passed more slowly than Aria expected. Although she tried to focus on emails, campaign strategies, and client reports, her mind kept drifting back to Ethan's invitation. It had been years since she had accepted a personal invitation from anyone outside her close circle of friends. Work had become her safe place—a world where emotions stayed out of the way and success depended only on effort.
At exactly six o'clock, she shut down her computer and glanced at the business card resting on her desk. It bore a simple design with Ethan's name, his company's logo, and a phone number. Taking a deep breath, she slipped it into her pocket and headed downstairs.
Ethan was already waiting outside the building, leaning against a black SUV. When he saw her, he smiled.
"I wasn't sure you'd come."
"I almost didn't," Aria admitted.
"Then I'm glad you changed your mind."
They walked together to a small café a few blocks away. Unlike the noisy coffee chains scattered across the city, this place was quiet and warm. Soft jazz music played in the background, and the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air.
After ordering their drinks, they settled into a corner booth by the window.
For a few moments, neither of them spoke.
"So," Ethan finally said with a grin, "tell me something about yourself that isn't on your résumé."
Aria laughed softly.
"That's a difficult question."
"I'll go first," he offered. "I love photography. Whenever life gets overwhelming, I grab my camera and disappear for a few hours. It reminds me that there's beauty in ordinary moments."
She raised an eyebrow.
"You don't seem like the type."
"Most people say that."
"What do they expect?"
"A businessman who only talks about profits and meetings."
She smiled.
"I'll admit... that's exactly what I expected."
They both laughed, and the tension between them began to fade.
"What about you?" Ethan asked.
Aria stared into her cup before answering.
"I love painting."
"You paint?"
"I used to," she corrected. "I haven't touched a canvas in years."
"Why?"
She hesitated.
"Life happened."
Ethan didn't push for more. Instead, he nodded as though he understood that some stories needed time before they could be told.
The conversation shifted to lighter topics. They talked about books, travel, favorite movies, and childhood memories. Hours seemed to pass in minutes, and for the first time in a long while, Aria found herself laughing without forcing it.
As they prepared to leave, Ethan's phone buzzed.
He glanced at the screen, and once again, the warmth in his expression disappeared.
"I'm sorry," he said quietly. "I have to take this."
He stepped outside the café.
Through the window, Aria watched as his face grew tense during the conversation. He ran a hand through his hair, speaking in a calm voice despite whatever bad news he was hearing.
A few minutes later, he returned.
"Everything okay?" she asked.
He forced a smile.
"Just work."
But something about his eyes told a different story.
Aria considered asking another question but decided against it. Everyone carried burdens they weren't ready to share.
Outside, the streets shimmered beneath the evening lights. They walked together until they reached her apartment building.
"Thank you for tonight," Ethan said.
"I should be thanking you."
"For what?"
"For reminding me that not every conversation has to end in disappointment."
He smiled gently.
"I hope this won't be our last."
Aria looked at him for a long moment before replying.
"I think I'd like that."
As she entered her apartment, she felt lighter than she had in years. Yet deep inside, a small voice warned her not to get too comfortable.
She didn't know it yet, but the phone call Ethan had received wasn't about work at all.
It was about a secret from his past—a secret that was now beginning to catch up with him.
- Writer
