After Us

Seven Years Ago-Beyond the bookshop

Layla twisted the key in the door as slowly as possible, hoping for her mum to be asleep already.

She opened the door and tiptoed inside, clutching the book from the shop against her chest. The soft bulb of the living room gave a sign that she wasn’t alone.

“Layla?” Megan's soft yet strong voice rang out, interrupting Layla mid-step.

“Hey, Mom.” She tried for a casual smile, but her nerves gave her away.

Her mom stood from the couch, her robe loosely tied. “I’ve been worried. It’s late, and you left so suddenly without saying much. What’s going on?”

Layla sighed, raising the book for emphasis. “I… I forgot to return this.” She shuffled closer, holding it out like it was proof of her innocence. “The bookshop. I realised I hadn’t returned it, and, well, you know how strict they are about fines.”

Her mom eyed her suspiciously but softened at the sight of the book. “So, did you manage to return it?”

Layla winced and shook her head. “Nope. Got there just in time to find out they’d already closed. So now…” She let out a small, dramatic sigh, waving the book. “Here it is, complete with an impending fine. Great, huh?”

Her mom chuckled softly and pulled her into a hug. “It’s not the end of the world, sweetie. We’ll pay the fine. Stop worrying yourself over little things, okay?”

“Thanks, Mom.” Layla stepped back, her heart settling.

Her mom frowned slightly, studying her. “But why are you all glowy and flushed? Did something else happen?”

Layla hesitated. For a second, she considered deflecting but decided against it. She lowered herself onto the couch, her fingers absently tracing the book cover. “Actually, something else did happen.”

“Oh?” Her mom sat beside her, her interest clearly piqued.

“Well, there’s this birthday party tomorrow. A friend invited me—well, kind of a friend. Evan. The guy I told you about.”

Her mom’s brow rose. “The one from the bookshop?”

“Yes.” Layla paused, remembering the kiss. Her cheeks burnt. “I was hesitant, but now I’m thinking about going. Just for a little while.”

Her mom smiled knowingly. “Thinking about it or already decided?”

Layla couldn’t hold back her grin. “Okay, fine. I want to go. It’s been ages since I did anything fun.”

“Then you should,” her mom encouraged. “You work hard. You deserve a little break—and to meet more people. But, um…please be safe.”

“I’ll, mummy,” Layal jumped on her, “Thank you. I love you.”

***

The next evening, Layla stood in front of her closet, debating what to wear. A soft maroon sweater? Too plain. The sleek black dress? Too much.

Eventually, she settled on a flowy knee-length navy blue dress with floral accents. Casual but not too casual. She paired it with her tan ankle boots and added a light cardigan for the autumn chill.

As she applied a touch of makeup, her stomach swirled with nerves. “It’s just a party,” she murmured to herself. “No big deal. And it’s definitely not about Evan.”

Right.

When she arrived at the address on her card, the hum of laughter and music greeted her before she even knocked.

“Hi, I'm Lay,” she smiled. Here’s my invite.”

“You're welcome, “ the hostess ushered her in.

When Layla stepped in, faces were spread out across the living room, chatting and sipping cocktails, while others gathered near a karaoke machine, taking turns singing off-key renditions of popular hits.

She spotted Evan near the counter, pouring himself a drink. He was wearing a fitted dark shirt and jeans, effortlessly pulling off the casual look.

As if sensing her gaze, he looked up and broke into a grin.

“You made it!” Evan exclaimed, walking toward her. “I was starting to think I scared you off last night.”

“Not a chance,” she replied, her lips curving.

He leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. “You look so good, by the way.”

“Thanks.” She cleared her throat, trying to act casual. “So, this is your friend’s party?”

“Yeah,” he nodded. “Most of the people here are either friends or acquaintances. Come on, have fun. “

He guided her through the room; they walked into groups of people.

“Hey guys” Evan interrupted their convo.

“Here’s Layla. My newest friend and my bookish buddy.

Layla froze briefly. A friend? she thought, her stomach flipping. And we had that kiss last night…

She waved and smiled back at their pleasantries. They walked back to the counter; Evan didn’t stray far from her side, refilling her glass and encouraging her to try karaoke.

“You have to do it,” Evan teased, nudging her toward the microphone as someone finished an enthusiastic rendition of “Living on a Prayer.”

“Oh, no,” Layla laughed, raising her hands. “I’m not drunk enough for that yet.”

He chuckled. “Alright, maybe not today, but you owe me.”

She nodded in agreement.

Layla found herself relaxing more. The drinks were flowing, and laughter came easily. When Evan finally got up to sing, it was, predictably, Sweet Caroline. The crowd cheered and swayed to the chorus, Layla included.

“I can’t believe you actually did it!” she shouted over the noise when he returned to her.

“See? Guaranteed crowd-pleaser,” he replied smugly.

Later, as the party winded down, they found themselves on the back patio. The cool evening air cooled their flushed cheeks.

“Are you having fun?” Evan asked, leaning against the railing beside her.

“Actually, yeah,” Layla admitted. “A lot more than I thought I would.”

Evan smiled, his eyes fixed on her. “I’m glad you came, Layla.”

The sincerity in his tone made her heartbeat quicken. Before she could think, he reached for her hand, pulling her gently toward him. Their faces were close, his warm breath brushing against her skin.

He covered her mouth with his; the softness of his lips was widely exciting.

This kiss was deeper than the last—urgent yet deliberate, sending sparks through her body. Evan’s arms slid around her waist, drawing her closer until there was no space left between them.

Layla’s head swam; whether from the drinks or the moment, she couldn’t tell. When they broke apart, she found herself breathless.

“I love you, Layla,” he murmured in his calmest tone.

Love? Her heart pounded as she searched his eyes, unsure of what to say—or if she even wanted to say anything at all.

Their lips met again, and this time she reciprocated with a matched enthusiasm.

The world around them blurred as they lost themselves in each other, oblivious to everything but the feeling of being right there, together.

Just how far this moment would take them remained to be seen