Chapter Two: The Boy from Back Then
331 Words
"Some memories come with music. Others come with bruised knees, ruined coffee, and the boy you promised to forget."
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Hailey should have just walked away.
But something about Chase Miller standing in the middle of a rain-soaked street, offering her her own notebook with that same cocky, slightly crooked smile he used back in high school… made her legs freeze.
He hadn’t changed much. Still tall, still built like a football player, still frustratingly good-looking. But there was something in his eyes now — tired maybe, or thoughtful. She couldn’t tell. Didn’t want to.
“So... you still crashing into people to get attention?” he teased.
She snatched the notebook from his hand. “You wish.”
A beat of silence passed between them — the kind that comes with old memories and unspoken questions.
“You good?” he asked again, voice softer now.
“I’m fine,” she replied, brushing hair from her face and limping slightly. She was not fine. Her knee hurt, her pride was shredded, and now she was stuck making awkward eye contact with the guy who once made her high school years a sarcastic nightmare.
Chase stepped closer. “You sure? You’re limping.”
“You sound concerned. I didn’t think that was in your skillset.”
He smirked. “You’ve still got that edge.”
“And you still think you’re charming,” she said, turning toward the café.
He followed, matching her steps. “I work across the street now. At the community center. Just moved back a few weeks ago.”
Of course he did.
Of course he came back just as she was rebuilding her peace.
“Well,” she said, pulling open the café door, “good for you.”
She didn’t look back as she stepped inside. But she could feel him watching her — just like he used to — and that made her heart do a little twist she didn’t like one bit.
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- Writer
