Continuation (Chapter 2)
1230 Words
The noise of the rooftop bar buzzed behind us, but Alex and I had found a quieter corner. The view from here was beautiful the city stretched out before us. I felt good, it was nice talking to Alex , a he had great sense of humor
“So why were you staring earlier ,” I began, tilting my head at him.
“Do i look like someone you know?” I asked
Alex laughed, and the sound was so genuine it made me smile despite myself. “I promise I wasn’t trying to be a creep but you are looking exceptionally pretty I’ve been to Delancy’s a few times,Best sourdough in the city. Helen swears by it, and now I do too.”
I blinked in surprise. “Wait... you know Helen?”
“Yeah,” he said, nodding casually. “She’s like a friend of my mom’s.
“And I’ve seen you at the counter too, you looked cute, didn’t realize it was you tonight “
“Small world,” I said.
“It really is,” he replied, his voice softer now. “And yet, somehow, tonight feels like it was supposed to happen.”
My heart skipped at that, and I had to look away, pretending to take in the skyline. There was something about Alex his voice, the way he carried himself that made it hard to keep my guard up.
“So, Sylvia How did you end up working at a bakery in Manhattan he asked, leaning in slightly.
The question hung between us, and for a moment, I felt my past trying to creep in, trying to pull me back. I wrapped my hands around my glass, taking a slow sip to stall. “It’s... complicated,” I said, carefully choosing my words. “Let’s just say I needed a fresh start.”
Alex didn’t push. Instead, he nodded, his expression calm and understanding. “Fair enough. I get it. Sometimes a fresh start is what we need “
He looked at me softly.
Most people would’ve pressed, curious about the details. But not him.
“What about you?” I asked trying to change the topic “What do you do when you’re not hanging out on rooftops or buying sourdough?” I teased
He smiled, the kind of smile that showed he loved his answer.
“I’m a photographer. Freelance, mostly. I travel a lot for work, but when I’m in New York City , I like to take beautiful pictures and explore . Capture the little moments that most people miss.” He said staring at the city.
“That sounds... amazing,” I said honestly. “You must see so much of the world.”
“You I do,” he said.
“But I think New York’s my favorite place to take beautiful pictures . The energy here it’s like nowhere else.”
He reached into his jacket and pulled out a small camera. He held it up, aiming it at me, and before I could protest, there was a soft click & a flash.
“Hey!” I laughed, my hand instinctively going up to my face. “At least warn me next time!”
He grinned and turned the camera around so I could see the screen. It was a candid shot, taken mid-laugh. My hair was catching the rooftop lights just right, and my eyes had this sparkle I didn’t recognize in myself.
“Hell yeah I’m keeping this,” Alex said, his tone quieter now.
I stared at the image for a moment, a blush creeping up my neck. I wasn’t used to seeing myself like that happy, unguarded.
“You’re good,” I admitted, trying to cover how flustered I felt.
“Thanks,” he said, his smile softening. “But it’s easy when the subject makes the shot.”
“You’re smooth talker”
“Not smooth,” he countered. “Just honest.”
***************************************************
The morning went by slowly and I was behind the counter at Delancy’s, carefully arranging a tray of croissants in the display case. I tried to focus but my mind kept thinking back to last night with Alex.
“Coffee. Now. I’m dying,” Ellie groaned as she walked in, sunglasses perched on her nose like a shield against the morning light.
I smirked, grabbing her a cup. “Late night?”
Ellie took a long sip and sighed dramatically. “You have no idea. But never mind me someone’s got a glow this morning.” She arched an eyebrow at me, her lips curling into a sly smile. “Tell me happened at the rooftop bar? Spill!!!.”
I tried not to blush but the way she was looking at me made it impossible to hide.
“Girl you blushing”
“Oh my God. Details. Now. How was is he? What happened?”
Before I could say anything, the bell above the door jingled, and in walked Alex, and damn he looked fine
He wore a black top , not a loose or baggy
It was fitted, showed he’s abs and well fitted body.
He had a navy jacket over he’s shoulder, his camera slung casually over the other shoulder.
My stomach flipped., and his warm, easy smile hit me like a ray of sunshine through the bakery windows.
“Morning,” he said, his voice smooth and cheerful.
I froze for a moment before forcing myself to respond. “Alex?” I said, trying not to sound as flustered as I felt. “What are you doing here?”
He grinned, leaning lightly against the counter.
“I couldn’t stop thinking about that sourdough,” he teased, his eyes locking on mine.
Ellie gave me a wide-eyed look behind his back, mouthing,
“That’s the guy from the bar girl!
Before I could answer her silent question, Helen appeared from the back, her face lighting up the moment she saw Alex.
“Well, look who decided to drop by! My favorite photographer,” she said, clapping him on the shoulder like they were old friends.
“Good to see you, Helen,” Alex replied warmly, but his gaze flicked back to me.
Helen glanced between the two of us, her sharp eyes catching everything. “You two know each other?”
“We met last night,” Alex said, his tone casual, though there was a softness in his smile that made my cheeks heat up.
“Small world,” Helen said with a knowing wink.
I handed Alex his loaf package of sourdough, but as I did, our fingers brushed briefly. It was such a small touch.
I smiled.
“ So I guess I’ll see you around,” he said, his voice light, but there was something hopeful in his eyes.
I nodded, my voice barely above a whisper. “Yeah.”
The bell jingled again as he left, the door closing behind him.
Ellie immediately leaned over the counter, her sunglasses pushed to the top of her head. “ He’s soooooo hot!”
And that whole camera thing? Very mysterious. Please tell me he’s the guy you were talking about.”
I laughed, feeling my face grow even warmer. “Maybe.”
For the first time in a long time, I felt something stirring in me something I felt before: butterflies
- Writer
