Chapter 3 : A Growing Connection
1076 Words
The bakery had become part of my rhythm, and so had Alex. He stopped by more often now, sometimes for bread, sometimes just to chat. He’d bring his camera and show me photos he’d taken people on the subway, sunsets over the Hudson, little moments of the city I never would’ve noticed on my own. In return, I’d tell him stories about my childhood safe, light stories. The kind that didn’t touch the darker corners of my life.
But there was this question. Always there, lingering in the back of my mind.
Was Alex the one leaving the gifts?
That evening, I sat on my bed, the latest surprise in my hands a black and white photo of the Brooklyn Bridge at sunset. The light on the water looked like liquid gold. It was stunning, but my focus kept shifting to the back of the photo.
“A view as timeless as your smile.”
The handwriting was elegant, precise. But it wasn’t Alex’s. I’d seen his handwriting when he scribbled his number on a napkin for me, casual & a little messy.
A knock on my door made me jump, and before I could answer, Ellie barged in holding up a bottle of wine.
“Surprise! I come bearing alcohol!” she announced.
I laughed, quickly tucking the photo into the drawer of my nightstand. “I’m not saying no to that.”
Minutes later, we were on the couch with full glasses, Ellie perched cross-legged like she was ready for a gossip session.
“So,” she said, narrowing her eyes at me. “What’s going on? You’ve been acting all... floaty since the rooftop bar. Did something happen? Spill it.”
I swirled my wine, hesitating. “I received another gift from my secret admirer again .”
Ellie nearly choked on her drink. “Wait, what?!” She set her glass down and leaned forward.
I got up, opened the drawer, and pulled out the photo. “This showed up today with flowers , chocolates... but this one’s different .” I said show her the picture.
Ellie took the photo, holding it up to the light. “Wow. This is... stunning. Professional, even. Do you think it’s Alex?”
“That’s what I thought too,” I admitted. “But the handwritings don’t match. And Alex doesn’t seem like the type to do this anonymously.”
Ellie frowned, handing the photo back. “So, who is it?”
“I don’t have a clue honestly ,” I said, placing the photo back in the drawer.
Ellie grabbed her wine and smirked. “Maybe it’s someone else. Like some mysterious stranger who’s been secretly watching you.”
I rolled my eyes, but her words gave me a chill. “You make it sound like a bad rom-com.”
Ellie laughed, but I couldn’t shake the uneasiness. I’d come to New York for a fresh start, to escape everything I’d left behind. The last thing I needed was more mystery.
The message thread with Alex was open . He’d texted me after we had exchanged numbers
“The night at the bar was fun. When’s round two?
I stared at his message for a long moment before typing back: How about this weekend?
His reply came almost instantly. It’s a date.
The days leading up to Saturday felt like a blur. Ellie’s kept teasing,the bakery as been so busy ,I barely had time to think about the mystery gifts.
But Saturday finally arrived, I found myself standing in front of my small closet, completely clueless about what to wear.
“Help Ellie I don’t have anything fancy to wear !” I yelled over the phone.
Shortly she appeared in my doorway a grinning like a cat. “Date night panic? I’ve got you babe.”
“Ellie, thank you so much ,” I groaned.
She pulled out a black wrap dress out the shopping bag she brought in.
“Simple, classy, and just enough to keep him intrigued.”
I put it on, and when I looked in the mirror, even I had to admit it was perfect.
Alex had chosen a cozy Italian restaurant not far away in a quiet corner of the city. The kind of place that felt both intimate and alive with stories.
“You look stunning,” he said as he stood to greet me, his eyes lingering just long enough to make my cheeks warm.
“Thanks,” I said, trying to play it cool. “You clean up pretty well yourself.”
Dinner was a mix of laughter and easy conversation.
He talked me about his love for his job, and how he’d fallen in love with New York City & it’s people.
“So what about you?” he asked, leaning forward slightly. “What brought you here?”
I hesitated, my fingers curling around the edge of my glass. “It’s... a long story.”
“I’ve got time,” he said, his voice gentle.
“I came here to start over,” I said finally. “New York felt like the only place big enough to disappear into, you know?”
Alex nodded, his expression thoughtful. “Sometimes starting over is not bad , you know “
“You’re not going to ask what I was running from?”
He smiled faintly. “Only if you want to tell me. But everyone deserves a second chance, Sylvia. Whatever it was, you’re here now. That’s what matters.”
After dinner, we walked through the quiet streets, the city lights casting a warm glow around us.
“I have to ask,” I said, glancing at him. “Are you... leaving me those gifts?”
He stopped walking, turning to face me with a curious smile. “Gifts?”
My heart sank. “The flowers, the necklace... notes.”
His brows furrowed slightly, then his expression softened. “I wish I could take credit for that”
“But i’m not the one sending them.
“Oh.”
Alex chuckled. “But now I’m kinda of jealous. Someone out there’s got their eyes on you already .”
We both laughed, but as the night went on, the mystery of my admirer of my mind.
Whoever it was they knew me in a way personal. And while Alex wasn’t the one behind the gifts, I couldn’t help but wonder who it was
- Writer
