Chapter 3: Coffee and conversation
280 Words
For the next few days, Ava managed to avoid Ethan Carter.
Whenever he visited the office, she suddenly found urgent work elsewhere. Whenever he walked toward her desk, she buried herself in paperwork.
Unfortunately, Ethan seemed to find her avoidance amusing.
On Friday afternoon, Ava stepped out of the building after work and nearly groaned.
Ethan was leaning against a black car waiting for her.
"You've got to be kidding me," she muttered.
His smile widened.
"Good evening, Ava."
"What are you doing here?"
"Waiting."
"For who?"
"You."
Ava crossed her arms.
"Why?"
"Because you never answered my coffee invitation properly."
"I said no."
"I heard the word. I just don't accept it."
Despite herself, Ava laughed.
Ethan immediately noticed.
"There it is."
"What?"
"Your smile."
She quickly looked away.
Something about the way he said it made her heart beat faster.
"One cup of coffee," Ethan said. "If you still don't like me afterward, I'll stop bothering you."
Ava hesitated.
Part of her wanted to walk away.
Another part was curious.
Finally, she sighed.
"One coffee."
Ethan raised his fist in victory.
An hour later, they sat in a quiet café.
To Ava's surprise, the conversation felt easy.
Ethan told stories about his travels and his business.
Ava shared small pieces of her life.
Not everything.
Just enough.
For the first time in years, she found herself enjoying someone's company.
When they finally left, Ethan walked her to the bus stop.
"I had fun," he admitted.
Ava smiled softly.
"Me too."
As she boarded the bus, she couldn't ignore the strange feeling growing inside her.
For the first time in a long time, she was looking forward to tomorrow.
- Writer
