Chapter 11Avery
Chapter Eleven
Avery
I march down the street, my heart pounding like it's trying to break free. Victor Stone, with his predictable habits and that infuriatingly calm demeanor, goes to The Java Hut every morning at 8:15 am sharp. I know it. The whole town knows it. And the plan was for me to run into him. So why do I feel so off-balance after talking to him?
"Get a grip," I mutter to myself. My hands are clammy, but not from the chill in the air. It's anger, right? It has to be.
When he asked me my name a second time, he looked at me with those piercing blue eyes of his. Those eyes that never seem to miss a thing. And for a moment— a stupid, fleeting moment—I thought I saw something else. A flicker of... what, vulnerability?
My phone buzzes in my pocket, a relentless vibration that spells out "reality check." I fish it out, thumbing over the screen to see the group chat lighting up. They're all awaiting the scoop on Operation Coffee Clash.
I can still feel Victor's eyes on me as I walk away. I need to get out of his line of sight so that I can breathe. I round a corner and walk another block before my phone dings again.
I swear Samantha has some kind of sixth sense—she always knows when to nudge for dirt. Glancing down, I see her name at the top of the screen.
Samantha
UPDATE????
Avery
Ran into Victor
Emily
Details!
Samantha
Spill it!
Avery
Nothing to spill. We talked super briefly.
That's all.
Jessica
About what??
Avery
About the impact his development is going to have on our community
Samantha
Sure, sure.
Just 'community stuff' with the guy who’s the human equivalent of a brick wall.
Avery
Exactly
Emily
Is that why you're typing in full sentences now?
Did Mr. Stone give you grammar lessons along with his dazzling smile?
Avery
Ha-ha
I roll my eyes. The truth is, I'm still reeling from how he was this morning. Not the brick wall I'd braced myself for, but something else entirely.
Avery
Okay, ladies. Gotta focus. We'll plot our next move later.
Samantha
NO WAY! There's more to this story, I know there is. What are you hiding ?
My thumb hovers over the screen, the chat bubble blinking with anticipation.
Avery
He had the nerve to ask me to have breakfast with him
Jessica
Did you?!
Emily
OMG WHAT?
Samantha
Knew it!
Avery
Of course not. I'd never dine with the enemy.
Samantha
Why not when the enemy looks that good?
I stare at the question, my mind scrambling for an excuse that doesn't sound like I'm secretly wishing I'd said yes.
Avery
I just...
My thumbs falter, and I delete the half-formed response. Before I can come up with a reason, Samantha offers one up.
Samantha
Because Avery's got it bad for him, that's why
I scoff.
Avery
Hardly. Can we please stay on topic?
Samantha
Your non-existent dating life *is* the best topic, though
I sigh, the weight of the conversation pressing down on me. I ignore Samantha's attempt to bait me.
Avery
Not sure what to do now.
Last practice, the bleachers were nearly empty.
It's like our fight is losing steam.
Jessica
Don't stress. We keep pushing, it'll turn out okay.
Emily
Samantha
Keep the faith
I shove the phone back into my pocket as I climb into my car. The pep talk feels hollow. I'm not convinced. Not one bit.