Chapter 6
The next morning, Sierra walked into the café. Over the door, the bell gave a quick ring. Thalia was in their corner spot with her latte, waiting.
Sierra dropped into the chair across from her. “Is it weird this place feels more like home than my apartment some days?”
Thalia arched a brow. “Your apartment doesn’t come with croissants or me.”
They traded updates in lazy circles... Tobias’s latest attempt at homemade resin coasters that ended in a minor chemical spill, Thalia’s competitive trivia night group, Sierra’s community center students learning to express themselves through abstract paint splatters.
For a moment, she forgot the ache that had followed her all week.
The stilled longing she couldn’t name. Then the bell above the door chimed again.
Sierra turned, her body going still before her brain caught up.
There she was.
The girl from the park. Long black hair that curled under her ears, a soft chambray shirt rolled at the sleeves, and eyes that stopped time. Blue, yes, but threaded with something more. Violet or starlight. It didn’t matter. They were unmistakable.
Sierra’s voice caught in her throat. “That’s her.” Sierra whispered, like naming her might make her vanish.
Thalia nudged her under the table. “Go.”
“I can’t walk up to her.”
“She has haunted you all week.”
“I wouldn’t even know what to say.”
“You never do. That’s part of your charm.”
The girl moved to the counter, ordering with an ease Sierra envied. No fluster. No fumbling. Just calm. Sierra had already wiped her hands on her jeans twice and was about five seconds from bolting.
“Go.” Thalia was quieter this time. Her fingers brushed Sierra’s arm. “You’ll regret it if you don’t.”
Sierra stood before she could overthink. Her feet moved first, but her heart scrambled to catch up. She crossed the room.
“Hi. Sorry if this is weird. I’m Sierra. I... um... I was taking photos in the park last week, and I think you’re in a few. They came out beautifully, and I’d love to show you, or send you copies.”
The girl turned. Her smile held a simple warmth, the kind that made it hard to keep your guard up. When she spoke, her voice seemed to close the space between them.
The girl’s smile widened. “I’d love to see them.”
They walked close, their arms bumping for a second. Hardly anything, but it ignited something in her, as though a part of her had been waiting for it without knowing.
Back at the table, Sierra slid the memory card into her laptop. Her hands felt clumsy. Images emerged—branches bowed under spring blooms, pigeons suspended mid-wingbeat, a smile forming then vanished.
And then her.
Feeding sparrows. Laughing at nothing. Caught in the sun like a secret.
The girl leaned in, her breath soft against Sierra’s cheek. “That was a good day. I’d almost forgotten how it felt.” She turned, her expression full of wonder. “You’re incredibly talented.”
Sierra’s heart stuttered. “Thank you.”
They both sat, knees nearly touching. “This is my sister, Thalia. She’s already judging me.”
“Only a little.” Thalia smiled a little too big. “Hi, I’m the cooler sibling.”
The girl laughed warmly. “I’m Lauren.”
“Nice to meet you, Lauren.” Thalia stood. “I have to run, but Sierra’s got excellent taste in photography, and other things.” She gave Sierra’s arm a quick squeeze. “Text me later.”
When Thalia headed out, Sierra’s eyes went back to Lauren. She was tracing the rim of her cup with a slow, absent motion.
The details stood out... the chipped black polish on her nails, the slight pull in her hands, how her eyes stuck on the photos a little too long before glancing away.
Something in her expression suggested she wasn’t fond of being the center of attention.
Every time Lauren smiled, something in Sierra shifted.
“My camera loves you. If you ever want portraits or headshots, I would love to help you out.”
Lauren looked up, her face brighter. “I’d love that.”
Sierra pulled out her phone. “Want me to text you the ones I’ve already got? I can add your contact info.”
Lauren held out her hand. “Let me do it.”
Their fingers brushed as she took the phone. Sierra’s pulse quickened. Lauren typed something in, then passed it back with a half-smile.
Sierra glanced at the screen and grinned. “Lauren (aka Your Muse).”
Lauren shrugged, playful. “I’m teasing.”
Sierra laughed, her thumb brushing the edge of the screen. “Definitely memorable.”
Lauren checked her watch. “I hate to dash, but I’m already running late.”
The way she said it was quick, almost rehearsed, and it made Sierra pause. Her eyes held a guarded look, a flicker that hinted at something deeper, but she didn’t press.
Lauren stood. “We’ll talk soon?”
“Definitely.”
She offered one last smile before turning toward the door. As she walked away, Sierra stayed frozen in place, hand still resting on her phone as if it might disappear. When the bell chimed again, it felt final.
Sierra pressed her hand to her chest. Her heart thrummed, but fear played no part. It was something else altogether. Hope.