flutter

I settled into the plush couch at the cozy café, cradling my warm coffee mug in my hands. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled my senses, and I felt a sense of calm wash over me. Lila plopped down beside me, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Spill the beans, girl!" she said, nudging me playfully. "What happened with Julian last night?"

I took a deep breath, letting the warmth of the coffee spread through my hands. "He showed up at my apartment, unannounced," I began, trying to keep my tone neutral.

Lila's eyes widened. "And?" she prompted, her voice barely above a whisper.

I shrugged, trying to downplay the significance. "We talked. He helped me with some stuff around the apartment. That's it."

Lila raised an eyebrow. "That's it?" she repeated, her tone skeptical. "Lexi, he's really into you."

I felt a flutter in my chest, but I quickly suppressed it. "It doesn't matter anymore," I said, trying to sound nonchalant.

Lila's expression turned shocked. "What do you mean it doesn't matter?" she asked, her voice laced with concern.

I took a sip of my coffee, trying to gather my thoughts. "I mean, even if I give him a chance, he'll just end up being another Michael. Or worse."

Lila's grip on my arm tightened. "Babe, don't let what Michael did to you ruin your opinion on love," she said, her voice filled with empathy.

I pulled my arm free, feeling a surge of emotions. "Love doesn't exist, Lila," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "Even if you give them your body and soul, they'll never be satisfied."

Lila's expression turned somber. "That's because you haven't found the right person yet," she said, her voice filled with conviction.

I stared at her, feeling a pang of sadness. Lila had always been the optimist, the one who believed in fairy tales and happily-ever-afters. But I knew better.

We sat in silence for a moment, the only sound the gentle hum of the café's espresso machine. Then Lila spoke up.

"Lexi, I know you're scared, but don't give up on love just yet," she said, her voice filled with conviction. "You deserve to be happy."

I smiled, feeling a sense of gratitude towards my friend. "I'll try, Lila," I said, knowing that it was a promise I might not be able to keep.

Lila nodded, a small smile on her face. "That's all I can ask for," she said.

We chatted for a while longer, catching up on each other's lives. Lila told me about her latest dating adventures, and I filled her in on my latest work projects.

As we talked, I couldn't help but think about Julian. I wondered what he was doing right now, and whether he was thinking about me too.

But I pushed the thoughts aside, focusing on my conversation with Lila instead. I knew that I couldn't let my feelings for Julian get the best of me. Not yet, anyway.

As we finished our coffee and prepared to leave, Lila turned to me with a mischievous grin.

"Hey, want to hear about my latest conquest?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Do tell," I said, leaning in closer.

Lila launched into a detailed account of her encounter with the mysterious stranger, and I found myself getting lost in her story. It was a welcome distraction from my own thoughts, and I felt grateful for my friend's ability to make me laugh and forget my troubles.

As we walked out of the café, arm in arm, I felt a sense of hope that I hadn't felt in a long time. Maybe, just maybe, I would find my way back to love again.

But for now, I was just happy to have Lila by my side, and to be enjoying the warm sunshine on my face. The future could wait.

We strolled through the quiet streets, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. The sun was shining, and the birds were singing their sweet melodies.

As we walked, Lila told me more about her encounter with the stranger. I listened intently, laughing and joking with her.

But as we turned a corner, I caught sight of a familiar figure standing outside a nearby shop. My heart skipped a beat as I realized it was Julian.

He looked up, catching my eye, and smiled. I felt a flutter in my chest, and suddenly, my carefree afternoon was turned upside down.

Lila followed my gaze, and her eyes widened in surprise. "Well, well, well," she said, a sly grin spreading across her face. "Look what we have here."