Finding it hard to speak

Chapter Four

The festival may have ended, but the memory of that almost-confession lingered in Ethan's mind, replaying over and over like a song stuck on repeat. The night had been perfect—the games, the laughter, the fireworks—but he had let the moment slip away. Again.

The next morning, the air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of autumn as Ethan made his way to the coffee shop where he knew Lila and Jenna would be. He had texted Lila earlier, asking to meet up, determined to finally say what had been left unsaid. His heart pounded with nervous energy as he pushed open the door, the bell above jingling softly.

Lila was already there, sitting by the window, stirring her coffee absentmindedly. Sunlight streamed through the glass, catching in her hair, making her look even more radiant than usual. Jenna was at the counter, chatting animatedly with the barista, but Ethan barely noticed. His focus was entirely on Lila.

"Hey," he greeted, sliding into the seat across from her.

Lila glanced up, offering him a warm smile. "Hey, Ethan. You disappeared pretty fast after the festival last night."

"Yeah," he admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. "I—uh—just had a lot on my mind."

She tilted her head slightly, her expression softening. "Everything okay?"

No. Not until I tell you.

Before he could speak, Jenna plopped down in the seat next to him, placing a muffin on the table. "I swear, this place has the best blueberry muffins in town." She took a huge bite, completely oblivious to the tension crackling between Ethan and Lila.

Ethan clenched his jaw. He loved Jenna, but her impeccable timing was frustrating.

"So, what's the plan for today?" Jenna asked, chewing happily. "Please tell me it involves something fun."

Lila laughed. "Actually, I was thinking of going to the bookstore. I need a new novel to obsess over."

Jenna groaned. "Of course you do. And Ethan, let me guess—you'll go with her?"

Ethan shrugged. "Why not?"

Lila beamed. "Yes! You can help me pick one out."

Jenna dramatically sighed. "And this is where I leave you two bookworms to your literary adventures." She stood, grabbing her drink. "See you later, lovebirds." She winked before walking away.

Ethan's face heated, but Lila just laughed. "She never stops, does she?"

"Not at all," Ethan muttered, watching Jenna disappear out the door.

Now. Say it now.

But instead, he found himself saying, "So, bookstore?"

Lila grinned. "Let's go."

The bookstore smelled like fresh pages and nostalgia, a cozy refuge from the outside world. As they wandered through the aisles, Ethan felt the familiar comfort of being around Lila. She ran her fingers along the spines of books, her eyes lighting up as she scanned the shelves.

"Oh!" She suddenly grabbed a novel, holding it up to him. "This one's supposed to be amazing."

Ethan glanced at it. A Love Confession Under the Stars. His stomach twisted at the irony.

Lila noticed his expression and laughed. "What? You don't like romance?"

"No, it's not that," he said, shaking his head. "Just… the title."

She raised an eyebrow. "What about it?"

"It's just…" He hesitated, his pulse quickening. "It's kind of funny, considering last night."

Lila blinked, then smiled softly. "Yeah… I was actually going to ask you about that. What were you trying to say?"

This was it. The moment.

Ethan took a deep breath, his fingers tightening around the book in his hands. "Lila, I—"

A loud voice interrupted. "Lila? Is that you?"

They both turned to see a guy approaching, tall and confident, his smile easy. Ethan's stomach sank immediately.

Lila's eyes widened in surprise. "Jake?"

Who the hell was Jake?

Before Ethan could process what was happening, Lila was already stepping forward, hugging the guy briefly. "Wow, I haven't seen you in forever!"

Jake chuckled. "I know! I just got back into town. Thought I'd stop by my favorite bookstore."

Ethan felt an uncomfortable twist in his chest as Lila beamed at Jake. The way she looked at him—it was different. Familiar.

"This is Ethan," Lila introduced, turning toward him. "Ethan, this is Jake. We… um, we used to date."

Ethan's heart plummeted.

Jake grinned, extending a hand. "Nice to meet you, man."

Ethan forced a smile as he shook it, but inside, a storm raged.

So much for perfect timing.