My only shot at love- Book 3 (From Second chance at love) [COMPLETE SERIES]

Chapter III

Marcus navigated the aisles of the bustling grocery store, his mind preoccupied with the upcoming despedida party. He weaved through shelves stocked with colorful produce and neatly arranged goods, his pace unhurried yet purposeful. As he turned into the household section, a familiar scent of cleaning products greeted him, mingling with the chatter of other shoppers and the soft hum of overhead lights.

Focused on selecting a bar of soap for their bathroom, Marcus leaned slightly over the shelves, his brow furrowed in concentration. He lifted one brand, examining its packaging, then another, comparing ingredients with a discerning eye. Unbeknownst to him, fate had a subtle surprise in store.

Lost in his deliberations, Marcus failed to notice the figure that had quietly approached the same aisle. It was only when he reached out for a bar of lavender-scented soap that he glanced up, catching sight of a familiar face mere inches away. His hand froze in mid-air, and time seemed to slow as recognition dawned.

There, standing just a few feet from him, was Eliza—his ex-girlfriend from years ago. Her presence in the mundane setting of a grocery store aisle stirred a whirlwind of memories that Marcus had long tucked away.

Eliza, equally taken aback, looked up from examining a bottle of detergent. Her eyes widened briefly as she processed the unexpected encounter, then a polite smile curved her lips, softening the tension that hung between them.

"Marcus, is that you?" Eliza's voice, though gentle, carried a hint of surprise and curiosity.

Caught off guard, Marcus blinked, momentarily at a loss for words. "Eliza?" He managed to say, his tone a mix of disbelief and uncertainty. "Uh, yeah... it's me. How have you been?"

Their exchange hung delicately in the air, each word laden with unspoken history and the weight of years gone by. Marcus shifted his weight subtly, his gaze flickering between Eliza's eyes and the items on the shelf behind her.

"I've been good," Eliza replied with a nod, her smile warm yet restrained. "And you?"

Marcus hesitated, the polite small talk feeling inadequate in the face of their shared past. "Yeah, good. Really good," he replied, his voice betraying a hint of awkwardness.

Eliza's gaze softened, recognizing the unease in Marcus's demeanor. "It's been a while, hasn't it?" she ventured, her voice softer now, inviting more than mere pleasantries.

Marcus nodded, a faint smile touching his lips. "Yeah, it has," he agreed, finding comfort in the familiarity of their shared memories amidst the aisle of household goods. "Life has taken some unexpected turns."

Their conversation, though tinged with nostalgia and a tentative politeness, held an undercurrent of unresolved emotions. Marcus couldn't help but wonder how Cali, his wife, would react to this chance encounter.

"It's nice running into you," Eliza offered, sensing Marcus's unease and extending a gentle gesture of understanding. "Take care."

Marcus nodded gratefully, appreciating the courtesy in her words. "Thanks, Eliza," he replied, his voice genuine. "You too."

As Eliza turned to continue her own shopping, Marcus felt a surge of courtesy and a lingering curiosity about the woman he once knew so well. Before he could overthink, he found himself extending an unexpected invitation.

"Hey, Eliza," Marcus began, his voice hesitant yet earnest. "I know it's been a while, but would you be up for a cup of coffee? There's a café nearby."

Eliza, taken aback by the invitation yet touched by the sincerity in Marcus's voice, considered it for a brief moment. A smile played at the corners of her lips, a flicker of nostalgia in her eyes.