Cyber Cryptic

Grace

I'm closing the door behind Lance, and confusion washes over me. Who is this charming stranger who appeared out of nowhere, offering comfort when I need it most? “Lisa,” I call out, heading towards the kitchen. “We’ve got company. Could you make us some coffee?”

Moments later, Lisa appears in the doorway, wiping her hands on a towel. “Sure thing, Mom. I’ll get right on it.”

I lead Lance to the living room, gesturing for him to sit on the plush couch. He seems at ease, his confident demeanor contrasting with the turmoil inside me.

“So, Lance,” I begin, settling into a chair opposite him, “what brought you to Brew Haven today?”

Lance leans back, a casual smile on his lips. “Honestly? I was just grabbing a coffee. But then I saw you, and I couldn’t help but notice how lost you looked. I figured you might need some company.”

I raise an eyebrow, trying to gauge his sincerity. “You just happened to be at the right place at the right time?”

He chuckles warmly. “I guess you could say that. I like to think fate has a funny way of bringing people together.”

Before I can respond, Lisa returns with a tray of steaming coffee, the rich aroma filling the room. She sets down the tray along with a plate of freshly baked cookies on the coffee table, casting a curious glance at Lance before retreating to the kitchen.

“Thank you, Lisa,” I say, pouring two cups and handing one to Lance. He accepts it with a grateful nod.

As we sip our coffee in silence, my mind races with questions. I decide to dive straight in. “So, Lance, what do you do for a living? You seem like an interesting guy.”

Lance takes a thoughtful sip before answering. “I’m a freelance photographer. I capture moments, tell stories through my lens.”

Intrigued, I lean forward. “A photographer? That sounds fascinating. What kind of stories do you tell?”

He shrugs modestly, setting his cup down with a gentle clink. “All sorts, really. From street photography to travel documentaries. It’s a varied job, keeps me on my toes.”

Curiosity bubbles within me. “And what about today? Were you working on a project?”

Lance shakes his head, meeting my gaze directly. “Nope, just a regular day off. But I couldn’t stand by and see someone in distress. It’s kind of in my nature to help.”

I study him, searching for clues to his true intentions. There’s an undeniable appeal about him, a magnetism that’s hard to ignore. But I can’t let my guard down, not after everything.

“So, what about you, Grace?” Lance asks, his tone sincere. “What do you do?”

I hesitate, feeling vulnerability creeping in. “I... I’m a socialite. But I’ve always dreamed of becoming an artist. Life just happened, and here I am.”

Lance’s expression softens, a hint of understanding in his eyes. “An artist? That sounds wonderful. What kind of art do you create?”

A smile tugs at my lips as I think about my passion. “Mainly painting. Abstracts, landscapes, a bit of everything. It’s my escape, even if I don’t get to do it as much as I’d like.”

He nods slowly, holding my gaze. “I admire that. Pursuing art takes dedication, even if it’s just a dream for now.”

For a moment, we sit in companionable silence, the weight of our conversation hanging like a melody. I find myself wanting to know more about this enigmatic man who has entered my life so unexpectedly.