Shadows of Redempthion

Chapter Seven

Luca's P.O.V

The morning sunlight streamed through the bookstore's large windows, casting a warm, inviting glow over the wooden shelves filled with books of every genre. As I pushed open the door, a soft chime announced my arrival. The scent of paper and ink mingled with the aroma of fresh coffee from the café next door, creating an atmosphere of calm that immediately contrasted with the chaotic thoughts swirling in my mind.

I spotted Elena almost immediately. She was behind the counter, her hair falling in loose waves around her face as she chatted with an elderly customer. There was a lightness about her, a happiness that hadn't been there when I last saw her. She smiled often, her green eyes sparkling with genuine joy, and it made my chest tighten.

I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself as I walked deeper into the store. I needed to approach this carefully. I couldn't just storm up to her and demand answers. She deserved more respect than that.

Pretending to browse, I picked up a random book from a nearby shelf. The title barely registered as I turned it over in my hands, my attention fixated on Elena. She was moving around the store now, helping another customer find a specific title. She laughed at something the customer said, and the sound of it was like a balm to my restless soul.

Finally, she turned and our eyes met. Her smile faltered for just a moment, replaced by a look of surprise, then curiosity. I could see the questions forming in her mind as she approached me.

"Luca?" she said, her voice tinged with disbelief. "What are you doing here?"

I held up the book I was holding, realizing too late that it was upside down. "Just, uh, doing some reading."

She raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing at the corner of her lips. "Reading, huh? You might have better luck if you turn the book the right way up."

Heat rose to my cheeks as I quickly corrected the book's orientation. "Right. Thanks."

She crossed her arms, leaning casually against a nearby shelf. "So, what brings you to a bookstore, Luca? I didn't peg you as the reading type."

I chuckled, trying to appear nonchalant despite feeling incredibly flustered. "I do read, believe it or not. Just... not as often as I'd like."

Her eyes sparkled with amusement, and I felt an intense pull towards her, the same feeling that had kept me searching for weeks. "Well, if you need any recommendations, I'm here to help. Although, I suspect you're not here just for the books."

She saw right through me, and it both unnerved and thrilled me. "You caught me," I admitted, lowering the book. "I wanted to see you, Elena. To talk."

Her expression softened slightly, but she remained guarded. "You could have called, you know."

"I didn't have your number," I said with a sheepish grin. "Besides, I wasn't sure if you'd even want to hear from me."

She sighed, running a hand through her hair. "I wasn't expecting to see you again, to be honest. I needed some space, and I didn't think you'd... well, that you'd come looking for me."

I took a step closer, my voice earnest. "I couldn't just forget about you, Elena. I needed to know you were okay. I know we didn't part on the best terms, but I couldn't stop thinking about you."

Her gaze softened further, and she looked down at her feet for a moment before meeting my eyes again. "I appreciate that, Luca. But my life's complicated, and I'm trying to figure things out. I don't want to drag you into my mess."

I reached out, gently taking her hand in mine. "You're not dragging me into anything. I want to be here, to help you if I can. And if all I can do is be a friend, then that's enough for me."

She looked at our joined hands, then back at me, her eyes filled with a mix of emotions. "I don't know, Luca. I don't know what I need right now."

"Then let's take it one step at a time," I suggested. "No pressure, no expectations. Just... let me be here for you."

She hesitated, then nodded slowly. "Okay. One step at a time."

A sense of relief washed over me, and I squeezed her hand gently before letting go. "So, what's a good book you'd recommend?"

She laughed, a sound that felt like a victory. "Well, for starters, how about a book that's right-side up?"