Pieces Of Grace

Chapter 11

The bell signaling the end of the school day was like a sweet symphony to my ears. I rushed out of class, eager to meet Tom at the coffee shop. My heart still wouldn't stop fluttering, and a silly smile kept creeping onto my face.

Tom was already there, leaning against a pillar near the entrance, his hands shoved into his pockets. His dark hair, usually styled messily, was slicked back, and he had on a navy blue shirt that showed off his toned arms. He was even more handsome than I remembered, and the way he smiled at me when I approached made my knees a little weak.

'Hey,' he said, his voice deep and warm. 'You look...' He paused, his eyes scanning me up and down. 'Like you're ready to take on the world.'

I laughed, feeling a blush creep up my cheeks. 'Something like that.'

We walked inside, the warm scent of coffee and pastries filling my senses. It was a cozy little place, filled with chatter and the gentle clinking of spoons against mugs. Tom ordered a cappuccino for himself and a latte for me, and we found a booth by the window.

As we talked, I found myself laughing more than I had in weeks. Tom was funny and insightful, with a genuine curiosity that made me feel comfortable. We talked about everything and nothing, sharing our favorite books, our dreams for the future, and even our embarrassing childhood memories.

He was nothing like his sister, that much was clear. While Lily always seemed to be playing a role, Tom was refreshingly authentic. I felt like I could be myself around him, without the need to put on a facade.

'So,' he said, leaning forward, his eyes sparkling, 'tell me again why you thought Kyle was such a catch.'

It was the first time he had mentioned Kyle, and a wave of guilt washed over me. I hadn't wanted to talk about him, but I also didn't want to lie to Tom.

'I... I don't know,' I mumbled, avoiding his gaze. 'He just seemed... special. I guess I was blinded by his attention.'

He nodded, his expression unreadable. 'You're smart, Alice. You deserve someone who truly sees you, not just as a trophy.'

His words were like a balm to my bruised heart. For the first time, I started to believe that maybe Kyle hadn't been the one for me after all. Maybe I had just been chasing a fantasy, a picture of him I had built in my head.

As we continued talking, Tom reached across the table, his hand brushing mine.

'You know,' he said, his voice low and husky, 'I think you're the most beautiful girl I've ever met.'

I looked up at him, my heart hammering in my chest. He was looking at me with an intensity that made my stomach flip.

He leaned closer, his breath warm against my cheek. 'Can I kiss you?'

My mind was a whirlwind of emotions. It felt like a dream, a scene from a movie. I hadn't been kissed in a long time, and the fact that it was Tom, of all people, who was asking, made me feel both terrified and exhilarated.

Before I could even respond, Tom leaned in and his lips met mine. It was a soft, tentative kiss, but it sent a jolt of electricity through my body. I closed my eyes and leaned into him, a smile spreading across my face.

The kiss was sweet and tender, and for a moment, I forgot about everything else. I felt a sense of warmth and security, a feeling I hadn't experienced in a long time.

But then, a familiar voice cut through the air.

'Alice?'

My eyes flew open, and I pulled away from Tom, my face flushed. Standing in the doorway, looking completely bewildered, was Kyle.

Everything stopped. The world came crashing down on me.

I couldn't believe my eyes.

He was staring at us, at Tom, at me.

And Tom, still oblivious to Kyle's presence, looked at me with a smile, the kiss lingering on his lips.

Before I could say a word, Kyle turned and walked out, his face a mask of pain and confusion.

And then, everything went silent.

I stared at the door he had just walked through, my heart beating a frantic rhythm in my chest.

What had just happened?

And what did it all mean?