Love Amour

Chapter One: Reunion

Selene's face flushed with frustration as her card was declined for the third time while she tried to buy supplies for art school. "Come on, work, work, work," she muttered, tapping the machine in desperation. The line behind her at Michelle's Craft Store grew longer, and she could feel the impatient stares burning into her back. Each passing second just made her anxiety grow stronger.

She knew she shouldn't have waited until the last minute to buy her art supplies, but she had expected her dad to send the school money by now—at least something. Her fingers shook slightly as she pulled out her phone and checked her bank account, hoping for a miracle that didn't come.

Selene Isolde Montrose was 19 years old, standing at 5 feet with a delicate, slender frame. Her light honeyed brown skin was beautifully complemented by her large afro, full of thick, tight curls. Today, she wore a flowing white skirt paired with a colorful blouse with drapey sleeves, all thrifted, and completed the look with platform sandals. Despite the stylish outfit, the weight of the situation made her feel like she was standing under a spotlight—way too exposed and vulnerable.

"Twenty dollars," Selene whispered in disbelief. How could this be? She scrolled through her transaction history and saw a list of quick meals from Roscoe's, her favorite pizza place. She'd indulged in late-night double cheese deluxe pizzas. Her mouth watered just thinking about it. Was it still a freshman fifteen if it had been twenty pounds?

"Focus," she muttered to herself, facepalming in frustration. Even though only a few minutes had passed, it felt as if she had been stuck at the self-checkout forever. She didn't know what to do. With only twenty dollars and almost a hundred dollars' worth of art supplies, a breakdown seemed imminent.

"Excuse me," a male voice said. Selene jumped, startled, her heart racing as she dropped a paintbrush that rolled to the man's sneakers.

"I'm sorry," Selene said. "Rough day." She bent down to pick up the paintbrush at the same time he did. He grabbed it before her, and their hands brushed together. The brief touch sent a jolt through her, and she quickly pulled her hand back, her cheeks flushing with an unexpected rush of electricity.

When she looked up, he was staring at her. The moment their eyes met, Selene felt as if the whole world had come to a standstill. He was her first love, her first everything. She hadn't seen him for two years, and he had changed so much. Selene bit her lip, unable to help but admire him.

His deep brown skin was matched by a fresh fade with black waves on top, like he had just walked out of the barber's chair. Instead of his usual contacts, he wore circular glasses that highlighted his intense brown eyes. He had grown scruffy facial hair and was wearing baggy jeans with a plain graphic tee. Despite the casual outfit, he looked so good to her.

"Isaiah?" Selene said, bewildered. "What are you—?" Her voice trailed off as she struggled to find the right words.

They both stood up. "Wassup, Lena?" he said, handing her the paintbrush. His touch was warm, and Selene's heart fluttered despite her attempt to stay composed. She could feel her face heat up.

"Hi Zay," Selene spoke softly. She cringed at how lovey-dovey her words sounded as they came out.

"I—" she opened her mouth to speak at the same time he did, making things awkward and causing her to flush with embarrassment.

"Oops, sorry," Selene said quickly, feeling flustered. "You go ahead."

He chuckled, a raspy, smoker's laugh that made Selene feel a flutter in her chest. She couldn't ignore how attractive it sounded.

"I'm next in line and kind of want to leave the store before it closes," he said, still chuckling. "Could I help you?"

Selene nodded, laughing back awkwardly. "I'll be able to spot you; it's just nobody is picking up." She gestured to her phone, showing him her frustration.