In the Shadows of Yesterday

Chapter 4

Bryson's grip on the steering wheel loosened as he took a deep breath, the tension in his chest starting to ease. He had to get out of his own head—he needed a distraction, something to take his mind off the conversation that had just unraveled with his father. His stomach growled, and for the first time in what felt like hours, he realized he hadn't eaten all day. Maybe food would help, something simple, someplace quiet.

He pulled out his phone, quickly searching for nearby cafés. One in particular caught his eye—just a few miles away and open late. He started the engine, grateful for the excuse to leave the weight of the past behind him, even if only for a little while.

As he drove, the familiar sights of his hometown rolled past, but his mind was on autopilot. By the time he parked outside the café, the streetlights were flickering on, casting long shadows on the sidewalk. The café's warm glow beckoned, offering a temporary refuge from the mess in his head.

---

Inside the café, Ava was still sitting at her table, her notebook open, a half-empty cup of coffee next to her. She had managed to push the lingering sadness from earlier into the back of her mind, replacing it with a determined focus on her studies. The family had left, and the café was quieter now, save for the occasional murmur of conversation from other patrons.

She glanced up briefly as the door chimed, signaling a new arrival. Her pen hovered over her notebook as her gaze fell on the man walking in. He was tall, broad-shouldered, and dressed in a worn leather jacket that suggested he'd seen his share of life's tougher moments. His expression was tense, like he was carrying something heavy, but there was a calmness in his movements, a quiet strength.

Ava's heart skipped a beat. She didn't usually react to people like this, but something about him drew her in. *Wow, he's...attractive,* she thought, unable to stop herself from staring just a moment longer than she should have. She quickly looked back down at her notes, feeling a little embarrassed by her sudden distraction.

Bryson walked to the counter, glancing around the cozy interior. The warmth of the café contrasted with the coldness that had settled over him since leaving his father's house. He needed something to ground him, something simple. As he stepped up to order, he noticed the woman sitting just a couple of seats away, hunched over her books. There was a quiet intensity about her—focused, determined. He barely registered it as he ordered a burger and a Coke, then sat two seats down from her at the counter.

As he waited for his food, Bryson tapped his fingers on the countertop, trying to shake off the frustration gnawing at him. The clatter of dishes, the faint music playing in the background—it was almost soothing. He was just starting to feel a little more centered when the waitress set his Coke down in front of him. He nodded in thanks, reaching for the glass.

That's when it happened.

His hand brushed the edge of the glass, sending it tipping over. Coke splashed across the counter and dripped down onto the floor. Bryson cursed under his breath, grabbing for the small pile of napkins the waitress had left behind, but it wasn't nearly enough.

A soft voice cut through his muttered frustration. "Here, you can use these."

Bryson looked up to see the woman with the notebook—Ava—offering him a handful of napkins. She had an easy, understanding smile on her face, like she'd seen this happen a thousand times and didn't think anything of it.

"Thanks," Bryson said, taking the napkins from her. He quickly mopped up the spill, grateful for the help but feeling a little embarrassed. "Not my smoothest moment."

Ava laughed softly, shaking her head. "Happens to the best of us."

Bryson couldn't help but notice her eyes—bright, warm, with a hint of curiosity. He offered a half-smile in return. "Yeah, I guess so. Still, I haven't spilled a drink in years, and here I am, making a mess."