Silver Lining ❥ daerin

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟒: 𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐮𝐝𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐄𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫

ℭ𝔞𝔩𝔦𝔰𝔱𝔞

The roar of the engine had faded into the distance as I wrapped up my practice session at the racetrack. I was tired but exhilarated, my heart still racing from the adrenaline. The day had been filled with tight turns and perfect laps, a brief escape from the pressure of my daily life.

I slid into the driver's seat of my Pagani, the familiar leather scent of the interior welcoming me as I turned the key. I had no specific destination in mind, just a need to clear my head after a long day. The city seemed too small, too constricting, so I decided to take a leisurely drive, letting the road guide me wherever it might lead.

As I meandered through the streets, I found myself drawn to a well-known bookstore that had always intrigued me. Its charming exterior, with large windows and shelves visible from the street, beckoned me. I pulled up and parked, noting the quaint sign that read 'Fully Booked'.

I stepped out of the car, taking a deep breath of the crisp air. The bookstore was a welcome change from the high-octane world of racing—a chance to lose myself in stories and escape the noise. As I entered, the bell above the door jingled softly, announcing my arrival.

The store was cozy, filled with the comforting smell of old paper and coffee. I wandered through the aisles, my fingers grazing the spines of the books, when I turned a corner and almost collided with a young woman.

She was so engrossed in reading the back cover of a book that she hadn't noticed me. I stopped just in time, and she looked up, startled.

My eyes widened as I recognised her—my new neighbour, the one that seems to have a disliking for me already. She looked just as surprised to see me. Her face was slightly flushed from the shock, and she quickly adjusted her glasses as she tried to compose herself.

"Oh, sorry about that," I said, my voice friendly despite the unexpected encounter. "I didn't mean to intrude on your book browsing."

She blinked, clearly taken aback. "Oh, it's fine. I wasn't paying attention."

I couldn't help but chuckle. "Well, it seems like we keep running into each other. Maybe it's fate."

She gave me a skeptical look, her eyebrows raised. "I doubt it. But it's certainly... interesting."

I laughed, the sound light and genuine. "Fair enough. I'm Calista, by the way. I live next door."

"Sage," she said, extending a hand. Her grip was firm but hesitant, her shyness evident. "Nice to meet you."

I shook her hand, noting how her demeanor softened slightly. "Nice to meet you too, Sage. I was just about to browse, so if you need any recommendations or just want to chat, feel free to join me."

Sage's eyes widened in surprise. "Oh, I... I wasn't planning on staying long. Just needed a quick break."

"Totally understandable," I said, flashing a warm smile. "Books are great for that. Sometimes, you just need a little distraction."

She nodded, her expression easing as she glanced around the store. "Yeah, I guess you're right."

We wandered through the aisles together, a comfortable silence settling between us. I could sense Sage's nervousness, but she seemed to relax a bit in the cozy atmosphere of the bookstore. It was nice to see her away our neighbourhood, and I hoped this chance encounter might offer a new perspective on our interactions.

As we reached the checkout counter, I caught Sage glancing at a book with an interested look. "That's a great choice," I said, peering at the cover. "One of my favourites."