Golden Stars / Scarlett Johansson

Chapter 27: Unwanted Advances and Unexpected Visitors

It had been about a week since the gathering at Chris's house, and Y/N felt a warmth she hadn't experienced in a long time. Life seemed lighter—brighter, even. Scarlett and Rose had settled into her thoughts, and while her father's painful memories still lingered, they didn't consume her like they once did. Her days at work had become easier to manage, and every evening when she returned home, she found herself reflecting on those quiet moments she shared with Scarlett.

But today was different. Today, Y/N had to deal with Randy.

Randy was her coworker at the café—a tall, broad-shouldered man with sandy hair and a perpetually cocky grin plastered across his face. From the moment he had started working there, he had taken an interest in Y/N, always finding ways to strike up conversations, throw in cheesy compliments, or casually ask her out. He didn't seem to understand boundaries, and his persistence was beginning to wear Y/N down.

Today was no different. As Y/N stood behind the counter, wiping down the espresso machine and preparing for the mid-morning rush, Randy sidled up next to her with that same grin on his face.

"Hey, Y/N," he drawled, leaning on the counter a little too close to her personal space. "I was thinking, maybe tonight we could grab a drink after work? There's this great little bar down the street—perfect place to unwind."

Y/N didn't even look up from her task, her voice steady but firm. "No, Randy. I'm not interested."

He didn't back off, though. He never did. "Aw, come on. Why not? You never go out, and I'm telling you, you'd have a good time. Just one drink."

"I've told you before," she said, still wiping the counter with precision. "I'm not interested in dating. Especially not you."

"But why?" Randy pressed, leaning closer. "I mean, we work together, we see each other all the time. We get along, right? I just don't see what the big deal is. I'm a nice guy."

Y/N sighed, finally turning to face him. "Randy, no offense, but I don't like men. At all. I'm not attracted to them."

For a moment, Randy blinked, clearly caught off guard. But then his grin returned, as if he hadn't heard a word she'd just said. "Oh, come on, Y/N. Maybe you just haven't met the right guy yet."

Y/N's patience was wearing thin. She crossed her arms and looked him square in the eye. "No, Randy. I know what I like, and it's not men. It's not you. This isn't about 'meeting the right guy.' I'm gay. I've told you that more than once, and yet here we are, having the same conversation."

He chuckled, still undeterred. "You know, I've heard that before, but people change their minds all the time. Maybe if you gave me a shot, you'd feel differently."

Y/N felt her frustration boiling up. She had tried being polite, tried to gently let him down time and time again, but Randy just didn't get it.

"Randy," she said, her voice calm but firm. "I'm going to say this one last time. I'm not interested. Not in men, and not in you. I don't know how else to make it clearer. You need to stop."

For a moment, there was silence. Randy's smile faltered slightly, and for a second, it seemed like he might finally understand. But then he shrugged, the cocky grin returning. "Alright, alright. I get it. But if you ever change your mind, you know where to find me."

Y/N resisted the urge to roll her eyes as Randy finally backed off and went to the other side of the café. She let out a long sigh of relief. At least for now, he was leaving her alone.

Thank god, she thought, shaking her head as she turned back to her work.

Just as she was starting to relax again, the bell above the door chimed, and Y/N looked up to see Carolina walk in. A smile immediately spread across her face.

"Carolina!" Y/N greeted warmly, wiping her hands on her apron as she stepped around the counter.

Carolina smiled back, her eyes twinkling as she made her way toward Y/N. "Hey there! I was in the neighborhood and figured I'd stop by for my usual and, of course, to check in on our little book club. Have you made any more progress?"

Y/N chuckled as she walked over to the coffee machine to start preparing Carolina's drink. "You're not going to believe it, but I'm almost done. I've been sneaking in reading time whenever I can."

Carolina raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed. "Wow, that's impressive! I was starting to think you'd never finish it. I'm dying to know what you think."

Y/N smiled as she poured the coffee, adding the perfect amount of milk and sugar just the way Carolina liked it. "It's honestly one of the best books I've read in a while. The characters are so complex, and the writing is just beautiful. I'm really glad you recommended it."

"I knew you'd like it," Carolina said, beaming. "We'll have to chat more about it when you're done. Maybe we can meet up this weekend?"

"I'd love that," Y/N said, handing her the coffee. "It's a date."

Carolina took a sip of her coffee, savoring the flavor before glancing around the café. "So," she said, lowering her voice slightly. "I've been hearing some gossip around town about you, Evans, and Johansson. Anything juicy I should know about?"

Y/N laughed, shaking her head. "Oh god, no. It's nothing like that. We're just friends. I met them  and we've hung out a couple of times. Nothing big."

Carolina raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "Just friends, huh? I mean, Chris Evans and Scarlett Johansson? If I were you, I'd be having a field day."

Y/N blushed slightly brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Trust me, it's not like that. They're both great, but I'm not...you know, interested in either of them like that."

"Ah," Carolina said with a smirk. "But that doesn't mean they're not interested in you. I've seen the way Scarlett looks at you in those pictures. You're telling me there's nothing there?"

Y/N's face grew warmer, but she quickly shook her head. "We're just friends, Carolina. Seriously."

Carolina took another sip of her coffee, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Alright, if you say so. But I've got my eye on you. Something tells me there's more to this story."

Y/N rolled her eyes playfully. "You've always got your eye on something."

Carolina grinned. "Hey, it's my job to keep up with the latest gossip. Speaking of which, did you hear about Jenny and Steve? Apparently, they're back together."

Y/N raised an eyebrow, surprised. "No way. After everything that happened?"

"Yup," Carolina said with a nod. "I guess they worked things out, but I give it about a month before it all falls apart again."

Y/N chuckled, shaking her head. "You really are the queen of gossip."

"I try," Carolina said with a wink. "But seriously, keep me posted on this whole Evans-Johansson situation. I'm dying to know if anything develops."

Y/N just laughed, waving her hand dismissively. "You'll be the first to know, I promise."

Carolina finished her coffee and stood up, adjusting her bag over her shoulder. "Well, I'd better get going. Thanks for the coffee, as always. And don't forget—this weekend. We're finishing that book."

"Absolutely," Y/N said with a smile. "I'll text you."

As Carolina left the café, Y/N felt a sense of relief wash over her. After the exhausting encounter with Randy, Carolina's visit was exactly what she needed. 

With a deep breath, Y/N returned to her work, her mind still wandering back to the events of the past week. Things were changing in her life—slowly but surely—and she couldn't help but feel like something big was on the horizon.