Where Love Lingers

Chapter 7.

Ava

The diner hums with the sound of clinking dishes and the low murmur of customers. I stand behind the counter, wiping it down for the umpteenth time today, my mind elsewhere. It's one of those busy weekends where the breakfast rush never seems to end, and I'm grateful for the distraction. At least here, amidst the clamor, I can push my worries aside, if only for a little while.

My best friend, Mia, moves around the dining area with her usual energy. She's always had a way of brightening up the place, her laughter infectious as she jokes with the customers. I can't help but smile at her. She's been my rock through everything, the only person who sees me as more than the girl with a troubled past.

"Ava! Get ready for another order!" she calls, her voice ringing out above the din. "Table six needs more coffee!"

I nod and grab the coffee pot, pouring for the older couple seated at the corner booth. As I set the pot down, I glance out the window, and my heart sinks.

Tyler is walking in, flanked by a couple of his friends and—of course—Ethan. They're laughing, the kind of laughter that makes my insides twist. It feels like the universe is playing a cruel joke, throwing him right in my path.

Tyler struts over to the counter, his confidence spilling out of him like he owns the place. I take a deep breath, trying to focus on the coffee I'm pouring rather than the butterflies wreaking havoc in my stomach.

"Hey!" Mia greets them, her face lighting up. "What can I get for you guys?"

"Just a couple of coffees for now, thanks," Ethan says, leaning casually against the counter. He glances over at me, a half-smile on his face. "How's it going, Ava? Still pretending to work hard?"

I roll my eyes, forcing a smile. "Just trying to keep the customers happy, Ethan."

Tyler leans on the counter, looking around the diner with a bored expression. His gaze falls on Mia, and I can see the way his eyes light up. "You working today?" he asks, a flirtatious grin creeping onto his face.

Mia beams, flipping her hair over her shoulder. "Yep! Just finished a shift at the library, so I'm ready to take on the diner crowd."

"Lucky us," Tyler says, his tone dripping with charm. He turns back to his friends, and for a split second, I think he might glance my way. But instead, he's caught up in some inside joke with them, his laughter ringing out like music to the ears of the girls nearby.

I'm still trying to appear busy, but the sight of them together pulls at something deep inside me. It's like being stuck in a loop, where I can't escape the realization that this is my life now—serving coffee and pretending not to care while he flirts with everyone but me.

"Hey, Ava," one of Tyler's friends says, breaking me out of my thoughts. "Are you still crushing on Tyler? Or have you moved on to someone more... accessible?"

I can feel my face flush, heat creeping up my neck. "Very funny," I reply, trying to maintain my composure.

"Just saying," he shrugs, but his smirk tells me he's enjoying this way too much.

Tyler's laughter joins in, and it feels like a knife in my chest. He glances over at me, catching my eye for just a moment. I can see the teasing glint in his gaze, and it stings.

"You know, Ava," Tyler says casually, his voice loud enough for me to hear. "If you want to stop being so invisible, maybe you should stop hiding behind that counter. Just a thought."

My heart races, a mix of anger and embarrassment flooding through me. It's not like I can just step out and make him notice me. I've tried that before, and all I got was rejection.