Bound By Hearts, Torn By Secrets.
-♡♥︎♤♥︎♡⁃
Life as a college student has been nothing but smooth sailing for 23-year-old Aleesha, and now that she's graduated, her life is about to take a different...
𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈 how Jayden's lips pressed against mine and how his gentle kiss left a sweet, lingering taste, I can't help but smile at the memory. The way he pulled me close like he never wanted to let go, and whispered my name against my lips makes my heart skip a beat. Every second of last night, every moment, was magical—I still can't believe we're together.
All this time, I kept wondering if he felt the same way I did and if he liked me as much as I liked him. Reading his mind wasn't easy; with him, I could never quite tell what he was thinking or what his actions meant. But when he finally said the words I'd been longing to hear, my whole world lit up.
It was as if my entire being was aglow with Christmas tree lights, my smile beaming like I had just heard the greatest news of my life.
As I keep replaying last night in my head, I can't help but smile while wiping the outdoor tables clean. After convincing my mom to let me help out, seeing how understaffed they are on such a busy day, I've been moving around the café, attending to anything that needs attention. With Diego out of town visiting his brother, I thought it would be nice to help until he returns.
Even though Mom insisted on paying me for the few days I'll be working, I told her not to bother. I didn't offer to help just to get paid. With so much uncertainty surrounding my career, I just need a distraction while I figure out what I want to do with my life. As for money, I'm grateful I still have enough saved from a job I held for a year back in college. Moving to the next table, I wipe off the stains, while humming along to my favorite song.
'Can't wait to see you tomorrow.' Jayden's words echo in my head, and I can't help but smile to myself. Before we wrapped up the night and said goodnight, he surprised me by setting up a date night at his place—saying he'd been waiting so long to do this for me and wanted to show me something. He didn't go into details, saying he wanted it to be a surprise, which only makes me more curious about what he has planned.
I smiled and asked what he was planning, but he dismissed my question with a soft kiss on my lips, adding a whispered 'You'll see' before his lips met mine again.
To say I'm enamored with him is an understatement. The way he talks, the way he looks, the way he behaves—everything about him seems perfect, and I'm just grateful he's mine.
While I'm lost in thought, thinking about the man who has taken over my mind, I hear a gentle voice in the distance. Glancing over my shoulder, a smile curves on my lips as I meet those familiar brown eyes.
"How are you?" Jake asks, his eyes dancing with excitement as he approaches.
"I'm good, and you?" I reply, smiling back as we exchange hugs and a peck on the cheek.
With a sweet smile, he says, "I'm alright. I'm surprised to see you working here—I didn't know you worked here." His face shifts into an expression of surprise.
After I explain the situation, he nods in understanding and says, "That's so thoughtful of you."
Unsure of what to say, I simply smile and offer to get him a coffee—specifically, an espresso macchiato, a detail I've picked up on after noticing his frequent orders since he started coming here.
Surprised, his mouth drops slightly, and he seems momentarily speechless. "What? How did you...?"
"I noticed," I say, smiling.
He scratches the back of his head shyly and says, "That means a lot. I didn't think you'd notice."
"When you spend almost every morning in the café, seeing the same faces over and over, you start to pick up on people's preferences."
"Oh, nice." His reply is softer than before; if anything, he sounds a bit disappointed.
Did I say something wrong?
"I should get going, but I hope I'll see you soon," he adds, glancing inside the café as if to imply he needs to grab a coffee before heading to work.
Just as I'm about to respond, Corey appears out of nowhere, his face lighting up with excitement at seeing Jake. "Yo Jake! Good to see you! Haven't seen you in a while," he says enthusiastically.
"Likewise," Jake responds shyly, briefly looking down before meeting Corey's gaze, who still has a smile on his face. "Yeah, I've just been busy with work."
"Yeah, I feel you, man. Listen, we're planning a special dinner tonight to properly welcome Aleesha back from college. We never got to do that when she arrived, so you should come. It would be nice to have you around," Corey says, catching me by surprise.
"We are?" I ask, clearly taken aback.
"I don't know," Jake hesitates, scratching the back of his head uncomfortably.
"C'mon, it'll be fun. Besides, we need more company to help celebrate Aleesha's return, and you're a nice person. It'd be a shame not to have you there."
"Tonight?" I ask, still trying to process Corey's unexpected plan.
How come I'm only hearing about this now? Was it supposed to be a surprise? But I already have a date with Jayden tonight, and I can't afford to miss it. I don't know what Corey's up to, but I don't like it. Even though he likes Jake, I can't shake the feeling he has a hidden agenda with this invitation and special dinner.
Does he know that something's up?
Just as I'm about to suggest to Corey that he reschedule this special dinner, Jake hesitantly agrees to come and glances at me to see my reaction.
"Good," Corey grins. "Looking forward to seeing you tonight." He gives Jake a pat on the back before walking away, clearly pleased.
"I'm sorry about that. Corey just can't take no for an answer," I say softly.
"It's alright. I guess it'd be nice to be there and be part of the celebration."
I offer a tight-lipped smile, still unsure of what to say after Corey stirred up this unexpected chaos. Did he even plan this special dinner? As much as I appreciate the gesture, I can't help but wonder why it had to be tonight—and why he invited Jake. But seeing the happiness on Jake's face, I decide against telling him he doesn't have to come.
I suppose I'll just have to let Jayden know about the change of plans. I only hope he'll understand.
