LOVING DAHLIA ( ᴘᴀɪɢᴇ ʙᴜᴇᴄᴋᴇʀs) (ON HOLD)

Chapter 5: Coffee Confessions

Chapter 5: The Meeting and the Confession

Dahlia arrived on campus just as the clock struck 9:00 a.m., the crisp fall air making her wrap her scarf a little tighter around her neck. She smiled to herself, thinking about the busy day ahead. After dropping Sadie off at daycare, she had agreed to meet her best friend Carla at their favorite café just off campus. The cozy little place had become their go-to over the years, especially for their morning catch-ups.

As Dahlia entered the café, the smell of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods greeted her warmly. She spotted Carla immediately, sitting in a corner booth with two steaming cups of coffee on the table, one of which she knew was Dahlia's favorite: mocha.

"Hey!" Dahlia called out as she made her way over.

Carla looked up and grinned widely, getting up from her seat to pull Dahlia into a tight hug. "Finally! You're here," Carla exclaimed. "I was starting to think you got lost!"

Dahlia laughed as they both sat down. "It's a miracle I'm not running later than this, considering how much Sadie didn't want to let me go this morning."

At the mention of Sadie, Carla's face lit up. "Speaking of my goddaughter-how is she? I miss that little munchkin."

Dahlia smiled, her heart warming at the thought of her daughter. "She misses you too. She was just asking when she'd see you again."

"She'll see me on Friday night for sure," Carla said, taking a sip of her coffee. "Soccer game against Villanova. You are coming, right? She loves watching me play."

Dahlia chuckled. "Of course, we'll be there. She wouldn't miss it for the world."

As they chatted about their plans for the week, Dahlia found herself growing increasingly distracted. Her fingers traced the rim of her coffee cup as she thought about the encounter from last night. Finally, unable to hold it in any longer, she blurted out, "I met Paige Bueckers last night."

Carla nearly choked on her coffee. "Wait, what? The Paige Bueckers? As in UConn's women's basketball star?" Her voice rose in disbelief, catching the attention of a few other café-goers.

Dahlia winced, looking around to make sure no one was eavesdropping. "Yes, that Paige Bueckers," she confirmed, her own voice a bit quieter, though her nerves made her heart race.

Carla was still staring at her in shock. "You better start talking and tell me everything, right now."

Taking a deep breath, Dahlia launched into the story. She told Carla how she and Sadie had gone to the grocery store near campus, how Sadie had gotten into a little tiff with Paige over the last packet of Lays Chips, and how, when she finally looked up, she saw Paige staring at her with those piercing blue eyes.

Carla listened intently, her eyes growing wider as Dahlia continued. "And then... I don't know, Carla, I just... I couldn't stop thinking about her after. I mean, it was a simple encounter, but there was something about her. She was so..." Dahlia trailed off, searching for the right word.

Carla smirked, leaning back in her chair. "So, you found Paige Bueckers attractive, huh?"

Dahlia's cheeks flushed a little, but she nodded. "Yeah. She's... captivating. Her smile is contagious, and those blue eyes... They just sort of draw you in."

Carla's smirk grew wider. "Well, well, well, look at you, falling for a basketball star. I didn't expect that, but I'm loving this."

Dahlia groaned, laughing softly at Carla's teasing. "It's not like that! I mean, it was just one meeting. I barely know her."

"But you want to know her, right?" Carla pressed, her eyebrows raising playfully.

Dahlia sighed, shaking her head but smiling. "I don't know, okay? Maybe."

Carla laughed, taking another sip of her coffee. "I'm so here for this. I'll be rooting for you two from the sidelines."

They continued talking, mostly about Paige, and by the end of the conversation, Dahlia felt a strange mixture of nervous excitement bubbling inside her. Carla was, of course, thrilled by the entire situation, especially at the prospect of Dahlia having met someone who had captured her attention so quickly.

Eventually, they both checked the time and realized they needed to head off for their respective commitments. Carla had her psychology class, and Dahlia needed to meet with Coach Geno Auriemma at the women's basketball gym to discuss becoming the new team photographer.

Before they left, Carla winked at Dahlia. "Good luck with Coach Auriemma. And, who knows, maybe you'll run into a certain someone at the gym."

Dahlia chuckled, but her heart skipped a beat at the thought. "Yeah, maybe," she said, trying to sound casual as they parted ways.

As Dahlia made her way across campus toward the gym, her mind kept wandering back to the thought of seeing Paige again. She hadn't planned on crossing paths with her, but now that the possibility was in the air, she couldn't shake the feeling of anticipation. What if she saw her practicing? What if their paths crossed again, even just for a moment?

Dahlia smiled to herself, unable to stop the butterflies that fluttered in her stomach at the thought. There was something about Paige Bueckers, something she couldn't quite put her finger on yet, but whatever it was, she hoped she would get the chance to find out more.

XoXo V ❤️❤️❤️