Stages of The Heart- Ellie Morch

Chapter 16: A Chance Meeting and a Brunch Invite

Erica stepped into the lobby of her agency building on a sunny Saturday morning, intent on running a few errands before an afternoon filled with meetings and rehearsals. The lobby was buzzing with the usual crowd of actors, agents, and staff hurrying to their next appointment, but her mind was blissfully blank as she glanced at her phone, organizing her day.

As she slipped her phone back into her bag, she noticed a familiar figure entering from the opposite end of the lobby—Shawn Mellows, looking impeccably put-together in a casual navy suit and sunglasses. His usual professional polish somehow softened into a more relaxed charm. Erica’s heart did a little skip, surprised to see him here on a weekend.

Their eyes met almost instantly, and he gave her a warm smile, looking genuinely pleased to see her. She hadn’t expected him to notice her amid the hustle and bustle, but he made his way over with a confident ease.

“Erica,” he greeted, his voice smooth and welcoming. “Fancy meeting you here on a Saturday morning.”

She smiled back, a bit surprised but pleased. “Likewise! I was just about to run a few errands before the day gets crazy. What brings you here?”

“Brunch,” he replied with a small chuckle, adjusting his sunglasses. “I’ve been craving something beyond my usual work meals, and there’s a great new place down the block I’ve been meaning to try out.”

“Sounds nice,” she replied, feeling genuinely curious about this side of him. Seeing him in a context outside of the office and their official interactions made him seem more approachable, almost casual.

He paused for a moment, as if considering something, before he looked back at her with a slightly mischievous smile. “Actually… would you like to join me? I could use some good company.”

The unexpected invitation caught her off guard. They’d shared many conversations recently—texts, little chats in passing, but she hadn’t expected this step. She blinked, surprised and a little flustered, but there was something so genuine in his gaze that made her feel immediately at ease.

“Um, sure,” she replied, smiling. “That sounds great.”

He motioned towards the exit, and they walked out together, the warm sunlight hitting them as they stepped onto the busy street.

They arrived at a charming little bistro just a few blocks away. Inside, the restaurant had a relaxed, rustic charm, with wooden tables and leafy plants arranged throughout. It felt like a hidden gem in the middle of the city, a place where they could be themselves without the usual professional facades.

As they sat across from each other, Shawn took off his sunglasses, setting them aside as he glanced over the menu. “I’d been hearing about this place for weeks,” he confessed, smiling. “Apparently, their avocado toast is legendary.”

Erica chuckled, feeling the tension between them slowly dissolve. “Good to know! I’ll try it. I’m a sucker for a good brunch.”

After they placed their orders, the conversation turned to light, easy topics. They laughed over the strange quirks of the industry, swapped stories of their favorite places in the city, and shared a few anecdotes from their childhoods. Erica found herself opening up to him, telling him stories she’d never shared with anyone in the industry. Shawn, too, shared more about his own journey—how he’d worked his way up, the long hours and challenges he’d faced to become the CEO.

Their food arrived—a delicious spread of avocado toast, fluffy scrambled eggs, and fresh juices. They each took a bite, savoring the rich flavors.

“So, does this live up to the hype?” Erica asked, raising an eyebrow with a smile as she took a bite of her toast.

Shawn nodded, clearly enjoying it. “I’d say it’s well-deserved hype. Definitely worth the trip.”

As they continued eating, a comfortable silence settled over them. It felt natural, unforced—an atmosphere that let Erica relax fully for the first time in a while. She glanced at Shawn, noticing the easy way he leaned back in his chair, clearly enjoying the morning as much as she was.

“So,” he started, breaking the silence, “what’s next for Erica Young, now that the world’s taken notice?”

She hesitated, thinking carefully. “Honestly, it’s hard to say. I mean, I’m thrilled about everything that’s happening, but there’s always a part of me that wonders if it’s all too much, too fast.”

He nodded, understanding in his gaze. “I can see that. The industry can be overwhelming, especially when things move quickly. But you’ve handled everything with grace—even more than some who’ve been in the spotlight for years.”

Erica felt a warmth spread through her at his words, a sense of validation she hadn’t even realized she was looking for. “Thank you, Shawn. That means a lot coming from you. I’ve just been trying to take everything one step at a time.”

“That’s the best approach,” he said, meeting her gaze with a steady confidence. “You’re doing an incredible job. Don’t let anyone make you doubt that.”

His words settled deep in her mind, making her feel seen and supported in a way that was rare in her world.

As they finished their meal, the conversation turned more personal. Shawn asked her about her family, her aspirations, and even her thoughts on relationships, a topic they hadn’t really touched on before.

“Honestly, I’ve been so focused on work that I haven’t thought much about relationships,” she admitted, looking down at her coffee. “There’s just so much to focus on, and I’ve never wanted anything to interfere with my career.”

He nodded thoughtfully, his gaze intent. “That’s understandable. But sometimes, the right connection can make everything else… fall into place.”

His words hung in the air, and for a moment, Erica felt something unspoken pass between them, something she couldn’t quite put into words. She met his gaze, feeling an electric charge that was both exciting and unsettling.

They sat in silence for a moment, each lost in their own thoughts, before Shawn broke the spell with a warm smile. “So, what’s your verdict on brunch?”

She laughed, grateful for the shift back to lightness. “Definitely five stars. I can’t believe I haven’t tried this place before. Thank you for inviting me.”

“It was my pleasure,” he replied, his smile lingering a little longer than usual. “We should do this again sometime.”

They both stood, ready to head back, but as they walked out into the sunlight, Erica felt a lingering sense of warmth, a connection that felt new and full of potential.

As she made her way home, Erica found herself replaying the brunch over and over in her mind. It was surprising, even refreshing, how easy it had been to talk to Shawn, to connect with him in a way that felt genuine. She thought about his encouragement, the way he seemed to understand her fears and ambitions, and how he’d made her feel seen without any pressure.

The lines between admiration and something more were starting to blur, and it was a thought she couldn’t easily shake. She didn’t know what the future held, but for the first time in a long time, she felt open to it. Whatever might come next, she was ready to embrace it.