3

Still night at the charity gala in the orphan house, Nick’s curiosity about Chas only grew as the evening went on. After their brief but memorable exchange, he found himself unable to stop glancing in her direction. Her laughter was infectious, her smile radiant, and the way she carried herself—confident yet warm—left a mark on him.

While Chas was busy chatting with the other attendees, Nick approached Carol, her foster mother, who was setting out desserts at a nearby table.

“Carol,” Nick began, trying to sound casual.

The older woman looked up with a welcoming smile. “Nick! Always good to see you here. You’ve been such a loyal supporter of this event over the years.”

He chuckled nervously. “Yeah, I enjoy it every time. You all do such amazing work here.”

Carol noticed his hesitant demeanor and tilted her head. “What’s on your mind, Nick?”

He hesitated for a moment, then glanced in Chas’s direction. “Chastin,” he said simply, his voice soft.

Carol’s knowing smile spread across her face. “Ah,Chas. She’s a special one, isn’t she?”

Nick nodded, his eyes lingering on her. “She is. We talked a little earlier, and… I don’t know, there’s just something about her. She mentioned she study in psychology.”

Carol wiped her hands on a dish towel and folded her arms, studying Nick. “Chastin’s always had a gift for understanding people. She’s been through a lot—more than most know—but it’s shaped her into someone who sees the world differently. She’s a dreamer, but also grounded. Determined. She’s had to fight for everything she’s achieved.”

Nick listened intently, his heart tightening at the thought of Chas’s resilience. “She seems so full of life,” he murmured. “It’s hard to imagine her having to struggle.”

Carol’s expression softened. “She hides it well, but she’s always been a fighter.Her mom dropped her here when she was very young, bounced around the system before ending up here. But instead of letting it break her, she found a way to rise above it. She’s kind to everyone she meets, but she doesn’t let people get too close easily. Trust takes time with her.”

Nick nodded, processing Carol’s words. “She’s incredible,” he admitted, almost to himself.

Carol smiled knowingly. “She is. But Nick, if you’re interested in Chas, just know this—she’s fiercely independent. She’s not looking for someone to save her, but someone who’ll stand beside her and let her be herself.”

Nick met Carol’s gaze, her words settling deep in his heart. “I wouldn’t want to change her. I’d just want to… know her better.”

Carol’s eyes sparkled with approval. “Then take your time, Nick. Chas doesn’t open up quickly, but when she does, she’s worth every ounce of effort.”

Unbeknownst to Chas, as she laughed and mingled that night, Nick had already begun to see her in a light that no one else had before. It was the beginning of something he couldn’t fully explain yet—but he knew, deep down, that Chas had already changed him in ways he didn’t expect.

—----------------------------------------------------

Chas wiped the counter of the small, cozy café where she worked part-time. It was a quiet weekday evening, with only a few regular customers scattered around. She adjusted her apron and glanced at the clock. Just another hour until her shift ended.

The bell above the door jingled, signaling a new customer. Chas looked up, ready to greet them, and froze for a split second when she saw Nick walking in.

He looked different in the dim café lighting—still effortlessly cool in his dark coat and scarf, but his expression was softer, more casual than the polished donor she’d met at the orphanage event.

Nick noticing her and smiling “Chastin, right? Small world.”

Chas blinked, recovering from her surprise.

Chas smiling back “Nick. Yeah, it is. What brings you here?”

Nick shrugging “I was driving by, saw the place, and thought I’d stop in for a coffee. Didn’t know I’d run into the star volunteer from the orphanage.”

Chas laughed lightly, shaking her head as she grabbed a menu.

“I’m just a part-timer here. You want your coffee black, or do you need the menu to make up your mind?”

Nick grinning “Straight to the point, huh? Black coffee, please.”

As Chas prepared his order, Nick found a seat near the counter, watching her work. She moved with an easy grace, chatting with other customers while managing the orders with precision.

When she brought his coffee over, he leaned slightly forward.

“Do you ever take a break?” Nick asked her

Chas answer with teasing “If my boss sees me slacking, I might not have a job tomorrow.”

“Fair enough. But seriously, college and work? When do you sleep?” Nick ask her again

Chas said playfully “Sleep is for people who don’t have bills to pay.”

Nick chuckled, but there was a flicker of concern in his eyes. “That’s impressive, though. Balancing all of that can’t be easy.”

Chas shrugging “You get used to it. Besides, I’m not the only one who works hard. What about you? Do musicians even sleep?”

Nick smirked.“Touché. We’re notorious night owls, but I like to think I manage. Most of the time.”

Their small talk stretched into a full conversation. Nick shared stories about his music career, and Chas told him about her classes and the quirks of being a psychology student. She found herself laughing more than she expected, surprised at how easily she could talk to him.

Nick leaned on the counter, a familiar, easygoing grin spreading across his face. “So, working at a café, huh? What’s the most outrageous order you’ve had to make?”

Chas chuckled as she adjusted her apron. “Outrageous? Oh, definitely the guy who ordered a triple-shot decaf soy latte with five pumps of hazelnut syrup, heated to exactly 135 degrees. Took me five minutes to write it down, let alone make it.”

Nick laughed. “Sounds like a nightmare. Let me guess—he complained it wasn’t sweet enough?”

“Of course,” Chas replied, rolling her eyes. “But hey, at least I get free coffee out of this job, so it’s not all bad.”

Nick raised his cup, mock-serious. “A noble perk. Cheers to caffeine.”

Chas smiled, pouring milk into a steaming mug for another customer. “What about you? Any wild stories from your music career? I bet musicians have way crazier encounters than baristas.”

Nick leaned back, pretending to think. “Let’s see… There was one time I was performing at this small club, and halfway through the set, someone threw a pair of underwear onstage.”

Chas burst out laughing. “What? Like… actually threw it at you?”

“Yup,” he said, nodding with mock solemnity. “Nearly hit me in the face, too. I wasn’t sure if I should be flattered or terrified.”

“Oh, you were totally flattered,” she teased, crossing her arms. “Don’t even try to deny it.”

“Okay, maybe a little,” Nick admitted with a chuckle. “But it made for a great story, so I’ll take it.”

Chas shook her head, still smiling. “And I thought dealing with picky customers was bad.”

“What about you?” Nick asked, resting his chin in his hand. “What’s it like being a psychology student? Are you secretly analyzing all your customers?”

Chas laughed. “Everyone assumes that! No, I’m not secretly diagnosing people while I make their coffee. It’s more about learning why people act the way they do—what makes them tick.”

Nick raised an eyebrow. “So, what makes me tick?”

She smirked, leaning slightly closer. “Hmm… I’d say you’re the type who hides your emotions with humor. Probably a bit of a perfectionist, but you pretend not to care so no one notices when you mess up.”

Nick blinked, caught off guard. “Wow. Okay, that’s… scarily accurate.”

Chas grinned triumphantly. “Told you, I’m good at this.”

“Remind me never to play poker with you,” Nick said, shaking his head with a laugh.

She shrugged, pouring another cup of coffee. “It’s not all fun and games, though. The classes can get pretty heavy sometimes, especially when we talk about trauma or mental health issues.”

Nick’s expression softened. “That sounds intense. But also really important.”

“It is,” Chas agreed, her tone more serious now. “I just want to understand people better, you know? Maybe help them someday.”

Nick nodded thoughtfully. “That’s really cool, Chas. Not a lot of people have that kind of drive.”

Chas felt a faint blush creep up her cheeks. “Thanks. But what about you? You must’ve had some kind of drive to get where you are in music.”

Nick shrugged, a hint of self-deprecation in his smile. “Honestly, I think music just kind of… saved me. I was in a rough place when I started writing songs, and it gave me a way to let it all out. I didn’t think it would turn into a career, but somehow it did.”

“That’s amazing,” Chas said sincerely. “And brave. Putting yourself out there like that can’t be easy.”

Nick smiled, a little more genuinely this time. “It’s not, but it’s worth it when someone tells you your music helped them through something.”

Their conversation paused for a moment as Chas handed a latte to a customer, but when she turned back, Nick was still watching her, his gaze thoughtful.

“So,” he said, breaking the silence, “any embarrassing moments from college yet? Come on, there’s gotta be something.”

Chas groaned, her laugh bubbling up. “Do you want the short list or the long one? Let’s just say I’m not great at public speaking, and my first presentation ended with me knocking over the professor’s coffee. All over his desk.”

Nick winced sympathetically. “Ouch. Did he yell at you?”

“No, but the look on his face was worse,” she said, laughing despite herself. “I wanted to crawl under the desk and disappear.”

“Well, if it makes you feel better,” Nick said, leaning closer conspiratorially, “I once forgot the lyrics to one of my own songs. In the middle of a live performance.”

Chas gasped, her eyes wide. “No way. What did you do?”

“Made up the rest,” Nick admitted with a grin. “No one noticed—at least, I hope they didn’t.”

She laughed, the sound bright and genuine. “Okay, that does make me feel better.”

Their conversation continued, flowing effortlessly from one topic to the next. Chas was surprised by how easy it was to talk to Nick, how natural it felt to share pieces of herself. And as she listened to his stories, laughing at his self-deprecating humor and catching glimpses of the vulnerability beneath, she found herself wondering when the café had last felt this warm.

As the clock neared the end of her shift,Chas started cleaning up while Nick remained at his seat, sipping his coffee and glancing at his phone occasionally.

When the café emptied out, Chas approached him, untying her apron. “Thanks for keeping me company tonight. I think you’ve officially met your coffee quota for the day.”

Nick grinning“It was worth it. But you’re done now, right?”

“Yeah, just about.” Said Chas

Nick stood, slipping his phone into his pocket.

“Good. Let me drive you home.” Said Nick so suddenly

Chas blinked, caught off guard.“Oh, no, you don’t have to. It’s not far, and I’m used to walking alone.”

Nick firmly say“It’s late, Chas. I insist.”

Chas finished cleaning up the café, her apron slung over her shoulder as she turned the lights off. Nick stood by the door, casually leaning against the frame, waiting.

Chas smiling to him “You really didn’t have to wait, you know. I could’ve just taken the bus.”

“And let you walk to the station alone this late? Not a chance. My car’s right outside.” Nick said

Chas answer hesitantly “It’s sweet, Nick, but I can manage. You’ve already had coffee and stayed late to talk—”

Nick cutting her off “Chas, just let me drive you. Humor me, okay?”

Chas sighed, seeing the determination in his eyes.

Chas relenting “Fine. But only because I’m too tired to argue.”

Nick grinned, stepping aside to let her out before leading her to his car. The ride started in comfortable silence, the soft hum of the engine filling the air.

Nick breaking the silence “So, why the part-time job? You don’t strike me as someone who just likes to keep busy.”

Chas glanced at him, her fingers fiddling with the strap of her bag. “It’s not just for fun, that’s for sure. My foster parents have been paying my tuition since I started college, and I feel bad. They’ve already done so much for me—raising me, sending me to school, everything. I want to help where I can, at least with dorm taxes and other expenses.”

Nick nodded, his hands gripping the steering wheel a little tighter. “That’s admirable, but it sounds like a lot to juggle. College alone can be overwhelming.”

Chas shrugging“It is, but it’s worth it. They’ve done so much for me. This is the least I can do.”

Nick didn’t reply immediately, his gaze focused on the road ahead. “You know, you don’t have to do it all by yourself. There’s no shame in accepting help.”

Chas answer him softly“I know. But I just… feel like I owe them.

Nick glanced over at her for a moment, the sincerity in her voice making him pause. He could tell there was more behind her words, something deeper than just a sense of responsibility. It was the weight of gratitude and perhaps a little pride. He wasn’t sure, but he understood that feeling.

Nick answer her carefully“I get it. But you don’t have to carry everything on your own. You deserve to have support too, Chas. Don’t forget that.”

Chas looked out the window, her thoughts momentarily drifting. She wasn’t used to hearing that from someone, and certainly not from someone like Nick. She knew what he meant, but part of her still struggled with the idea of leaning on others.

Chas answer quietly “It’s just… hard to ask. I’ve always been independent, you know? I don’t want to be a burden.”

Nick answer her softly “I get it. But it doesn’t make you weak. We all need help sometimes. And it’s okay to let people in.”

They drove in silence for a few moments, Chas mulling over his words. The car hummed steadily as Nick maneuvered through the streets. His offer of support lingered in her mind, the comfort of it almost foreign but not unwelcome.

As they approached her building, the familiar sight of her dorm complex came into view. Chas felt a little hesitant, not wanting this unexpected evening to end just yet.

“Thanks, Nick,” she said with a faint smile, her hands resting on her lap. “I guess I’m not used to people being so considerate.”

Nick smiled back, his gaze softening. “I think you’re more used to doing for others than receiving. You’re not alone in that, though. Trust me.”

He pulled into a parking spot near her entrance and turned off the engine. Chas glanced out the window at the quiet building, lit with the faint glow of dorm room windows. She turned toward him, her eyes meeting his once again. There was something calming about the way he spoke, the way he cared without judgment.

“Well, I really appreciate the ride… and the company,” she said sincerely.

Nick leaned slightly against the steering wheel, his expression warm. “Anytime, Chas. Seriously.”

A beat of silence passed between them, the air filled with unspoken words. Nick gave her a small smile, one that felt like an invitation for something more, something beyond the casual nature of their earlier interactions.

Chas hesitated for a moment, her hand resting on the door handle, unsure if she was ready to leave the comfort of his presence just yet.

“So,” she teased, her voice lightening the mood, “should I expect more late-night coffee runs, or was this a one-time thing?”

Nick raised an eyebrow, leaning back in his seat with a mischievous glint in his eyes. “If you’re lucky, maybe I’ll make it a weekly habit.”

Chas laughed lightly, the sound lifting the weight off her shoulders. “I’ll hold you to that, then.”

She opened the door, stepping out of the car, but as she began to close it, Nick’s voice stopped her.

“Wait,” he said, unbuckling his seatbelt and getting out on his side.

Chas turned back, her hand pausing on the door. “What are you doing?”

Nick rounded the car and stood beside her, hands tucked casually into his pockets. “Walking you to your door. It’s late, and I’m not about to let you go up alone.”

She blinked, caught off guard by the gesture. “Nick, I’m fine. It’s not like I haven’t done this a million times.”

“Maybe,” he said, his voice calm but firm. “But tonight, you’re not doing it alone. Humor me.”

Chas stared at him for a moment, her lips twitching into a smile despite herself. “You’re really stubborn, you know that?”

He smirked, gesturing toward the entrance. “You’ll get used to it. Lead the way.”

She sighed playfully but felt a warmth spread through her chest as she started toward the building. Nick walked beside her, his tall frame a comforting presence in the quiet night.

“So,” he said after a few steps, “what’s the verdict on my late-night chauffeur skills? Passable?”

Chas glanced at him, a laugh escaping her. “Passable? I’d say you’ve set a pretty high bar. Don’t let it go to your head, though.”

“Too late,” Nick replied with a grin. “I’m already planning my acceptance speech for the Best Late-Night Driver award.”

They reached the entrance to the dorm, and Chas took the key out of her pocket. As she unlocked the dorm room.“Well,” she said, turning back to face him, “this is me.”

“Thanks again, Nick. You really didn’t have to walk me up, but I appreciate it.” Chas thanking him again

Nick gave her a nod, his hands stuffed into the pockets of his coat. He couldn’t help but glance past her shoulder into the small, dimly lit space beyond. It was modest—barely enough room for a single bed, a desk piled with books, and a tiny kitchenette tucked into the corner.

He frowned slightly, though he quickly masked it before she could notice. The thought of Chas living here, working so hard every day and juggling everything on her own, stirred something in him.

“This is where you stay?” He asked quietly

Chas hesitated, her hand still on the door handle.

She nodded, her expression casual. “Yeah. It’s not much, but it does the job. Dorm life, you know?”

Nick stood there for a moment, silent, his eyes scanning the space again. He leaned slightly against the doorframe, his thoughts running faster than he could sort through them.

Nick answer thoughtfully “You do all that you do, and this is where you come back to? After everything?”

Chas confused, but smiling “It’s not as bad as it looks. I’ve got a roof over my head, and it’s close to campus. I’m used to it.”

Nick’s jaw tightened, but he forced a small smile, not wanting to come off as patronizing. It wasn’t the size of the space that bothered him—it was the idea of her working herself to exhaustion just to keep up with everything, all while living in a place that didn’t seem to reflect her efforts.

Nick say to her softly “You deserve better,Chas.”

Chas blinked, caught off guard by the weight in his voice. She tilted her head slightly, studying him.

She answer gently “Nick, it’s fine. Really. I’ve been through worse. This? This is a step up.”

His gaze softened as he met her eyes. She wasn’t complaining—if anything, she sounded proud of how far she’d come. But Nick couldn't shake the feeling that someone like Chas shouldn’t have to settle for “just fine.”

“Still, it doesn’t feel fair. Someone who gives as much as you do should have more. A little more comfort, at least.”Nick said

Chas laughing lightly“Life isn’t always fair, Nick. But it’s okay. I’m okay.”

Nick nodded, though the unease in his chest remained. He straightened up, stepping back slightly. “If you ever need anything, Chas…anything at all, just say the word, okay?”

Chas’s smile softened, and for a moment, she felt a warmth spread through her chest. He wasn’t just being polite—there was genuine care in his words.“Thanks, Nick.That means a lot.”

They stood there for a moment longer, the quiet of the hallway wrapping around them. Chas shifted slightly, unsure how to end the night.“Well, I should probably get some sleep. You should too—musician hours or not."

Nick chuckled, the tension easing just a little. “Fair enough. Goodnight, Chas.”

“Goodnight, Nick.”As she stepped inside and closed the door, Nick lingered for a moment, staring at the closed door in thought. He wasn’t entirely sure why, but something about Chas—the way she carried herself, her determination, her humility—made him feel like he wanted to do more for her.

Shaking his head, he turned and made his way down the stairs, but the image of her small dorm and her quiet resilience stayed with him all the way home.

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