Talking about moving out & The hot guy
It's another Sunday, family dinner tense, quiet, the sound of cutlery clinking louder than it should.
Anna sat at the table, her plate barely touched. Across from her, Lily scrolled on her phone, Alan was hunched over his pasta, and Mark was humming softly to himself.
Diane, her mother, glanced up.
Diane Northwest
You're not eating.
Anna said quietly, then looked at Marcus, her dad, for courage.
He smiled softly encouraging but silent. Anna took a breath, her fingers tightening around her fork.
Anna Northwest
I've decided.... I'm moving out.
Anna Northwest
I'm moving in with Layla. She found an apartment, and I'm going to help with rent.
Diane Northwest
What are you talking about? Since when?
Anna Northwest
Since I decided I want space,
Anna replied voice softly but steady.
Anna Northwest
I need to grow up on my own.
Lily Northwest
You can barely keep your keys on you. You think you're ready to handle bills and a lease?
Anna Northwest
I'll figure it out.
Diane sat her fork down, sharp.
Diane Northwest
You'll off to play dress up with that reckless friend instead of focusing on college?
Anna voice cracked slightly.
Anna Northwest
Layla believes in me more than you ever have.
Marcus cleared his throat.
Marcus Northwest
Let her go if it's what she needs.
Diane Northwest
Fine. Go. But don't come crawling back when it gets hard.
Mark looked at her, hurt in his eyes.
Mark Northwest
Can I still visit?
Anna's tone softened instantly.
Anna Northwest
Of course, little bro, always.
Anna walked upstairs, and walked in her bedroom.
Closed the door behind her
And started crying her heart out.
Anna wasn't used to the city's energy yet. After decided to move in with Layla, the pace still caught her off guard especially when Layla dragged her to their new favorite cafe, "Grind Theory," a place buzzing with indie playlists and too many hot people in flannel.
She walked in first, turning to say something to Layla behind her only to collide smack into a hard, warm chest. Espresso flew. So did Anna's nerves.
Anna Northwest
Oh my god I'm so sorry!
She stammered, eyes widening as her instinctively landed on bare skin. Bare. Skin. The man she bumped into shirtless under a zip-down hoodie stood completely still, blinking slowly like her touch short circuited something. Drops of coffee ran down his toned abs.
His hair was damp, like he'd just come from a workout or maybe a shower, and his towel wait, was that a towel? Peeked out from his open hoodie just barely covering his...
Anna Northwest
Y-you're not wearing a shirt,
Anna blurted, then mentally slapped herself. Duh.
He said, voice gravel smooth, one eyebrow raised, amused. Layla choked on her iced matcha.
Anna Northwest
I-i didn't mean to grab..uh...touch...your abs. Not that they're not nice, because they're very nice. I mean...
Anna backed up still hit a chair.
The man finally chuckled, low and wicked, sending a tremor straight through her.
Caleb Reed cho
Maybe I should be the one apologizing,
He said, lips tugging into a smirk.
Caleb Reed cho
Didn’t mean to give you a front-row seat to... this.
Anna Northwest
I didn't mind the view,
She mumbled before realizing her mouth betrayed her brain. His smirk deepened.
Caleb Reed cho
Good to know.
Layla, who had completely abandoned pretending not to watch, gave a theatrical cough.
Layla Green (Anna's friend)
Anna. Introduce yourself before you propose.
He replied, eyes lingering like he was already trying to memorize her. They stared a second longer than polite. Layla grinned, sipping her matcha.
Layla Green (Anna's friend)
Wow. This is better than Tinder.
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