Unplanned Encounters

The coffee shop near campus was Ava’s safe zone.

Muted indie music, the hiss of the espresso machine, the warm scent of roasted beans—this was where she recharged. No parties, no chaos, no Liam Carter smirks. Just caffeine and contracts.

At least, that was the plan.

She had just settled into her usual corner with a caramel latte and her laptop when a too-familiar voice slithered across the room.

“Ava.”

Her spine went rigid. She didn’t need to look up to know. Ethan Matthews.

He stood in line, looking almost exactly as he had the day they broke up: pressed shirt, clean-shaven jaw, confidence radiating like cologne. Her pulse ticked faster. She hated that her body still recognized him, even if her heart didn’t.

“Hey,” Ethan said smoothly, sliding into the chair across from her without asking. “Didn’t think I’d see you here.”

“Clearly.” Ava’s fingers tightened on her coffee cup.

“You look good,” he said, smiling like he owned the words. “Busy as ever?”

“Yes.” She turned back to her laptop, hoping he’d take the hint.

But Ethan had always thrived on ignoring hints. “You know, I was thinking about us the other day. About how good we were together.”

Her jaw clenched. “We’re not doing this.”

“Come on, Ava.” His voice dropped to that coaxing register she once fell for. “We had plans. You, me, the future—”

“That was your plan.”

He blinked, thrown off for half a second.

Before he could recover, another voice cut in. Smooth, teasing, and deeply unwelcome.

“Well, if it isn’t my two favorite people.”

Ava’s heart sank. Liam Carter.

Of course.

He strolled up with his camera slung across his chest, jeans dusted with flour like he’d just left a bakery. He slid into the seat beside Ava like he’d been invited, flashing Ethan a grin that was all teeth.

“Carter,” Ethan said flatly.

“Matthews,” Liam replied, equally flat. Then, turning to Ava: “Funny running into you. Again. Fate must be obsessed with us.”

Ava pinched the bridge of her nose. “Do you two mind not turning this into some kind of gladiator arena?”

But Ethan wasn’t listening. “So this is why you’ve been ignoring me?” His gaze sharpened. “You and him?”

Ava’s cheeks burned. “No! Absolutely not.”

“Relax, Matthews,” Liam drew, leaning back in his chair. “If Ava wanted me, she wouldn’t be wasting her time on you.”

Ethan’s fists clenched. “You’ve got a big mouth for someone who can’t commit to anything real.”

“And you’ve got a big ego for someone who couldn’t hold on to her,” Liam shot back.

The air snapped like static. Ava’s head whipped between them, caught in the tension.

“Enough,” she hissed. “This isn’t happening.” She shoved her laptop into her bag, stood, and made it to the door.

Liam rose instantly, following. Ethan didn’t move.

Outside, cool air hit her lungs. Ava quickened her pace, heels striking pavement, but Liam caught up.

“Daniels, wait—”

She spun. “What the hell was that?”

He looked genuinely confused. “Me stopping Ethan from steamrolling you. You’re welcome.”

“I didn’t ask for a knight in a shining leather jacket!”

“Yeah, well, you needed one.”

Her pulse stuttered. “I don’t need saving.”

“No,” Liam said quietly, eyes locked on hers. “You need someone who doesn’t treat you like a checkbox on a to-do list.”

The words hit harder than she wanted to admit. She hated that her chest tightened, hated the sincerity in his gaze.

Before she could answer, Jessie texted: Where are you? Party tonight. Be ready.

Ava shoved her phone away, breaking the moment. “Stay out of my business, Carter.”

But as she walked away, Liam’s words echoed in her mind, louder than Ethan’s ever had.

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