The End of Beginning

The sun was low in the sky, casting a warm glow through the windows as Julia and Chloe lounged on the couch in her apartment. They were both sprawled out in their cozy clothes, sipping tea and chatting.

"So," Chloe said, raising an eyebrow. "You had a nice time last night, huh?"

Julia sighed and leaned back into the couch, rolling her eyes. "Ugh, I don't know. It was... fine. Interesting that he recognized me from the street though. I can't tell if he was just being friendly or maybe he is, like, weirdly interested in me?"

Chloe leaned forward, her curiosity piqued. "And?"

"I mean, he was charming, and honestly, he's hard not to be drawn to once you start talking with him. But I really don't know what to think. He's so... casual about everything. And then I remembered what Ryan said about him being a mess with relationships, and I don't think I want to get involved in all that."

Chloe nodded thoughtfully. "So, do you think you'll see him again?"

Julia shrugged. "I don't know. I think I'm more confused than before. I didn't expect him to grow on me like that, you know?"

Chloe gave her a knowing look.

Julia groaned and pulled a pillow over her face. "This is the worst. He's just so... ugh, confusing. I'm overthinking it, I know."

"Fair enough." Chloe gave a little chuckle. "You just need to stop falling for the charming guys who aren't good for you."

Julia rolled her eyes. "Thanks, Chloe. Really needed that pep talk," she said, tossing her throw pillow at her.

Chloe smirked. "No problem," she paused before asking, "Anyway, what about Ryan? When are we hanging out with him again?"

Julia raised an eyebrow. "What, you miss him already?"

Chloe's cheeks turned pink. "No! I'm just curious when he's free. You know, hanging out with your brother is fun sometimes."

Julia grinned. "Uh-huh, sure. I'll make plans right after you finish daydreaming about him."

Chloe scoffed, tossing the throw pillow back at her. "Shut up."

A few days later, Julia was behind the counter at the bookstore, sorting through a stack of new arrivals. The door jingled as a customer entered, and she looked up, ready to greet them. But when her gaze landed on the tall figure standing in the doorway, her heart skipped a beat.

There, smiling that damn charming smile, was Joe. He looked more like he did the first time they met – messy hair tucked under a beanie and casual clothes. Once again, his face was mostly hidden under sunglasses before he took them off and looked at Julia.

She lifted a hand, giving a shy wave. "Hey, what are you doing here?" she said, her voice coming out a little awkward.

Joe smirked at her, as if he found her awkwardness amusing. "I had a feeling this bookstore might be yours, so I wanted to check it out. Guess I was right."

Her cheeks flushed, and she gave him a small smile, trying to hide the nervous flutter in her stomach. He walked toward the shelves, his gaze scanning the books as if he had all the time in the world.

Julia turned back to the counter, feeling the uncomfortable weight of their brief exchange. Before she could get the courage to say anything else to him, she heard the door jingle again.

A younger, blonde woman stepped inside. Not the usual type that came into the bookstore – she looked like a model. She was wearing a tight sweater and a flirty grin as she walked straight up to Joe, calling out, "Hey, baby."

Julia froze as the girl wrapped her arm around Joe's, and he smiled down at her, squeezing her hand.

The girl sweetly pecked him on the cheek. "How's your day going?"

Joe's smile softened, but there was something in the way he responded that made Julia's skin crawl. "Good. Busy, but good."

The blonde giggled and then turned toward the fiction section, pulling Joe with her. Julia stood there still frozen, a pang of discomfort twisting in her chest.

She watched them walk around the bookstore, Joe casually chatting with the girl, and the whole scene made her feel embarrassed that she spent the last few days thinking about him.

As the couple continued to browse, Julia let out a shaky breath. She tried to shake off the uncomfortable feeling, but it lingered.

When the couple finally made their way to the counter to check out, Julia forced herself to smile as she rang them up. "Anything else?" she asked, keeping her voice steady.

"No, we're good, thanks," Joe said, glancing at her with that same casual, charming look. He didn't seem to notice that she was struggling to keep it together.

After they left, Julia stood behind the counter, staring down at her phone as if it could distract her. She quickly texted Chloe.

JULIA: Well, guess who walked in with a girlfriend today? Called him "baby" and everything.

She stared at the message for a moment before hitting send, wondering if she could talk herself out of this feeling.