The End of Beginning

The day dragged on like molasses, every task in the bookstore feeling like it was taking longer than it should. Julia rearranged bookshelves, wiped down counters, and even reorganized the small children's section that no one would notice. Her mind, however, refused to stop spinning.

Stop thinking about it, she told herself. She wasn't going to waste more energy on the whole mess.

By the time she closed the bookstore and got home, Julia was desperate for a distraction. She had spent the day convincing herself she was fine, but the truth was, her mind kept going back to Joe.

Julia sighed as she sank deeper into her couch, opening Hinge on her phone. Swiping through profiles had become second nature—gym selfies, guys holding fish, awkward group shots where she had to guess which one she was supposed to be interested in.

Then she landed on Luke.

Dark hair, easygoing smile, and a bio that actually made her laugh. His "Most irrational fear" answer read:

"That I'll wave back at someone who wasn't actually waving at me."

Julia smirked and liked his profile. Within minutes, a message popped up.

LUKE: So if I waved at you right now, would you wave back?

JULIA: Depends. Are you actually waving, or am I about to embarrass myself?

LUKE: Definitely waving. Full commitment.

JULIA: Then I guess I'd wave back. Maybe with slight hesitation.

LUKE: Good to know. So, bookstore owner, do I pass whatever secret test you use to judge people's reading habits?

Julia smiled. He seemed normal. Easy to talk to.

JULIA: For now. But I might need more data. Want to meet for a drink and give me a chance to overanalyze you in person?

LUKE: Risky, but I'm in. When and where?

They planned to meet at a bar down the street at 8. She glanced at her watch. It was already 7, but she didn't care. A drink, a little conversation, maybe it'd help clear her head.

She quickly got ready, tossing on a black dress that was easy but flattering and a pair of ankle boots. She didn't want to overthink it.

At the bar, Luke was already there. Handsome and a confident smile. Just her type.

They ordered drinks, and the conversation flowed smoothly. He was flirtatious, attractive, and attentive. They talked about their jobs, their favorite places to go in the city, and their random interests. But it didn't take long for Julia to realize that although he was fun, they didn't have much in common.

Still, she was enjoying herself, and his flirtation kept things light.

By the time they were finishing their drinks, Luke leaned in a little closer, his smile playful. "You know, I'm having a great time. You're fun, Julia."

She smiled back, not really sure what to say. "You're not so bad yourself, Luke."

He leaned in and kissed her. She wasn't overly interested in him, but she appreciated the distraction, so she kissed him back.

It was late by the time they left the bar. He walked her to his apartment, and despite the nagging feeling that she wasn't doing anything to solve her problems, Julia found herself having sex with this mostly-stranger.

Julia slipped out of his apartment early the next morning, not wanting to stay. She felt a twinge of guilt for leaving like that, but something about it made her feel less attached, less vulnerable.

Once home, she collapsed into bed, exhausted but restless. Her phone buzzed on the nightstand. She grabbed it, hoping it was Chloe with a funny meme or just some random text.

CHLOE: Uhhh, have you ever seen the show Stranger Things on Netflix???

Julia rubbed her eyes. JULIA: No, I haven't.

CHLOE: I'm gonna need you to turn it on and watch it like NOW.

Julia raised an eyebrow, intrigued. JULIA: Why, what's so great about it?

CHLOE: You're not going to believe me. You need to just watch it ASAP.

Julia let out a small laugh. Well, if Chloe thought it was that good, maybe it would be a better distraction than sleeping with someone.

She was wrong.