Slow It Down

Part 6 •REWRITTEN•

He surprisingly nodded, his expression understanding. "You've got nothing to worry about. You're kind, strong, independent. No reason for anyone not to like you."

If only he knew.

His words were meant to reassure me, but they only made my stomach turn. I wasn't strong. I wasn't independent. I relied on Kayce and Natalie more than I wanted to admit, and even now, I felt like I was playing a part. Pretending I belonged here. Pretending I was someone worthy of attention.

I blinked, shaking myself out of my thoughts. "Yeah, I'll be fine." I reassured myself.

I exhaled slowly through my nose, shaking the thoughts away as we neared the café. The hum of conversation and clinking of dishes filtered through the air. The small red brick building was lined with hints of greenery— hanging plants, ivy creeping up one side, and strands of warm, glowing lights draped across the outdoor seating area. Some students sat hunched over laptops and textbooks, chatting over steaming cups of coffee.

The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, and it slightly helped with the cold knot of nerves still lodged in my stomach.

Inside, the scent of freshly brewed espresso and vanilla filled the air, mixing with the slightly louder hum of conversation. It was busier than I expected, with students scattered at nearly every table, their faces illuminated by laptop screens or buried in thick books. It felt like the kind of place I could lose myself in, spend hours curled up in a corner writing without feeling out of place.

"This is really nice," I murmured as Nate led the way to the counter.

"Told you. It's the best spot on campus," he said with a proud smile. "I practically live here."

He rattled off his order first, a white mocha latte, before stepping aside for me. I hesitated for only a second before deciding on my usual—a caramel iced latte with extra caramel drizzle. I would never get tired of caramel.

When the total popped up, I reached for my wallet in the side pocket of my bag, but before I could even unzip it, Nate handed over his card.

I frowned, opening my mouth to argue, but he only grinned. "This was to make up for Friday, remember?"

I sighed in defeat. "Fine, but no more 'making up' after this. You don't need to feel guilty over a spilled drink for the rest of your life."

He laughed, grabbing the receipt before leading me to an open table by the window. The afternoon sun filtered through the glass, casting a warm glow over the wooden floors. As I took a seat, Nate pulled out my chair for me, and I bit back a smile.

"You're cute when you look surprised, you know that?"

My brain short-circuited.

He said it so casually, like it was just another fact, like I was supposed to know that already. I could feel my cheeks heating, my tongue struggling to form a response, and—oh god, he was smirking now.

"Well—I, uh—um—"

Nate threw his head back, laughing, while I groaned and dropped my forehead onto the table. Smooth, Lilah. Real smooth.

Thankfully an employee strolled over and placed our drinks down, saving me from my embarrassment. We both grabbed our cups and took a sip, and the moment the caramel flavor hit my tongue, I immediately know why this place was so popular. God, I was going to get fat from coming here everyday now.

A voice suddenly interrupted. "You never texted me back, whore."

Natalie.

I groaned again as she plopped into the seat beside me, slinging an arm around my shoulders. Nate nearly choked on his drink, coughing as he set his cup down. I giggled at his reaction before turning to her.