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It was one of those rare days when Amara had to step out herself. Some of her sewing supplies had run out, and though she could have easily sent someone from the supplier's store to deliver them, she preferred to go personally this time.
There was something about carefully choosing her own fabrics and inspecting the tools with her own eyes that felt grounding. It wasn't about trust—it was simply her nature. If she wanted it done right, she'd rather do it herself.
The streets were busy as usual, the afternoon sun casting long shadows across the sidewalks. She walked briskly, her steps steady, her mind already calculating how quickly she could return to her workbench.
As she turned a corner, her shoulder lightly bumped into someone coming from the opposite direction. She instinctively stepped back, her lips parting to offer a short apology.
Before she could speak, the familiar voice spoke first, laced with a teasing calm.
"Guess who's bumping into who now?"
Her gaze lifted, and there he was—Xavier, standing just a step away, looking amused but perfectly composed.
Amara blinked, honestly surprised to see him here, outside the predictable walls of her shop. "You again," she said plainly, her voice cool but not rude.
"Yeah, me again," Xavier said, a soft grin tugging at his lips. "I was just passing through. Funny how we keep crossing paths."
Her arms crossed lightly, unimpressed. "Seems more like coincidence to me."
"Maybe." His eyes flickered to the bag in her hand. "Running errands?"
"Not errands," she corrected. "I came to pick up some supplies. Things finished sooner than I expected."
"Couldn't someone bring them to you?" he asked, genuinely curious.
"They could. But I prefer doing things myself," she said simply, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Some choices, I don't leave to others."
There was a small pause. He has to admit she sure has a way with words, and her unwavering opinion of being alone and doing things herself. It makes him wonder what could've caused that in her.
"I guess you like being in control," he said, his tone light.
"I guess I like getting things done right," she countered.
He smiled at that, not pressing further. "Need a ride back?"
Amara hesitated. It wasn't her habit to accept offers from people she barely knew outside the shop. But the distance wasn't short, and her bag was beginning to feel heavier than she cared to admit.
"I was going to walk," she said, not fully rejecting the offer.
"I'm heading that way," Xavier shrugged. "I won't even charge you for the ride."
A small breath of amusement escaped her lips. "How generous."
"It's a one-time offer," he added, unlocking his car. "Say no, and you'll never get the chance again."
Amara studied him briefly, weighing her options. In the end, practicality won. She wasn't in the mood to argue with herself over a simple lift.
"Fine," she said, moving towards the car. "might as well take your offer."
"Trust me," he said as he opened the door for her. "You should be honored that I'm dropping you off, I don't do that to a lot of people you know."
The ride was mostly quiet, filled with only the soft hum of the engine and the occasional directions from Amara. Xavier didn't try to fill the silence with unnecessary talk, and Amara appreciated that more than she realized.
As they neared her shop, Xavier spoke again, keeping his eyes on the road. "So… no more bumping into each other after this?"
"That would be ideal," she said flatly, though there was the faintest trace of dry humor in her voice.
He smiled but didn't push it. When he pulled up in front of her shop, Amara stepped out without hesitation.
"Thanks for the ride," she said, not offering a wave or lingering smile—just the simple courtesy the situation required.
"Anytime," Xavier replied, his tone casual, as though it was no big deal.
Without another word, Amara closed the door, adjusted the strap of her bag, and walked into her shop as if nothing had happened.
And truly, in her mind, nothing had.
Just a coincidence. Just a ride. Just a stranger she kept bumping into.
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