Chapter 3: A Chance Encounter
Ava spent the rest of the day lost in thought, her mind wandering back to the stranger she had met earlier. She couldn't believe how much of an impact he had made on her, how much she couldn't stop thinking about him.
As the sun began to set, Ava decided to take a walk around the town to clear her head. She strolled past the quaint shops and restaurants, waving hello to the familiar faces she passed.
As she turned a corner, Ava heard the sound of laughter and music coming from the town square. She followed the sound and found herself in the middle of a lively outdoor concert.
Ava's eyes scanned the crowd, taking in the smiling faces and tapping feet. And then, she saw him – Liam, the stranger from earlier, standing off to the side with a guitar slung over his shoulder.
Ava's heart skipped a beat as their eyes met across the crowd. Liam smiled, and Ava felt her face heat up with a blush.
She made her way through the crowd, her eyes locked on Liam's. As she approached, he set down his guitar and walked towards her.
"Hey again," he said, his voice low and smooth. "I didn't expect to run into you again so soon."
Ava smiled, feeling a sense of excitement and nervousness. "I could say the same," she replied. "What brings you here tonight?"
Liam gestured to the stage. "I'm playing a set later. I love music, and this is a great way for me to relax and express myself."
Ava's eyes widened in surprise. "You're a musician?"
Liam nodded. "Guilty as charged."
As they talked, Ava found herself feeling more and more at ease around Liam. She couldn't believe how much she was enjoying his company, how much she felt like she could be herself around him.
As the night wore on, Ava realized that she didn't want it to end. She didn't want to say goodbye to Liam and go back to her normal routine.
But as the concert came to a close, Liam glanced at his watch and frowned. "I'm so sorry, Ava, but I have to go. I have an early meeting tomorrow."
Ava nodded, trying to hide her disappointment. "It was great running into you again," she said, smiling up at him.
Liam smiled back, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Definitely," he replied. "Maybe I'll see you around town again soon?"
Ava's heart skipped a beat at the suggestion. "I'd like that," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
As Liam turned and walked away, Ava couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and possibility. She had no idea what the future held, but she couldn't wait to find out.