The Surprising Encounter

"I hope Liam wasn’t too much trouble today. And don’t forget—same time next week, but a little earlier this time," Miss Anderson said with a polite smile.

I chuckled awkwardly, playing along even though I knew she was subtly reminding me to be punctual. She handed me my pay, bid me goodnight, and gently shut the door behind her.

The night air was crisp as I stepped outside, and I instinctively wrapped my arms around myself. The streets were quiet, only the distant hum of passing cars filling the silence. I quickened my pace, eager to get home.

Halfway there, I stopped by my favorite convenience store to grab some midnight snacks. The warm glow of the overhead lights and the familiar scent of packaged goods made me relax a little as I picked out a few things.

When I reached the register, I pulled out some cash, ready to pay.

That’s when I felt it.

A slow, deliberate breath against the back of my neck.

My body tensed, and I spun around instantly, heart pounding—

Only to come face to face with Jamie, grinning at me with a bottle of alcohol in one hand and a pack of gummies in the other.

"Hey, beautiful. What’s up?" he said smoothly.

I scoffed, rolling my eyes as I turned back to the cashier. Trying to act as cool as possible, I paid for my things and walked out without another word.

Just as I was about to hop on my bike, I heard rapid footsteps behind me. Before I could react, Jamie was suddenly in front of me, breathless from sprinting.

"Hey, look, I know we started off on the wrong page," he said, his voice softer than usual. "But did you really have to avoid me all last week? Am I really that bad?" His eyes searched mine, a mix of amusement and something else—something almost sincere.

"Yes," I said flatly, gripping my handlebars.

I was just about to push past him when he reached out, gently stopping me by holding onto my folded arms.

"Come on," he pleaded. "At least give me a chance to prove I’m not as bad as you think."

I exhaled sharply, staring down at his hand on my wrist before looking up at him. His usual cocky smirk was missing, replaced by something almost... genuine.

"Jamie," I started, trying to keep my voice steady, "I don't have time for this."

"Then make time." His grip on my wrist was light, but there was something in his tone—something persistent. "One conversation. That’s all I’m asking for."

I sighed, glancing around. The last thing I wanted was to be standing outside a convenience store, arguing with him in the middle of the night.

"Fine," I said, pulling my hand back and crossing my arms. "Say what you need to say."

Jamie ran a hand through his hair, looking oddly relieved. "Look, I get it. You’ve heard things about me, right? About how I flirt, how I don’t take anything seriously—"

"Glad we’re on the same page," I cut in.

He chuckled. "Okay, fair. But maybe, just maybe, you don’t know the full story."

I raised an eyebrow. "And let me guess—you’re going to tell me that everyone’s wrong? That deep down, you’re just a misunderstood guy who actually has a heart of gold?"

Jamie smirked. "Wow, you really think I’m that predictable?"

"Yes."

He laughed, shaking his head. "Alright, Julia, I get it. You don’t trust me. But if I were really as bad as you think, would I be standing here, chasing after a girl who clearly wants nothing to do with me?"

I hesitated. He had a point—one I hated to admit.

"Maybe," I muttered, looking away. "Maybe you just like the challenge."

Jamie sighed, stuffing his hands into his pockets. "Look, I won’t force you to believe anything. But I’m not the guy you think I am. And I’d like a chance to prove that to you."

His words hung between us, the night air heavy with something unspoken.

I swallowed, gripping the strap of my bag. "And what if I don’t care?"

Jamie tilted his head, studying me with those unreadable eyes. Then, with a small smirk, he shrugged.

"Then I guess I’ll just have to change your mind."

I rolled my eyes, swinging my leg over my bike. "Good luck with that."

Before he could say anything else, I pushed off, pedaling down the quiet street, feeling his gaze on me the entire way.

Halfway down the street, I heard Jamie shouting after me.

"Hey! So, do you accept my apology?"

I hit the brakes and glanced back. "What apology?"

He let out a small chuckle, rubbing the back of his neck. "Julia Watson, I’m sorry for what I said outside the lecture hall. Will you accept my heartfelt apology?"

I smirked, crossing my arms. "You’re gonna have to do better than that, Mr. Smooth."

Jamie raised an eyebrow. "Like what?"

I tapped my chin, pretending to think before a mischievous grin spread across my face. "I want you to yell—loud enough for the whole neighborhood to hear—that you’re a jackass who loves eating ass."

His eyes widened in shock. "You’re kidding."

I shrugged. "Guess you’re not that sorry, then."

I turned back to my bike, laughing to myself, when suddenly—

"HELLO, EVERYONE! JUST IN CASE YOU DIDN’T KNOW—I’M A JACKASS WHO LOVES EATING ASS!"

I spun around, my jaw practically hitting the pavement. Jamie stood there, red-faced but grinning, hands in his pockets like he hadn’t just embarrassed himself in front of an entire street.

"Well?" he asked, still catching his breath. "Do you accept my apology now?"

I tried to hold it in, but a small giggle slipped out. Then, before I knew it, I was doubling over in full-blown laughter, struggling to breathe.

Jamie groaned. "Jesus, I see you couldn't wait to make me say that, huh?"

I wiped away a tear, shaking my head as my laughter died down. Then, with a softened expression, I turned back to my bike.

"Apology accepted," I said, flashing him a teasing smile. "See you on Monday, Mr. Carter."

And with that, I pedaled off, leaving Jamie standing there, still red-faced—but laughing right along with me.

But as much as I wanted to shake the conversation from my head, Jamie’s words lingered.

Maybe you don’t know the full story.

And for the first time since meeting him, I wondered if there was more to Jamie Carter than I originally thought.