Page 105 of Boots & Scars

My heart raced like a jackrabbit. River Styx hummed with the start of spring quarter, students buzzing around like bees, filling the space with laughter and conversation. Sunlight streamed through large windows, casting a warm glow on the rustic wooden tables and mismatched chairs. The smell of fresh coffee and pastries lingered in the air, comforting yet overwhelming.

I glanced around, taking in the details to distract myself. The baristas worked behind a sleek counter, their movements fluid and practiced as they poured steaming drinks and arranged plates of food. A chalkboard menu above them listed today’s specials in colorful chalk—a mix of quirky names and even quirkier ingredients.

Students clustered in groups, their heads bent over laptops or textbooks. Some lounged on the worn-out couches near the back, looking more at home than in their own dorms. The walls were decorated with local art, vibrant paintings that added splashes of color to the otherwise muted tones.

Spring quarter had begun, and despite everything that had happened, I had thrown myself into my classes with fervor. There was something therapeutic about burying my nose in textbooks, focusing on lectures instead of memories that threatened to resurface.

I took a sip of my hot chocolate, the warm liquid doing little to calm my nerves. I wished Cooper were here beside me. His presence always had a way of grounding me, making everything seem more manageable. But this was something I needed to do alone. Independence tasted bittersweet after being so sheltered.

The door swung open, and in walked Ashley. Even I had to admit she was beautiful—effortlessly so. Her honey-brown hair cascaded in perfect waves, and she carried herself with a confidence that was almost palpable. I straightened in my seat, raising a hand in a tentative wave when her eyes scanned the room and landed on me.

Ashley sized me up as she approached, her gaze flickering over my face and taking in the lingering bruises with narrowed eyes. She didn't bother hiding her assessment, and I couldn't help but feel exposed under her scrutiny.

"Hi," I greeted warmly, forcing a smile. "My name is Everly." I extended my hand toward her, hoping to break the ice.

She arched a perfectly sculpted brow, staring at my hand for a moment before deciding not to take it. Instead, she slid into the seat across from me, crossing her legs and leaning back slightly, a picture of casual indifference.

"Why did you call to meet with me?" she asked, her tone sharp and direct.

I swallowed hard, pulling my hand back and placing it in my lap. The warmth I tried to project felt swallowed by the cold air between us. "I wanted to talk about Cooper," I said, choosing my words carefully. "I think there's been some misunderstandings."

Ashley's lips pressed into a thin line as she leaned forward slightly, her eyes narrowing even more. "Misunderstandings? Like what?"

Taking a deep breath, I held her gaze. "I know things have been... complicated between you two. And I understand why you might feel... upset or threatened by me."

She scoffed lightly but didn't interrupt.

"But Cooper's moved on," I continued, feeling my voice strengthen with each word. "And so have I. I'm not here to replace anyone or make things worse."

Ashley tapped her manicured nails on the table rhythmically, as if weighing my words. The silence stretched between us like a taut wire.

"You think you could possibly replace me?" Ashley asked with a scoff, her voice dripping with disdain.

"Absolutely not," I replied firmly. "I would never leave Cooper over a scrum on the ice. Nor would I make up lies about our relationship and who Cooper is as a person."

Ashley clenched her teeth, her eyes narrowing into slits. "Who are you to judge me?—"

"Cooper is the love of my life," I interrupted, leaning forward, cradling my cocoa.

"Your life?" Ashley's eyebrows shot up in mock surprise. "How old are you?"

"Right," I said with a smile that felt like it might crack my face. "Because I'm young, I know nothing. I forget how much older and wiser everyone is."

Ashley glanced away, her gaze darting to the door as if seeking an escape route. "If all you want to do is lecture me?—"

"I want you to recant what you said about Cooper," I cut in again, my voice steady. Part of me felt bad for interrupting her twice, but I needed to make my point.

Her jaw tightened, and she stared at me, the fire in her eyes barely contained. The tension between us was thick, hanging heavy in the air like a storm cloud about to burst.

"Why should I?" she finally spat out, her tone defiant.

"Because it's the right thing to do," I answered, my gaze unwavering. "And deep down, you know that." I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. “I called you here to implore to your morality, Ashley. Your concept of right and wrong. Slandering Cooper is wrong, even if the two of you didn’t work out.”

Ashley smirked, leaning forward. “Cooper is an asshole,” she said, her voice dripping with venom. “Those bruises on your face? They might not have come from him, but they will. He’s an angry person, and it’s only a matter of time before he takes it out on you.”

I gave her a long look, my heart aching at the thought of Cooper being misunderstood so deeply. “Cooper would never hurt me,” I said firmly. “He’s loyal, passionate, and blunt.”

“And you think you can change him?” Ashley asked, her eyes narrowing.

---