Between Then and Now (Hallow’s End #1)

8. Chapter 8

Chapter 8

T HE SOFT RUSTLE OF WIND outside my window stirred me awake, infusing a sense of calm into the morning. My small bedroom, with its rustic wooden furniture and quilted bedspread, radiated a warm, homey feel, and sunlight filtered through the lace curtains, casting gentle patterns on the walls. The once unfamiliar bed now felt like a comforting embrace, and the tranquillity of Hallow’s End was slowly but surely soothing my city-tuned nerves.

At the start of the week, I’d felt overwhelmed by everything. Just arriving in Hallow’s End had been a whirlwind and, after struggling to paint, I felt sad and homesick, missing the city’s constant hum of energy. That day had left me feeling lost, and I spent the rest of the week letting myself cry and process all the emotions I’d been suppressing. It was a much-needed step forward .

I kept to myself during the week, needing the solitude to work through my thoughts. This was, after all, supposed to be a holiday. Ivy, ever kind and welcoming, texted me every few days to check in, and our conversations were light and easy, a gentle way to build the beginnings of a friendship. She didn’t push, respecting my need for space, but her presence was a comforting reminder that I wasn’t alone in this little town.

Throughout the week, I spent a lot of time painting, experimenting with new colors and strokes. It was different from my usual style, but the act itself was soothing, offering a semblance of normalcy. The paintings were strange and unfamiliar, but they represented a motion towards something new, something that felt necessary.

Last night, Ivy had come over with a tub of ice cream. We watched movies and laughed, our shared company easy and relaxed. It wasn’t a deep conversation, but it was comforting to have someone there, sharing the space with me.

During this week, I also took practical steps toward figuring out my next move. I sorted through my finances, making a plan for the potential gallery. A list of next steps now sat on the kitchen counter, a tangible reminder of the future I could create. Yet, I still wasn’t entirely sure I could go through with it. The fear of failure and the weight of my parents’ expectations loomed large, but at least I felt somewhat prepared for when they inevitably called.

This week had been a time to breathe, to process, and to begin the slow work of moving forward. Now, on this fresh Monday morning, I was determined to make the most of it. It was time to get dressed and face the world outside.

I rummaged through my closet, searching for an outfit that would blend in with the town’s vibe, while still flaunting my city style. Ivy had promised to take me shopping this week if I was up for it, and I was looking forward to it.

I pulled on dark skinny jeans, a soft cream sweater with lace details, and stylish ankle boots. As I looked in the mirror, I sighed. The outfit looked nice but felt a bit off, like I was trying too hard to fit in.

With a final glance in the mirror, I grabbed my bag, eager to explore the town’s quirky, independent shops. I’d been thinking about them all week, curious to see what treasures they held. Ivy had mentioned she’d be at the Enchanted Quill, and suggested we grab lunch together during her break. I smiled at the thought, looking forward to catching up with her. It felt good to be excited about something again.

I grabbed my phone and keys, ready to head out, when my phone rang. I glanced at the screen and saw an unknown number. Curious, I answered.

“Hey, it’s Ethan,” came the familiar voice, slightly nervous but warm. “Hope you don’t mind that I asked Ivy for your number. I didn’t see you around town this week and, uh, just wanted to check in.”

A smile crept onto my face, my heart fluttering. “Hi, Ethan. No worries. It’s nice to hear from you.”

He continued, speaking a bit too quickly, “Yeah, sorry I didn’t reach out sooner. It’s been kind of crazy. You know, work and stuff. And then, this weekend I was helping my dad with his garden shed. The thing’s like, this old relic that’s somehow still standing, but barely. We were fixing it up, and I’m pretty sure we spent more time laughing at how it’s a miracle it hasn’t fallen apart yet.” Ethan laughed nervously. “Sorry, I’m going off on a tangent, aren’t I? I’m usually not this nervous. I just didn’t want you to think I was ignoring you after asking you out.”

His rambling was endearing, and I couldn’t help but chuckle. It was clear he was flustered, which only made him more charming. “It’s cute, really,” I reassured him, then immediately cringed, wondering if I was coming on too strong. Quickly, I cleared my throat and added, “I mean, it’s fine. Life gets busy.”

In the background, I could hear kids shouting, likely his students. “Anyway,” he continued, clearly trying to focus, “I was wondering if you’re free today for that coffee? I’m finishing around noon, and The Sunflower Bistro makes an amazing latte. No pressure, but I thought it could be nice.”

I could practically hear him holding his breath, waiting for my response. “That sounds perfect,” I said with a thrill of excitement. “Noon works for me.”

“Awesome! Great! I’ll see you then,” he replied, relief and happiness evident in his voice. A bell rang in the background, and he hurriedly added. “I should get back to class now. The kids are . . . well, you know,” he let out a small laugh.

“See you at twelve,” I said.

As soon as I ended the call, anticipation surged through me. After a week of moping and wallowing in my emotions, something in me had shifted. I was tired of feeling sad and uncertain, of being weighed down by the past. Now, I wanted to be this new version of myself—confident, bold, and ready to take on whatever came my way.

Maybe it was the idea of a fresh start in a new town, or maybe it was the thrill of someone like Ethan showing interest in me. But it felt good, like a shot of adrenaline. I was ready to put myself out there and take risks, even if it was just for a simple coffee date. It felt liberating, like a chance to prove to myself that I could move on and start anew.

After spending the morning exploring the town, I found myself standing outside The Sunflower Bistro, a bag full of goodies from the local shops swinging at my side. I had picked up a handmade candle scented with lavender and sage from Wick & Whimsy, a delicate silver bracelet from Trinkets & Treasures, and a jar of locally made honey from Sweet Haven Honey Shop.

Stepping into the bistro, warmth and the lively buzz of activity immediately enveloped me. Conversations mingled with the clinking of dishes, and the hiss of food sizzled in the open kitchen. Wooden tables and chairs contributed to the rustic charm, with the soft, buttery yellow walls surrounding it all.

Ethan sat at a corner table near the fireplace and, as I walked in, he looked up with a broad smile, genuine excitement lighting up his eyes. He wore a crisp white dress shirt under a knitted vest, the soft wool adding a casual touch to his otherwise polished look. The vest, which shouldn’t have worked on anyone else, somehow looked hot on him, accentuating his athletic frame.

A wave of self-consciousness hit me as I made my way toward him. I pushed a strand of hair away from my face, then quickly tugged off my scarf, stuffing it into my bag. I thought maybe I’d look a bit more sophisticated without it. As I approached the table, I nervously played with the dainty gold necklace I wore—a habit that surfaced whenever I felt anxious.

Ethan’s smile broadened as he looked up. “Hey, Vinnie,” he greeted warmly, standing to pull me into a brief hug. His arms were strong and comforting around me, and he smelled of fresh wood and zesty citrus, mixed with a hint of fresh cotton. The combination was both energizing and soothing, making my heart flutter a little. “You look great,” he added as he pulled back, his eyes bright with sincerity.

I felt a blush creep up my cheeks. “Thanks, Ethan. It’s nice to see you.” As he pulled out my chair, excitement fluttered in my chest at his thoughtful gesture. I smiled, settling into the chair and placing my bags on the seat next to me .

I glanced down at the menu, trying to steady my nerves. It had been so long since I’d been on a first date—if this even was a date—that I’d almost forgotten how jittery they could make me feel. The thought crossed my mind that Ethan hadn’t explicitly called it a date, and now I was overthinking it.

As I tried to sort through my thoughts, a waitress approached, ready to take our orders. Before she could say a word, Emily appeared beside her, quickly interjecting. “I’ve got this table,” she said, smiling down at Ethan with dreamy eyes.

“Hey, Ethan! How have you been?” Emily greeted him, completely ignoring me. I found it odd, especially since Emily had met me just the other day when Ivy and I were here. Maybe she didn’t remember, or perhaps she was just caught up in seeing Ethan. Either way, her focus solely on him made me feel a little out of place. I tried not to let it bother me, telling myself it was easy to forget faces in a busy place like this.

“Hey, Em,” Ethan replied, keeping his tone polite but neutral. He glanced briefly at me, perhaps sensing the awkwardness. “I’ve been good, thanks. Just busy with work and all.”

Emily giggled, twirling a lock of her blonde hair around her finger as she leaned in closer. Her soft makeup accentuated her striking blue eyes, which she fluttered at Ethan. “Work, huh? Always keeping you busy,” she purred, her voice taking on a more intimate tone. “We should catch up some time,” she added, her eyes lingering on him with clear intent. The subtle shift in her demeanor was unmistakable—she was clearly trying to capture his attention, her smile warm and inviting, almost desperate.

Ethan kept his polite smile and glanced at me before replying, “Yeah, lots of lesson planning and grading lately.” He brushed off Emily’s suggestion to catch up so smoothly that it eased the tension for me a little, though the situation still felt awkward .

He then gestured towards me, shifting the conversation. “Hey, Em, have you met Vinnie yet?” Ethan’s tone was friendly but had a subtle firmness, signalling his intent to include me in the conversation.

I cleared my throat, trying to break the awkwardness. “We’ve actually met before. I was here with Ivy the other day.”

She turned to me, her smile turning noticeably strained. “Oh, right! I remember you,” she said, dismissing me with a quick glance before refocusing on Ethan. The dismissal stung, making the situation even more uncomfortable.

Ethan, sensing the tension, quickly tried to steer the conversation back on track. “I’ll have a black—”

“Coffee with an extra shot of espresso and no sugar. I know,” Emily cut him off with a sweet smile. She leaned her hip against the table, subtly blocking me out of the conversation, making me feel small and unimportant. Ethan’s jaw tightened slightly, a flicker of annoyance crossing his face.

“And for you?” He turned to me with a gentle smile, trying to include me again.

“Pumpkin spice latte, please,” I mumbled.

Emily barely glanced my way as she said, “We haven’t received the seasonal syrups yet. Sorry.”

I felt my face heat, doubting her words since I was sure I had seen the seasonal drinks listed on the chalkboard when I walked in. But I didn’t want to make a fuss. “Then just a latte will be fine, thanks,” I said quietly.

Ethan looked expectantly at Emily. “If you need anything else, just let me know,” she said, her tone dripping with sweetness, and directed solely at him. She turned away, adding an exaggerated sway to her hips as she walked back to the counter. Her tight dark blue flare jeans, and the fitted black T-shirt with the bistro’s logo, highlighted her tiny waist and curvy figure. It was hard not to notice how attractive she was, and I felt a pang of insecurity.

Ethan turned back to me, an apologetic look on his face. “I’m sorry about that. I’m not sure what’s up with Em today. She’s usually really friendly.”

I gave him a small smile, trying to brush it off. “It’s okay. I’m sure she’s . . . nice.”

An awkward silence settled between us as we both fumbled for what to say next. I glanced over at Emily, who was now busying herself at the coffee machine. Despite her focus on her work, I noticed her sneaking glances in our direction, her gaze flickering between Ethan and me. The whole situation felt uncomfortable, and I shifted in my seat, unsure of how to break the tension.

Ethan seemed to notice my fidgeting, and my fingers unconsciously playing with the necklace around my neck. His brow furrowed slightly, and he leaned forward, pulling his chair in a little closer. His movement brought him nearer, creating a sense of intimacy that felt different from the casual coffee shop setting.

He looked at me with a soft, focused gaze, his eyes warm and sincere. There was something in the way he looked at me that felt different from how he interacted with Emily earlier—like I was the only woman in the room.

“Hey,” he said gently, his voice low. “I’m really glad you agreed to meet up. It’s nice to get a chance to talk, just the two of us.” His smile was genuine and, for a moment, the awkwardness melted away. It felt like he was genuinely interested in me, not just making polite conversation.

“So, how are you finding Hallow’s End?” he asked.

“It’s growing on me,” I admitted with a small smile. “I’ve started to get used to the town, and I’m enjoying the beautiful scenery. It’s a nice change from the concrete jungle of Cresden.” I chuckled softly and added, “In Cresden, the closest thing to nature was the potted plants in office lobbies.”

“I can’t even imagine not being surrounded by nature. The tranquillity here is something I couldn’t live without.” He grinned, leaning back in his chair. “The constant noise of the city would probably drive me mad. I guess I’m just not cut out for the big city life.”

I chuckled. “Trust me, it does drive you mad. But there are things I like about it, too. In a city like Cresden, with all the constant noise and so many people around, you’re never really alone. There’s always something happening, and there’s a certain energy to it that can be pretty exciting.”

Ethan smiled, a stray strand escaping his styled hair. With a smooth, practiced motion, he pushed it back, his forearm flexing subtly as he did. The brief glimpse of muscle caught my attention. There was something undeniably attractive about the effortless way he moved, like he was completely at ease in his own skin. It was hard not to be drawn in by it.

“That sounds like the city life has its perks. Must be quite the switch coming here.” He leaned in, a playful glint in his eyes. “So, what made you trade all that excitement for the peace and quiet? Searching for a different kind of thrill?” His tone was teasing, but there was genuine curiosity in his gaze.

I hesitated. Part of me didn’t want to burden him with my problems, but Ethan’s genuine interest made me feel surprisingly comfortable.

“I needed a break from Cresden and everything that came with it,” I began, sighing softly. “Honestly, I was hoping a change of scenery would help me get back into my art. But it's been tough. I’ve hit this huge creative block, and it feels like I’m just banging my head against a brick wall. ”

Ethan tilted his head, considering my words. “That sounds rough. It’s funny how a new place can sometimes make things harder, instead of helping, right?”

“Exactly!” I exclaimed, feeling a bit of relief that he understood. “I thought the beauty of nature would get my creativity flowing, but it’s just not happening.” I paused, then added with a wry smile, “Maybe my muse prefers the sound of traffic, and the sight of skyscrapers.”

Ethan chuckled. “I remember you saying your art is bold and full of emotions. Maybe your muse is having a tough time with the calm, muted vibes of Hallow’s End. It’s like trying to paint a storm in a place that’s always sunny.”

I laughed and shook my head. “For someone who claims not to know much about art, you sure seem to understand my creative struggles pretty well. Maybe you missed your calling as an art therapist,” I teased.

He grinned and gave me a playful wink. “Well, if you need help finding some new inspiration, I’m your guy. Just say the word.”

I felt a blush creeping in, but, before I could respond, Emily appeared, slamming down my latte on the table with an icy smile. A bit of the drink splashed out of the cup, and she shot me a faux-apologetic look. “Oops, sorry about that,” she said, though her tone was anything but sincere.

She turned to Ethan, her expression softening into a sweet smile as she leaned in a bit too close, clearly showing off her cleavage as she placed his black coffee in front of him. “Here’s your coffee, Ethan,” she said in a sugary tone.

He seemed visibly uncomfortable as he glanced up at her. “Uh, thanks, Em,” he replied, his voice polite but lacking enthusiasm.

Undeterred, Emily continued with a flirtatious smile, “Don’t forget about trivia night on Saturday. You promised you’d think about joining my team this time. Maybe I can help break that losing streak of yours.” She practically purred the last part, her tone dripping with insinuation.

I felt a wave of frustration building up inside me, annoyed at how Emily kept interrupting our time together. Her blatant attempts to draw Ethan’s attention away were grating, and I could feel the tension simmering just below the surface.

Ethan seemed to catch on it. He flashed me a warm smile, one that made my annoyance melt away a little. “Vinnie, how about you join us for trivia night? I’d love to have you there. It could be a lot of fun, and I could definitely use the help. I haven’t won a single one yet—I’m starting to think the trivia gods might have it out for me.”

Emily’s smile tightened as she crossed her arms over her chest. “Oh, actually, our team is already full,” she said, feigning regret. “I wouldn’t want Vinnie to feel left out.”

Ethan didn't skip a beat. He flashed a reassuring grin in my direction. “No problem. We can always form our own team,” he said confidently. “Right, Vinnie?”

Emily’s eyes narrowed slightly as she turned to me, her tone dripping with fake sweetness. “Are you sure? Trivia night here might be a bit boring for someone used to the city’s club scene on Saturdays.”

I laughed, unfazed by her petty jab. “Honestly, that sounds like a dream compared to sweaty bodies and drunk people spilling drinks. I’d love to join you, Ethan.”

He chuckled, clearly pleased. “I’m sure we can keep Vinnie entertained.”

Emily’s smile became a thin, forced line. “Great! I’ll see you both there then,” she said, her voice tight with irritation. She flipped her hair over her shoulder with a dramatic flair, then turned on her heel and walked away briskly, her usual bouncy steps noticeably absent .

Ethan turned to me with a shy, playful smile, nervously fidgeting with his coffee cup. “So, it looks like we have plans for Saturday,” he started, his voice a little uncertain.

I smiled at Ethan’s nervousness, finding it endearing. “It seems so,” I said, taking a sip of my latte and meeting his eyes with a warm expression.

He continued, his voice a touch hesitant, “So, how about we make it a date? I mean, if you’re up for it. It might not be as exciting as a night out in the city, but I think small-town trivia nights can be pretty fun.”

The word date sent a flutter through my chest, making my pulse quicken. My palms were clammy, and I wiped them on my jeans. I had come here to embrace dating and be the new Vinnie, and now was the chance to do just that. There was something about Ethan that drew me in, and I felt eager to see where this could lead.

I grinned, feeling a spark of excitement. “It’s a date,” I said, my voice steady despite the butterflies in my stomach.

Ethan’s face brightened, breaking into the most charming smile that reached his eyes. They twinkled with a genuine delight that sent a rush of warmth through me. He leaned forward, propping his elbow on the table, his bicep flexing slightly. There was a playful glint in his eyes as he continued, “Fair warning, though. Crazy Larry will probably be there.”

I glanced away from Ethan’s toned arms, feeling a slight blush rise to my cheeks. Meeting his warm, honey-colored eyes, I asked, “Who’s that?”

“He’s got a reputation for turning even the quietest nights into something wild. Last month, he brought in a karaoke machine and started a sing-off between trivia questions. It was . . . memorable, to say the least.” He leaned in even closer, our hands nearly touching, separated only by the coffee cups. “In his youth, Larry swears he was in a rock band—at least, that’s what he keeps telling us. Whether or not it’s true, he definitely has the spirit for it.” Ethan's fond smile made it clear that, despite Larry’s antics, he was a beloved character in the town.

I laughed, shaking my head. “He sounds like fun. Although,” I winced slightly, “I really hope it’s not karaoke this time. That’s my worst nightmare.”

I could feel Ethan’s curiosity, so I continued with a sheepish grin. “Back in college, my dorm mates somehow managed to drag me to this local karaoke bar. It was all fun and games at first, listening to everyone butcher classic songs. But then, they signed me up to sing My Heart Will Go On . Let’s just say I didn’t exactly channel my inner Celine Dion.”

I grinned at the memory, though it still made me cringe. “Being the center of attention is one thing, but having everyone watch me while I’m bad at something? That’s a nightmare. If Larry starts pulling out the karaoke machine, I’m definitely slipping out the back.”

“Well, if it comes to that, I’ll take one for the team and grab the mic myself,” he joked. As we both reached for our coffee cups, our hands brushed against each other, and we both pulled back, a soft blush creeping up our cheeks.

With a playful grin, Ethan added, “But . . . if I do end up singing, promise to cheer me on. I might not be Celine Dion, but I can do a pretty entertaining Bohemian Rhapsody —all the different voices and notes included.”

“Well, that’s a performance I can’t miss. I’ll be there, front and center, to witness your Freddie Mercury impression,” I teased. “Just don’t expect any backup vocals from me. I’m strictly an audience member.”

“So, tell me more about your college life,” he said. “I’m guessing you studied art?” He raised an eyebrow playfully. “Was it all wild nights and art classes? Or was there more to it? ”

I smiled, nodding. “Yeah, I studied fine arts, much to my parents’ dismay. They wanted something more practical , but I loved it. It felt like the right place for me to explore and create.”

I paused, thinking back to my college days. “There were definitely some wild times,” I said with a laugh. “This one time, a few girls from my dorm and I crashed a sorority party. We’d heard they were throwing this huge Anything But Clothes party, and we just had to see it for ourselves. We made these ridiculous outfits out of trash bags and duct tape—super creative, right?”

Ethan laughed, clearly amused.

“We snuck in and, honestly, the party was everything you’d expect from a cliché college movie,” I continued. “Red solo cups everywhere, people dancing on tables, and terrible pop music blasting. It was my first time cutting loose and getting drunk. I remember ending up in their backyard with a few of my friends, singing along to some throwback hits and attempting the worst dance moves imaginable. At one point, we even tried to build a human pyramid, but it collapsed after about two seconds.”

I chuckled, shaking my head. “I think we avoided getting caught because everyone was too busy having their own fun to care about us. It was definitely one of those quintessential first-time-getting-drunk-in-college experiences. Messy, a little embarrassing, but a lot of fun.”

Ethan chuckled at my story, shaking his head. “That sounds like a classic college experience,” he said, grinning.

I leaned in, curious. “What about you? Any fun stories from your college days?”

Ethan nodded, still smiling. “I studied to be a teacher at the local college in Brookside, about a thirty-minute drive from here. I stayed at home to save money, so I missed out on the dorm life. But there was this one time when they had a big bonfire night, and I decided to go. ”

His eyes twinkled with amusement as he recalled the memory. “It was this huge event, with music, drinks, and way too many people crammed into one backyard. My friends convinced me to join them, and things got pretty wild. People were drinking like there was no tomorrow and, at one point, this girl who’d had way too much, threw up on me. Right in front of everyone.”

He laughed, shaking his head. “It was like a record-scratch moment. Everyone around us stopped and stared, and then there was this mix of reactions—some people laughed, some cringed, and a few even cheered like it was some sort of party milestone.”

Ethan grimaced at the memory. “It was mortifying. I ended up standing there, covered in puke, while my friends scrambled to find napkins. The entire scene was enough to put me off partying for a while. After that, I decided that wild college parties weren’t my thing. The whole loud, chaotic vibe just isn’t worth it when you can’t even hold a decent conversation with anyone.”

He paused, then added with a playful grin, “Besides, at twenty-seven, getting messily drunk isn’t exactly a great look. Especially since I work at a school, and everyone knows everyone in this town. I’d hate to end up as the subject of small-town gossip because I couldn’t handle my drinks.”

I laughed, and shook my head in sympathy. “Yeah, that would definitely be a party-killer. I’ve had my fill of the party scene, too. Both in college, and in Cresden. These days, I’m not really into the wild nights anymore.”

We continued to chat, the conversation flowing easily. At one point, our eyes locked, and the conversation naturally paused, leaving a charged silence hanging in the air. We leaned in slightly, as if drawn by an invisible force, the space between us narrowing. Ethan’s gaze dropped to my lips, lingering there for a heartbeat too long, and the air seemed to thicken with anticipation, every breath we took amplifying the intensity of the moment. My skin tingled, aware of every small movement, and the subtle tension building between us felt almost tangible.

Just as the moment seemed poised to escalate, Emily appeared beside our table, her blue eyes blazing with barely concealed irritation. She shot me a sharp glare, her expression hard and unfriendly.

“Sorry to interrupt,” she said, her tone clipped. She looked directly at me, clearly annoyed, before turning her attention to Ethan. “Do you need anything else?”

Ethan blinked, leaning back in his seat, momentarily flustered. “No, we’re good, thanks,” he replied politely, though I could see a flicker of frustration cross his face.

Emily didn’t miss a beat. “Well, if you change your mind, just let me know,” she said curtly, her tone far from friendly. With that, she turned on her heel and walked away, her steps brisk and agitated.

Ethan’s eyes warmed again, the moment lightening. “Should we grab the bill and head out?”

I nodded, still smiling. “Sounds good.”

As we gathered our things, I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of disappointment. The charged moment we’d shared was interrupted just as it seemed to be leading somewhere, and a part of me wanted to see where that tension would have taken us. But I shook off the feeling, reminding myself that we had a date set for Saturday.

Ethan, ever the gentleman, smoothly picked up the check before I could even glance at it. “This one’s on me,” he said with a charming smile, not giving me a chance to protest. His easy-going nature and thoughtfulness made my heart flutter a little. It was a small gesture, but it made me feel cared for, and it was another reason to look forward to our date.