Chapter 18: 15

The next day unfolded with the kind of golden, breezy afternoon that practically begged for a relaxed hangout. The sunlight streamed through the sheer curtains, casting warm, dappled patterns on the living room floor.

I’d invited Spencer over for a casual catch-up session, something we hadn’t done in far too long, and as I prepared for her arrival, a sense of anticipation buzzed through me. The apartment felt cozy, a reflection of my personality with its mix of plush throws, mismatched cushions in shades of blue and cream, and an old bookshelf stacked with novels and framed photos. The scent of freshly brewed coffee wrapped around me, comforting and familiar.

On the table, I’d laid out an assortment of snacks: homemade chocolate chip cookies that still held the warmth from the oven, a colorful array of fresh fruits, a plate of assorted cheeses, and a selection of teas ranging from soothing chamomile to a bold chai blend. I double-checked everything and adjusted the throw pillows before the doorbell rang.

“Coming!” I called, moving quickly to open the door. Spencer stood there, the late afternoon light catching the coppery highlights in her wavy brown hair. She wore a light sweater and jeans, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she held out a basket covered with a checkered cloth.

“Hey, Cora!” she greeted, stepping inside with a grin. “I brought my famous brownies. Thought they might sweeten our catch-up session.”

I took the basket, catching the rich, chocolatey scent wafting from it. “You’re officially the best. These are exactly what we need. Come in and make yourself comfortable.”

Spencer set her tote bag down and slipped off her shoes, immediately making her way to the living room. We settled into the armchairs that faced each other, the room filled with the golden glow of the afternoon sun. She unwrapped the brownies and placed them on a plate, their fudgy centers calling to us both.

"So, let's continue," Spencer said, taking a sip of her tea, "how's the whole Levi situation going? You mentioned you had a nice dinner. Is there more to the story?"

I laughed, the sound easy and genuine. “Okay, okay. So, we had dinner, and it was actually really nice. He was surprisingly... different. Genuine, even.”

“Genuine?” Spencer echoed, her eyebrows lifting. “Levi Carson? Mr. Competitive and Charming? This, I have to hear.”

I set my mug down and crossed my legs, tucking one foot beneath me. “Yeah. We talked about things beyond our usual banter. He was attentive, and we had these deep conversations that caught me off guard. It felt... real.”

Spencer’s expression softened, a grin playing at her lips. “Wow, Cora. That’s something. And you? Are you feeling anything beyond friendly competition?”

I shrugged, a small smile creeping onto my face. “I don’t know. Maybe. It’s still early, and I’m not ready to jump to conclusions. But yeah, I’m starting to see a side of him I didn’t think existed.”

Spencer’s eyes sparkled as she leaned forward, cradling her tea cup. “Well, it sounds like things are changing between you two. Keep me updated—I’m invested now.”

We burst into laughter, and the conversation naturally shifted to our latest TV show binges. Spencer raved about a new thriller series, while I confessed to rewatching old comfort sitcoms.

“Have you tried that new café that opened on 5th Street?” I asked, passing her a plate with a brownie. “Their lattes are to die for.”

“Oh, I haven’t yet!” she said, taking a bite and closing her eyes as the rich chocolate melted on her tongue. “We should go together this weekend. Maybe after that, we can do some shopping.”

“Deal,” I agreed, feeling a rush of warmth at the thought of our impromptu plans. Moments like this, where we could slip back into our easy rhythm, were rare but cherished.

Then Spencer’s expression turned contemplative. “Speaking of plans, have you noticed anything interesting about Ethan lately?”

“Ethan?” I repeated, a smirk forming as I recognized her slightly evasive tone. “What’s up with him?”

She hesitated, looking almost embarrassed as she toyed with the edge of her napkin. “I don’t know. I guess he’s just... I’ve been noticing little things."

“Ah, I see,” I said, my voice teasing. “Is our Spencer catching feelings?”

She gasped, playfully swatting my arm. “No! Well, maybe. It’s just... I didn’t think it was that noticeable.”

“Oh, trust me, it is. And I say go for it. He’s great, and you deserve some happiness.”

Spencer’s smile widened. “Thanks, Cora. I’ll think about it.”

Before long, we decided to break out the charades. Spencer’s first round had her miming a lion tamer, complete with dramatic roaring and exaggerated hand motions. I nearly fell out of my chair with laughter when she pantomimed being ‘eaten’ by her invisible lion.

“Okay, my turn!” I said, drawing a card that read “superhero saving a cat from a tree.” I wrapped an invisible cape around my shoulders, striking a hero’s pose before ‘climbing’ the tree with exaggerated flair.

Spencer’s laughter filled the room, and for a moment, the world outside seemed to fade away. We both sank into the couch after another round, breathless and clutching our sides.

“This has been perfect,” she said, wiping away a tear of laughter. “Thanks for inviting me. I needed this.”

I reached out and squeezed her hand. “Me too. And remember, I’m rooting for you and Ethan. Let me know what happens.”

As she stood to leave, I pulled her into a hug, the kind that only best friends share, filled with unspoken understanding and endless support. Watching her go, I felt a glow of contentment. The day had been exactly what I needed—a reminder that sometimes, the simplest moments brought the greatest joy.