The cafeteria at Crestwood Academy was a bustling hub of noise and activity, with students crowded around tables in their usual cliques. Avery Kane Deveraux sat at her usual spot near the window, nibbling at her sandwich while trying to tune out the low hum of gossip and chatter around her.
Across the room, Ryan Hayes sat with his football buddies, half-heartedly pushing his tray of food around. His attention wasn’t on his friends, though—it was laser-focused on Avery. Or, more specifically, on the figure walking toward her table.
Shawn Carter.
Ryan’s jaw clenched as Shawn, with his leather jacket slung lazily over one shoulder, strolled through the cafeteria like he owned the place. Students glanced up as he passed, whispers following in his wake. But Shawn ignored them all, his gaze locked firmly on Avery.
Avery looked up, startled, as Shawn slid into the empty seat across from her.
“Hi,” he said casually, as if this was the most normal thing in the world.
“Uh, hi?” Avery replied, glancing around nervously.
Shawn rested his elbows on the table, leaning in slightly. “Do you mind if I sit here? The other tables are… boring.”
Avery blinked, unsure how to respond. “I guess?”
Janice, who was sitting beside her, raised an eyebrow but said nothing, clearly amused by the sudden development.
“So,” Shawn said, his green eyes meeting Avery’s. “How’s your day going?”
“It’s fine,” Avery replied cautiously. “Yours?”
“Better now,” Shawn said with a smirk, leaning back in his chair.
Avery’s cheeks flushed, and she busied herself with her drink, trying to hide her reaction.
Janice, however, wasn’t about to let the moment pass unnoticed. “Wow, smooth,” she said, shooting Shawn a playful look. “Do you use that line on everyone?”
“Only when it works,” Shawn shot back, flashing a grin.
Avery rolled her eyes, though a small smile tugged at her lips. “Why are you sitting here, Shawn? Don’t you have… people to impress or something?”
Shawn tilted his head, studying her. “I think I’m doing that right now.”
Avery’s stomach flipped at his words, but before she could respond, Shawn’s tone shifted, becoming more serious.
“You know, you’re not like everyone else here,” he said quietly.
Avery frowned, caught off guard. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Just an observation,” Shawn said with a shrug. “You’re… different. In a good way.”
Avery narrowed her eyes, unsure whether to feel flattered or suspicious. “You don’t even know me.”
“Maybe,” Shawn admitted, his gaze unwavering. “But I know enough.”
“Enough about what?” she pressed, her tone sharp.
Shawn hesitated for a split second before flashing another enigmatic smile. “Let’s just say I’ve heard a few things.”
Avery’s heart skipped a beat. “What kind of things?”
Shawn didn’t answer. Instead, he stood, grabbing his tray. “Thanks for letting me sit here,” he said, his smirk returning. “See you around, Avery.”
From across the cafeteria, Ryan’s eyes burned holes into the back of Shawn’s leather jacket as he walked away from Avery’s table. His fists clenched around his fork, and he barely registered the laughter of his friends around him.
“What’s your problem?” Blake, his teammate, asked, nudging him.
Ryan shook his head, glaring at Avery, who was now leaning toward Janice and whispering something. “Nothing,” he muttered.
“Sure doesn’t look like nothing,” Blake said with a smirk. “You’ve been staring at her all week. What’s the deal? You into her now or something?”
“Shut up, Blake,” Ryan snapped, shoving his tray aside.
Blake held up his hands. “Relax, man. Just saying.”
Ryan didn’t respond. He stood abruptly, his chair scraping against the floor, and strode toward Avery’s table.
Avery looked up just in time to see Ryan approaching, his expression dark. Her stomach tightened, but she forced herself to stay calm.
“What do you want, Ryan?” she asked as he stopped in front of her table.
“Why are you entertaining him?” Ryan demanded, his voice low but laced with anger.
“Excuse me?” Avery said, her eyebrows shooting up.
“You know who I’m talking about,” Ryan snapped, jerking his thumb toward the door where Shawn had just exited. “What’s his deal? And why is he all over you?”
Avery’s jaw tightened. “That’s none of your business.”