7. Chapter 7

Chapter 7

A Taste of Hope

Lila

My mind drifts, lost in the swirling vortex of my own thoughts, when Sophie's hand suddenly materializes inches from my nose, yanking me back to reality. Here I am, standing in the kitchen, supposedly helping her prep for our cooking class tonight, but all I can focus on is my encounter with Axel at the coffee shop, replaying it over and over in my head.

"Earth to Lila!" Sophie's voice snaps me back to reality. "You've been distracted all day. Spill the beans, girl. How was your coffee date with Mr. Tall, Dark, and Mysterious?"

I roll my eyes, trying to hide the smile that's threatening to give me away. "It wasn't a date, Soph. We just discussed some improvements for the food truck."

Sophie's not buying it. She raises an eyebrow, looking at me like I'm trying to convince her the sky is green. "Uh-huh, sure. And I'm the Queen of England. Come on, Lila, I saw the way he looked at you when he stopped by the truck. There's definitely something there."

I sigh, wiping my hands on my apron. How do I explain something I don't even understand myself? "I don't know, Sophie. One minute he's all business, and the next, he's looking at me like... like I'm the only person in the world. It's confusing."

Sophie leans against the counter, a knowing smirk on her face. "Sounds like someone's got a crush. And who can blame you? The man is a walking, talking romance novel cover."

I feel the heat rising in my cheeks. Is it that obvious? "It's not like that," I protest weakly. "I mean, yes, he's attractive, but there's something else. Something I can't quite put my finger on."

"Ooh, intrigue!" Sophie wiggles her eyebrows, and I can practically see the wheels turning in her head. "Maybe he's a secret agent, or a vampire, or a werewolf!"

I can't help but laugh. "You've been reading too many paranormal romances, Soph. Axel is just a health inspector with a mysterious side."

But even as I say it, I know it's more than that. There's an undeniable pull between us, a connection I can't explain. His piercing gaze, the way his presence makes my heart race—it's both thrilling and terrifying.

"What am I getting myself into?" I mutter under my breath.

Sophie nudges me with her elbow, her voice softening. "You're falling for him, Lila. And from what I can tell, the feeling is mutual."

I bite my lip, unsure of how to respond. Part of me wants to deny it, to chalk it up to a silly infatuation. But deep down, I know there's something more. Something that draws me to Axel like a moth to a flame.

"I don't know what to do, Soph," I admit, my voice barely above a whisper. "I barely know him, and yet... I can't stop thinking about him."

Sophie gives me a reassuring smile, and I'm reminded once again why she's my best friend. "Take it one step at a time, Lila. Get to know him better, see where it goes. And if it turns out he's a supernatural creature, well, that just adds to the excitement!"

I laugh, grateful for Sophie's lighthearted perspective. She always knows how to make me feel better.

The kitchen door swings open, and students start filtering in, their excited chatter filling the air. I push thoughts of Axel to the back of my mind—for now, at least—and put on my best instructor smile.

"Alright, everyone," I begin, clapping my hands to get their attention. "Let's dive into today's recipe. We'll be making homemade ravioli with a delectable ricotta and spinach filling."

As I demonstrate the proper technique for mixing the filling ingredients, my mind wanders back to Axel. The way his eyes seemed to see right through me, the intensity of his gaze. I feel a shiver run down my spine at the memory.

"Now, you want to make sure the filling is well-combined, but not overworked," I explain, my hands moving on autopilot. "The key is to achieve a smooth consistency without losing the texture of the ricotta."

I glance up, catching Sophie's eye. She gives me a subtle nod, a silent acknowledgment of my distraction. Without missing a beat, she steps in, guiding the students through the next steps of the recipe.

I'm hit with a wave of gratitude. Sophie's not just an employee; she's my rock, my partner in culinary crime. I don't know what I'd do without her.

As I guide the students through the delicate process of shaping the ravioli, I find myself wondering what lies beneath Axel's stoic exterior. Is he hiding a softer side, a vulnerability that he keeps carefully guarded? Or is he truly as unflappable as he appears?

"Lila, can you show us how to seal the ravioli edges again?" a student asks, breaking me out of my reverie.

I blink, refocusing on the present moment. "Of course," I reply, stepping forward to demonstrate the technique once more.

As I work alongside the students, my hands deftly shaping the ravioli, I can't help but feel a sense of unease. Axel has awakened something within me, a longing for something more than just the casual flings and short-lived romances of my past. But is it wise to pursue these feelings, especially with someone so different from anyone I've ever known?

Sophie catches my eye again, giving me a reassuring smile. She knows me better than anyone, and I can tell she senses my inner turmoil. With a subtle nod, she silently encourages me to trust my instincts, to follow my heart wherever it may lead.

As the students disperse for a short break, Sophie gently tugs on my arm, pulling me into a quiet corner of the kitchen. Her eyes are filled with concern and understanding as she studies my face.

"Lila, I can see something's bothering you," she says softly. "Are you still thinking about Axel?"

I sigh, leaning against the countertop. "I don't know what to do, Soph. I can't stop thinking about him, but I'm afraid he only sees me as a little sister. Someone to protect and guide, but not someone to..." I trail off, unable to put my feelings into words.

Sophie takes my hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "Fall in love with. Lila, I've seen the way he looks at you. It's not the way a man looks at his sister. Trust me."

I bite my lip, uncertainty swirling in my gut. "But how can you be sure? I mean, he's older, more experienced. Why would he be interested in someone like me?"

Sophie shakes her head, a knowing smile playing on her lips. "Lila, you're an amazing woman. You're passionate, talented, and absolutely gorgeous. Any man would be lucky to have you. And let's face it, what man would pass up your cooking?"

I feel a blush creeping up my cheeks at her words. "But what if you're wrong? What if I'm just setting myself up for heartbreak?"

Sophie leans in closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Listen, I've seen the way he lingers when you're around, how his eyes follow you when you move. And I remember you telling me how he bolted at the sound of that shriek - that was to shield you from whatever danger might be lurking. That's not just professional concern, Lila. That's something more."

I feel a flicker of hope ignite in my chest, but it's quickly dampened by the nagging voice of self-doubt. "I want to believe you, Soph. I really do. But I'm scared. Scared of getting hurt, of risking our friendship, of... of everything."

Sophie wraps an arm around my shoulders, pulling me into a comforting hug. "I know it's scary, Lila. But sometimes, the best things in life are the ones that terrify us the most. You have to take a chance, or you'll never know what could be."

I nod, burying my face in her shoulder as I try to absorb her words. She's right, of course. I can't let my fears hold me back forever. But the thought of opening myself up, of putting my heart on the line, is still daunting.

"What if he doesn't feel the same way?" I whisper, my voice muffled against her shirt.

Sophie pulls back, looking me square in the eye. "Then you pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and keep going. You're strong, Lila. Stronger than you give yourself credit for. And no matter what happens, I'll be here for you. Always. He would be a damn fool not to see how amazing you are."

I feel tears prickling at the corners of my eyes, overwhelmed by the depth of her friendship and support. "Thank you, Soph. I don't know what I'd do without you."

She grins, giving me a playful nudge. "You'd probably burn down the kitchen, for starters."

I laugh, the tension in my chest easing slightly. "Probably. But seriously, thank you. For everything."

Sophie nods, her expression turning serious once more. "Just promise me one thing, Lila. Don't let your fears hold you back. If there's even a chance that Axel feels the same way, you owe it to yourself to find out."

I take a deep breath, steeling myself. "I promise."

As the students return from their break, I try to push thoughts of Axel to the back of my mind. I need to focus on guiding these eager learners through the intricacies of Italian cuisine. But as I reach for the garlic, my hand falters, and I accidentally knock over the bottle of olive oil.

"Shit," I mutter under my breath, watching helplessly as the golden liquid spreads across the countertop.

Sophie is by my side in an instant, a dish towel in hand. "It's okay, Lila," she reassures me, her voice low and soothing. "Accidents happen."

I nod, grateful for her support, but I can't shake the feeling of inadequacy that washes over me. How can I expect to navigate the complexities of a relationship with Axel when I can't even keep my head straight in the kitchen?

As I stir the sauce, I realize just how much Axel's opinion has come to matter to me. It's not just about the food truck anymore, or even about the undeniable attraction between us. It's about the way he sees me, the way he makes me feel like I'm worth something.

"Lila, I think the sauce needs a little more basil," Sophie says gently, breaking me out of my reverie.

I nod, reaching for the herb. But even as I add it to the pot, my mind is still on Axel. I wonder what he's doing right now, if he's thinking of me the way I'm thinking of him.

As I guide the students through the final steps of the recipe, I feel a renewed sense of determination. I may not be perfect, but I'm going to give this thing with Axel my all. I'm going to put myself out there, even if it means risking heartbreak.

Because if there's one thing I've learned from my time in the kitchen, it's that the greatest rewards often come from the biggest risks. And Axel? He's a risk I'm willing to take.

As the last of the students file out of the kitchen, their handmade ravioli nestled in their containers, I feel a sense of accomplishment wash over me. Despite my earlier distractions, the class was a success, and the students left with smiles on their faces and a newfound appreciation for the art of pasta-making.

"Great job today, Lila," Sophie says, bumping her hip against mine as we start to clean up the kitchen. "You really pulled it together, even with everything on your mind."

I smile, grateful for her support. "Thanks, Soph. I couldn't have done it without you."

We work in comfortable silence for a few minutes, wiping down counters and washing dishes. But as we put away the last of the utensils, Sophie turns to me, a mischievous glint in her eye.

"So, about Axel..." she begins, and I feel my heart skip a beat at the mention of his name.

I take a deep breath, steeling myself for the conversation to come. "I've been thinking a lot about what you said earlier, Soph. About taking a chance, even if it's scary."

She nods, her expression turning serious. "And?"

I pause, weighing my words carefully. "And... I think you're right. I can't let my fears hold me back forever. If there's even a chance that Axel feels the same way, I owe it to myself to find out."

Sophie beams, pulling me into a tight hug. "I'm so proud of you, Lila. You deserve happiness, and if Axel is the one who can give that to you, then you should go for it."

I hug her back, feeling a surge of warmth and gratitude. "Thank you, Soph. For everything."

As we pull apart, I remember Axel and a private cooking lesson. I had said yes in the heat of the moment, but now I feel a flutter of nerves in my stomach. What if it's awkward? What if I make a fool of myself?

"Hey, Soph?" I say, my voice hesitant. "Remember how I promised Axel a private cooking lesson?"

She nods, her eyes widening. "Yeah, of course. Why?"

I take a deep breath. "I think I'm going to go through with it."

Sophie grins, pulling me into another hug. "That's my girl. You've got this, Lila. And no matter what happens, I'll be here for you. Always."

I nod, feeling a mixture of excitement and nervousness. "Thanks, Sophie. I can't imagine what I'd do without you."

We finish cleaning up the kitchen, chatting and laughing as we work. And as we walk out into the warm evening air, I feel a sense of excitement and possibility.

I walk Sophie to her car. "See you later, Sophie."

But then, in an instant, everything changes.

The feeling of danger hits me a split second before I see the shadowy figure across the street, watching us with an unnerving intensity. My heart leaps into my throat, adrenaline surging through my veins.

But before we can take a step, the figure is moving towards us with inhuman speed, closing the distance in a blur. I freeze, terror rooting me to the spot as the threat draws nearer.

In my panic, my phone slips from my trembling fingers, clattering to the ground. I don't have time to retrieve it before the attacker is on me, their grip like iron as they yank me towards a waiting car. I struggle, kicking and clawing, but it's like fighting against a brick wall.

As I'm dragged towards the trunk, I catch a glimpse of Axel in the distance, his face a mask of panic as he sprints towards us. Our eyes lock for a heartbeat, a thousand unspoken words passing between us. My phone lies abandoned on the pavement, a lifeline just out of reach.

Then the trunk slams shut, plunging me into darkness. The car lurches forward, tires screeching against asphalt as it speeds away.

I scream, pounding against the unyielding metal, but it's no use. I'm trapped, helpless, hurtling towards an unknown fate.

And all I can think is: Axel, please find me.