The Saturday sun burned bright over Silver Ridge, bouncing off the shop windows that lined Main Street.
The town was busy with weekend traffic, people shuffling between diners, the bookstore, and the hardware store.
Riley wiped her hands on a rag as she stepped out of the garage, the sound of laughter spilling from the group of bikers gathered near their bikes.
She wanted a breath of fresh air before going back in, and Main Street was the perfect excuse.
She headed down the sidewalk, boots striking the pavement with a quiet rhythm.
She didn't expect to see him, but fate had its own way of tossing people into each other's paths.
Ethan came out of the coffee shop, a to-go cup in hand, his dark hair still damp from a shower, a clean hoodie pulled over his frame.
He stopped short when he spotted her, just a few steps away.
"Riley," he said, his voice soft but carrying weight.
She froze. Her fingers tightened around the rag still in her hand.
"Ethan.
They stood there, caught between the hum of passing cars and the chatter of people brushing by.
"You look… the same," Ethan said finally, breaking the silence.
Riley tilted her head, half amused, half defensive.
"That's either a compliment or the laziest thing you've ever said.
He chuckled under his breath. "Maybe both.
She shifted her stance, keeping her guard up.
"What are you doing here?
"Coffee," he said, holding up the cup.
"And trying to breathe before practice. Scouts are in town, so every move counts.
She raised a brow. "Scouts? NHL?
He nodded.
"That's what Coach says.
For a moment, her expression softened.
"That's big, Ethan. Really big.
He studied her face carefully.
"You sound like you mean that.
"I do," she replied, steady.
"I know what hockey means to you.
"But?" he asked gently.
Riley pressed her lips together, "But I also know Silver Ridge. People don't let go of the past here.
The Vipers don't let go. And if they think you're walking away again, they won't make it easy.
His jaw tightened, "I'm not scared of them.
"I know you're not scared," she said quickly, lowering her voice as a few townsfolk glanced their way.
"But I'm still tied to them, Ethan.
My family, My life.
You walking back into town is like lighting a match in a room full of fuel.
He stepped closer, his eyes searching hers, "Then why are you talking to me right now?
Her breath caught, but she steadied herself.
"Because I couldn't just walk past you like a stranger.
A silence stretched between them, thick with unspoken history.
"Have you ever thought about it?" he asked softly.
"About what?" she said, though she already knew.
"Us," he whispered, "What we had when we were kids. Before the club. Before hockey pulled me away.
Her throat tightened, "You make it sound simple.
It wasn't simple then, and it's not simple now.
"Maybe not," he admitted.
"But I don't believe it's gone, Not when I see you standing here.
She laughed quietly, shaking her head but "You're supposed to be the golden boy of Silver Ridge hockey, not the poet on Main Street.
"Maybe I can be both," he said with a small smile.
Her chest ached at the warmth in his tone, She took a step back, needing space.
"You should focus on your scouts, that's your future. Not me.
"Don't tell me what my future is," he said, his voice firmer now.
Riley blinked.
"I'm just being real, I don't want to see you get torn apart between two worlds again.
"And what if I don't care about worlds?" he pressed.
"What if I only care about you?
Her heart raced. She hadn't heard words like that from him in years, and they cut through every defense she had built.
"You think it's that easy?" she whispered.
He looked at her like nothing else existed. "I don't think it's easy.
I just think it's worth it.
Someone from the Vipers called out down the street, "Riley! Are you coming back or what?
She turned her head, catching sight of a couple of the guys leaning on their bikes, watching with sharp eyes.
The moment shattered like glass.
Riley stiffened.
"I have to go.
Ethan's gaze hardened at the interruption.
"Of course.
She clutched the rag tighter, forcing her voice to stay even. "Take care, Ethan.
"Riley, wait," he said quickly.
She hesitated, her back half turned to him.
"Don't let them decide for you," he said softly.
"Not about me. Not about anything.
Her breath hitched, but she didn't turn back.
"Good luck with the scouts," she whispered, then walked away, each step heavy but determined.
Ethan stood there, coffee cooling in his hand, watching her retreat toward the Vipers, toward the world that still had chains wrapped around her.
His jaw clenched as he whispered to himself, "I'm not letting her slip away this time.
The town carried on as if nothing had happened, but both of them knew everything had shifted in those few minutes on Main Street.