chapter 3

The days seemed to fly by, and before I knew it, a month had passed since I told my parents about moving to New York. Now, I had just arrived a day before the competition.

The city buzzed around me, alive with the sounds of car horns, chatter, and the rhythmic click of heels on the pavement. My new apartment was a far cry from the sprawling familiarity of my hometown, but it felt right. The space was small, a single room with a kitchenette tucked into one corner and a bed that folded out from the wall, but it was mine. The peeling wallpaper and creaky floorboards didn’t bother me. They were marks of character, not flaws. The night before my move, my parents had insisted on helping me pack. As we folded clothes and boxed up my life, the living room filled with a mix of nervous energy and bittersweet smiles.

“Are you sure about this?” my mom asked, her hands pausing mid-fold over one of my sweaters. Her eyes were soft, concerned.

“I have to do this, Mom,” I said, my voice steady but tinged with vulnerability. “Staying here… it’s too much. I need to find myself again.”

“And you will,” my dad chimed in, resting a hand on my shoulder. “We’re proud of you, Evelyn. It takes courage to start over.”

My throat tightened. “I’m going to miss you both so much.”

“We’ll visit,” my mom promised, pulling me into a tight hug. “And you’ll call us every week, won’t you?”

“Every day if you want,” I whispered, tears pricking the corners of my eyes. “I love you guys.”

“We love you too,” my dad said, his voice warm and steady. “And remember, no matter what happens, you’re never alone.”

Their love and support carried me through the drive to the city, their words echoing in my mind as I unpacked my things.

I dropped my duffle bag onto the bed with a heavy thud and collapsed beside it. The exhaustion of the move mixed with a strange sense of accomplishment. I’d done it. I’d left everything—Eric, Emma, the accident—behind.

After a moment, I pulled out my phone and checked the time. New York buzzed with energy outside my window—a city that never seemed to pause. I had arrived for the culinary competition, the chance of a lifetime to prove myself among the best. My nerves simmered beneath the surface, but I decided to push them aside for now. Exploring the city might help me unwind before the chaos of tomorrow.

Grabbing my coat, I stepped into the crisp afternoon air and using G****e Maps to navigate the city.The streets were alive with chatter and the clatter of heels on pavement, a symphony of urban life. Trendy cafes, corner stores, and boutique shops lined the streets, each tempting me to linger. I had no destination in mind, only the desire to soak in the city’s pulse.

After wandering aimlessly, I found myself drawn to a small coffee shop tucked between towering glass buildings. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee greeted me like an old friend, wrapping around me in warmth. The line was short, and I scanned the chalkboard menu while waiting my turn.

“One medium latte, please,” I said, handing over a bill.

As I turned to step aside, I bumped into someone, nearly knocking their drink from their hand. “Oh! I’m so sorry!” I exclaimed, heat rising to my cheeks.

“No harm done,” came the smooth reply, tinged with amusement. I looked up and met the warm brown eyes of a man with an easy smile. Dressed casually in jeans and a fitted jacket, he radiated a laid-back charm.

“Are you okay?” he asked.

“Yes, fine,” I stammered. “Just… clumsy, I guess.”

He chuckled softly. “Clumsy happens. I’m Chris, by the way.”

“Evelyn.”

“Nice to meet you, Evelyn,” he said, extending a hand. I shook it, his grip warm and reassuring. “New to the city?”

“Yeah. Just got in for a cooking competition.”

His eyes lit up with interest. “Really? That sounds amazing! You must be pretty talented.”

“We’ll see about that,” I said with a wry smile. “It’s a big deal for me.”

“You’ve got this,” Chris said confidently. “So, are you getting a chance to explore, or is it all work?”

“A bit of both, I hope. The competition starts tomorrow, so I thought I’d check out the city while I can.”

“Well, you’re in luck. I know a few spots that might help you unwind.” He grinned. “Want me to show you around a little?”

I hesitated for a moment but found myself nodding. “Sure, why not?”

We stepped back out into the bustling street. Chris pointed out his favorite haunts—a bakery known for its cruffins, a hidden bookstore that smelled of aged paper and ink, and a park where street performers gathered. The conversation flowed effortlessly, punctuated by easy laughter.

“So, what’s the story with you?” I asked as we strolled. “New York native?”

“Born and raised,” he said proudly. “But I’ve done my share of traveling. Nothing beats coming back home, though.”

“Must be nice to have roots here,” I mused. “I’ve always been kind of restless.”

“Sometimes restlessness is just the push you need to find your place,” he said thoughtfully.

Before I could respond, his phone buzzed. He pulled it from his pocket, frowning slightly as he read the screen.

“Everything okay?” I asked.

“Yeah, just my friend Damian. He needs me to handle something real quick,” Chris said, slipping his phone back into his pocket. “But I’d love to catch up again after your competition. Maybe celebrate your victory?”

“Sounds like a plan,” I said, smiling. “Thanks for today, Chris. I needed the distraction.”

“Anytime,” he said sincerely. “Good luck tomorrow, Evelyn. You’ve got this.”

We exchanged numbers before parting ways, his easy confidence lingering with me long after he disappeared into the crowd. As I made my way back to my apartment, I felt lighter, the tension of the upcoming competition fading just a bit.

Tomorrow would be hectic, but for now, I allowed myself to savor this unexpected connection. The city had welcomed me with open arms, and maybe—just maybe—it was exactly where I was meant to be.