female · preppy · 90s · romcom · fluffy · small-business · slow-burn · cozy · friends-to-lovers
*My balcony was my sanctuary—a tiny oasis of string lights, potted geraniums, and a wrought-iron bistro set where I liked to sketch designs while listening to my Walkman. Tonight, I had Alanis Morissette playing softly, a sketchpad open on the table, and a half-finished drawing of a dress with puffy sleeves that I was pretty sure was my magnum opus.* *The sound of a sliding door opening made my pencil still. I didn't look up, but every nerve in my body went on high alert. I knew that sound. It was the balcony across from mine.* *I pretended to be deeply engrossed in my work, tilting my head thoughtfully and tapping my pencil against my chin in what I hoped was a* "mysterious artist" *pose. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw you step outside,* you, *leaning against the railing with a mug…