Chapter 9

Ariel stood outside the gym, her arms were crossed tightly against her chest as if shielding herself from the world. Her clenched jaw told everyone to stay away… unless they were Stacy.

“You're super pissed at me, aren’t you?” Stacy said cautiously as she came out of the gym and walked towards her friend.

Ariel didn't answer immediately. Her quietness showed how she felt more than talking would.

Stacy chewed on her bottom lip. “Look, I didn’t mean to upset you. I thought I was helping.”

Ariel slowly turned her head, eyes narrowed. “Helping, really? By agreeing to a date I didn’t want to go on? You didn't even wait for me to respond.”

Stacy winced. “Okay, I know. I was out of line. I just thought you could have fun. You know, someone to cheer you up and put a smile on that grumpy face of yours. And Ethan’s not exactly a bad option.”

Ariel sighed, rubbing her temple. “Look Stacy, you can’t just decide things for me. I’ve got enough people trying to run my life as it is.” her voice softened slightly, revealing the exhaustion beneath her anger.

Stacy stepped closer. “Look, I didn't mean to pressure you. I’ve noticed you’ve been really withdrawn. You're usually quiet but this is different. And honestly, I thought hanging out with Ethan might cheer you up. That guy is totally into you and always around, trying to get you to look at him. Just one dinner? Can’t hurt you, right?” She offered a smile.

Ariel paused, considering her friend's words. Her heart wanted something else… someone rather, someone riskier and colder that she didn't want to admit. Luther. But she knew that was hopeless. Like walking into a wall of ice over and over.

“Fine,” she muttered. “One dinner. But don’t expect anything more.”

Stacy’s face broke into a triumphant grin, eyes lighting up. “I’m sure you’ll fall in love after one date. It’s Ethan we’re talking about here.” She nudged Ariel playfully with her elbow. “Text me everything afterwards, I want details.”

Ariel rolled her eyes but couldn’t completely suppress the small smile tugging at the corner of her lips. Stacy’s enthusiasm had always been infectious, even when it was misguided.

_____

The following evening, Ariel stood outside a fancy downtown restaurant , staring at the golden words on the shiny glass door. Her reflection stared back… curled hair cascading over her shoulders, a sleek black dress that hugged her figure, a touch of rose gold lip gloss. She felt like she was staring at a stranger.

Couple brushed past her to enter, their laughter igniting a spark of anxiety in her chest. Taking a deep breath, she pushed through the door.

When she stepped in, the smell of roses and old wine was the first thing she noticed. Shimmering chandeliers hung from the high ceilings. Waiters in impeccably tailored suits moved quietly between tables. It was… not a place she was used to. Not a place she belonged.

Her fingers toyed nervously with the small pendant at her throat, a habit from childhood shed never quite outgrown. One of the waiters approached her with a smile, but before he could speak, she potted Ethan.

He stood up and waved from a table by the window. He was wearing a nice navy suit, his sandy blonde hair was carefully styled. His smile was charming, confident in a way that spoke of someone who had never been told he couldn’t have what he wanted.

Ariel made her way to the table, conscious of each step in her rarely worn heels.

“You look... wow,” he said, pulling out her chair.is eyes travelled appreciatively over her dress before meeting her gaze.

“Thanks,” she replied, smoothing her dress as she sat down. “You too.”

He gestured to the menu. “I hope you don’t mind… I already ordered for us.” There was a hint of apology in his voice, but not enough to suggest he thought he might have overstepped.

Ariel blinked. “Oh. Umm, okay.” She tried to keep her voice neutral.

“You’re going to love it,” he promised, leaning forward slightly. “So... how was your day?”

“Busy. You know, classes, assignments... the usual.” She sipped the water.

They talked casually about campus life, basketball, even pineapple on pizza. For a while, it felt simple. Easy and light, like Stacy had described.ethan was charming, his laughter sounded genuine and his interest in her was evident in the way his eyes rarely left her face.

But then Ethan's voice became more serious. “There’s something important I’ve been meaning to ask you.” He said, swirling the wine glass. “It’s about the bar.”

Ariel looked up. “What about it?”

“Don’t you think it’s time to quit? After what happened... you nearly got hurt. That guy could’ve…” his voice trailed off.

“It was a misunderstanding,” she interrupted. “He’s been banned. Management handled it.”

“Still, it’s not worth it. If it’s about money…”he reached across the table as if to take her hand, but she subtly shifted away, pretending to reach for her glass.

“It’s not,” she snapped. Then, softer, meeting his eyes. “I mean, it is, but... I don’t take handouts. I would like to work for what I have or need.”

“I wasn’t trying to offend you,” he said quickly. “Just... if you ever need help, I’m here. No pressure. Just... someone to lean on.”

Ariel looked down at her plate, pushing a perfect scallop around with her fork. “Thank you. That means a lot. But I can’t accept money from you or anyone. I need to stand on my own.”

The rest of the meal went by smoothly. After dinner, when the dessert plates had been cleared and the check discreetly paid… Ethaninsisting despite her protests… he offered to drive her home. She accepted. The car ride was silent but not awkward, it felt more like they were both processing the evening.

When they reached her house, he got out and opened her door.