Dinner invitation

Felix’s POV

By now, I was certain that Ella must have already reached home. It was already 2:00 pm, and she hadn’t texted me yet. As much as I no longer felt the same way about her, I couldn’t deny that a part of me still cared. After all, she had been a big part of my life. Even if I didn’t love her the way I used to, she didn’t deserve to be treated coldly.

Just as I was starting to overthink, I heard the familiar ping of a message coming in on my phone. I took it out of my pocket and saw that it was from Ella.

Ella: Babe, I’ve reached home safely. Sorry I didn’t text you sooner.

I responded without hesitation, trying to keep things neutral and caring.

Me: It’s okay, babe. I understand. I’m just happy you’re already there.

A few seconds later, she replied.

Ella: Me too, babe. Though I miss you a lot already. I feel like coming back to you.

I read that and sighed. I didn’t even know what to say to that anymore. We’d just been together that morning, and she already missed me? It felt too much. Too clingy. She had become overly emotional and, quite frankly, a little suffocating. Maybe I was just being too harsh… or maybe I had just outgrown this relationship emotionally.

I typed out my reply quickly, keeping it short and distant.

Me: Babe, just enjoy some time with your parents. I’ll be fine. Talk to you later, I’ve got some work now.

I didn’t want to keep chatting. I genuinely had no desire to talk to her in that moment. Lately, her conversations felt repetitive. She could be sweet and thoughtful, but sometimes she was also overly dramatic and, frankly, a little boring. It made me feel guilty, but I couldn't pretend anymore, not even to myself.

Still, knowing that she had arrived safely made me feel at ease. I had been mildly concerned that she hadn’t texted when she got home, and now that I knew she was okay, I could finally relax and shift my focus.

The best part of my day was just beginning, work was done, and that meant I could try to catch up with Sarah. I had been waiting for this all day. I couldn’t afford to let the opportunity slip away again.

As soon as I exited the office building, I spotted her from a distance. My heart started pounding. I raised my voice out of excitement, “Hey, Sarah!”

I instantly regretted how loud I sounded, I was still within office premises, after all. A few people turned to stare. Embarrassing. I broke into a light jog to catch up to her, and as fate would have it, I almost slipped on the floor.

Just great. Tripping in front of the girl I’m crushing on. Could anything be more humiliating?

“Take it slow, Felix,” Sarah said with a soft chuckle, clearly amused but not mocking. Her smile was genuine, and it instantly calmed my nerves. I could tell she was happy to see me, and that made everything worth it.

“Oh, I’m sorry,” I said, catching my breath and laughing awkwardly. “Almost made a fool of myself there. I guess I was in too much of a hurry.”

“No need to be embarrassed,” she replied kindly. “You don’t have to feel shy around me, Felix. I’m just a normal human being, come on now.” Her warm tone made me feel at ease. Being around her was easy… sweet… natural.

“So, what’s the rush?” she asked, looking curious. “Do you have something important to ask me, maybe?”

I could tell from her tone she was teasing me lightly, but she genuinely wanted to hear what I had to say. This felt like the perfect moment. If I was going to ask her out, it had to be now.

I took a deep breath and spoke. “I just wanted to ask if you’d be willing to come over for dinner tonight. That is… if you don’t mind.”

My heart was practically pounding out of my chest. I was terrified of rejection, even though she hadn’t shown any signs of being disinterested. But this moment meant everything to me.

She raised her eyebrows slightly, clearly taken by surprise. “Dinner? Felix… we’ve only just started getting to know each other. And now you’re inviting me over already?”

Her question was genuine, not judgmental. She just didn’t expect it so soon.

I was at a loss for words. How was I supposed to explain the way she’d been on my mind constantly since the first time we bumped into each other? How could I tell her that her presence affected me in a way I couldn’t explain? That even though we’d barely talked, I already felt connected to her?

So I simply looked into her eyes and said, “I want to know you better, Sarah.”

I held her gaze for a moment, silently hoping that she would see the sincerity in mine.

To my surprise, and immense relief, she nodded with a soft smile.

“Sure, I’ll come. What time should I be ready?” she asked.

I could hardly believe it. She had accepted. She actually said yes. For a second, it didn’t feel real. I had expected hesitation, maybe even a polite decline. But instead, she agreed… and with a smile, too.

“8:00 pm,” I replied quickly, trying not to sound too eager. “I’ll text you my house address. Just give me your number.”

I had to admit, it was partly an excuse to get her number, but I couldn’t let this opportunity pass.

“Sure,” she said casually. She took my phone and typed in her number, then handed it back. I looked down at the screen to see her name saved. Sarah. Even her name made me smile.

“Thank you. I’ll be waiting,” I told her, trying to keep cool, though my heart was practically dancing.

She turned to leave, and with a playful tone she said, “I’ll be there in no time, sir.”

As she walked away, I stood there watching her like a complete fool, smiling to myself like a teenage boy. I was so excited I could barely contain it. I couldn’t believe that things were finally moving forward. I was going to make her dinner tonight, and I was going to do everything I could to make it perfect. I wanted her to taste my cooking, to feel comfortable in my home… and maybe, just maybe, begin something real with me.

Tonight might just be the beginning of something beautiful.