THE DATES

The night after Tobi stormed out, Maya lay awake longer than she expected.

Not because of him—at least, that’s what she told herself—but because of what Adrian had witnessed.

She hated that he saw her in that chaotic moment.

Hated that he had seen the side of her life she was still trying to outgrow.

And she hated even more that she cared what he thought.

She stared at the ceiling, listening to the quiet hum of the night. No shouting. No knocking. No emotional whiplash. Just silence. And somehow, that silence felt louder than anything Tobi had ever brought with him.

By morning, a message waited on her phone.

Adrian:

Good morning, Maya.

If you’re free today… let me take you out.

No pressure. Just fresh air.

Her heart softened instantly.

No demands.

No attitude.

No ego.

Just kindness wrapped in patience.

Before she could reply, another message popped up.

Tobi:

Morning.

We need to talk.

She sighed, closing her eyes for a moment.

Two men.

Two different energies.

One that drained her.

One that felt like oxygen.

She ignored Tobi and typed back to Adrian.

What time?

His reply came almost immediately.

I’ll pick you up at 4.

By 4 p.m., Maya was ready. She chose a simple dress—nothing dramatic, nothing forced. Soft makeup. Comfortable shoes. She paused in front of the mirror, barely recognizing the calm in her own reflection.

These weren’t nervous butterflies.

They were hopeful ones.

When Adrian arrived, he didn’t text “Outside.”

He knocked.

Patiently.

When Maya opened the door, his expression softened instantly.

“Maya,” he said, smiling, “you look… wow.”

Heat crept up her cheeks. “Thank you.”

He opened the car door for her, waiting until she was seated before closing it gently. The gesture was small—but it landed deep. No rush. No entitlement. Just consideration.

They drove to a quiet restaurant overlooking the waterfront. Warm lights reflected on the water, soft music floating through the air. The breeze carried laughter, not tension.

Nothing chaotic.

Nothing heavy.

Just peace.

As they talked, Adrian listened—really listened. Not the way people listen while waiting to talk, but the kind where your words feel held. He asked about her dreams, not just her day. About what made her happy before life complicated things.

“You mentioned once you like writing,” he said casually. “Do you still?”

She blinked. “You remembered that?”

He smiled. “Of course.”

That alone almost unraveled her.

At one point, he reached across the table and held her hand—gently, giving her space to pull away if she wanted.

“I’m not trying to rush you,” he said softly. “I just want to know you… the real you.”

His voice felt like a warm blanket.

Maya smiled shyly. “I—I don’t know what to say.”

“You don’t need to say anything,” he replied. “I enjoy your presence.”

For the first time in a long time, Maya felt seen.

Safe.

Wanted—in the right way.

After dinner, Adrian suggested, “Let’s walk a little?”

The night air was cool, the city lights shimmering across the water like scattered stars. They talked about childhood memories, embarrassing moments, small dreams. Halfway through the walk, Maya burst into laughter—a deep, real one that surprised even her.

Adrian stopped walking, watching her like she was something precious.

“You have a beautiful laugh,” he said gently.

She looked away, smiling shyly. “You think so?”

He stepped closer, carefully tucking a curl behind her ear. “Yeah. It makes me want to hear it again.”

Their faces were close—too close.

Her heart thudded loudly in her chest.

He leaned in just a little—

Buzz.

Maya’s phone vibrated sharply.

Reality crashed back in.

Tobi.

She stepped back instantly, the moment shattering.

Adrian glanced down, saw the name flash across her screen. His jaw tightened—not with anger, but quiet disappointment.

“You’re still… connected to him,” he said.

“It’s complicated,” Maya whispered.

He nodded slowly. “I won’t push you. But Maya… don’t let someone treat you like an option while you treat them like a priority.”

Her throat tightened. “He’s not—”

“You don’t have to explain,” Adrian interrupted gently. “Just… protect your heart.”

The walk back to the car was quiet—not cold, just thoughtful.

When they arrived at her house, Adrian walked her to the door but didn’t try to hold her or lean in again.

“Goodnight, Maya.”

“Goodnight,” she said softly.

He waited until she got inside before leaving.

Another small thing.

Another difference.

The moment she locked the door, her phone rang.

Tobi.

She stared at the screen, heart racing. She didn’t want to answer—but she did.

“Who were you with?” he demanded.

His voice was sharp. Jealous. Possessive.

Maya leaned back against the door, her chest twisting—because for the first time, the answer wasn’t simple.

And for the first time…

She didn’t feel guilty for not knowing how to answer.