Chapter 4

Later that evening, Anabel showed up at my apartment on her way back from work. She was holding a fancy envelope and grinning as if she'd just won the lottery.

"What's that?" I asked, letting her in.

"The invitation to my brother's welcome party," she said, passing it to me. "You're coming, right?"

I looked at the envelope briefly. It was elegant and expensive-looking. "Of course," I said  "When is it?"

"Next weekend. It's going to be at our family house. The one we used for my last birthday. My parents are going all out."

"That's nice," I said, setting the invitation on the table.

Anabel sat on my couch, dropping her bag on my table studying me like she always did when she sensed something was off. "Okay, Lin.…..spill."

"Spill what?" I asked surprisingly, already knowing where this was going.

"The guy from the bar. The one who sent you breakfast,”she narrowed her eyes playfully "You are glowing, Lin. You look happier. What has the mystery guy done to my friend?"

I sat down beside her, trying to hide my smile. "It's nothing." I tried to look away.

"That's a lie, I know you Lin" she said, poking my arm. "Come on. Tell me everything."

Anabel wasn't going to give up. There's no escaping her.

I sighed. "Okay, fine. We've been talking. And we had lunch today."

Her eyes went wide, and she sat up properly facing me directly with her two legs crossed neatly. "Lunch? Like….a date?"

"I guess," I replied casually like it was no big deal.

"Lin!" she squealed, grabbing my hands. "This is huge! You never do this!"

"I know," I said, laughing. "But I don't know if I should let him in."

"Hmm… You like him" she said not asking.

I nodded slowly. "Yeah. He's… different. He listens to me. He's patient. He makes me feel like I matter."

Anabel's face softened. "You deserve that, Lin. You deserve someone who sees how amazing you are."

"I'm just scared," I admitted. "What if it doesn't work out? What if I get hurt again?"

"Then you get hurt," she said gently. "But at least you tried. You let yourself feel something again which is not bad. You can't protect your heart forever, Lin. Sometimes you have to take the risk." she said softly holding my hand.

I looked at my best friend, the only person who knew me better than anyone. "When did you get so wise?"

She grinned. "I've always been wise. You just don't listen."

I laughed, and for the first time in a long time, I felt hopeful. Maybe Anabel was right. Maybe it was time to take the risk.

Later that night, after Anabel left, I texted Ethan.

[Me: Thank you for today. I had a really good time.]

His reply came almost immediately.

[Ethan: I had a great time too and I’m glad you gave me a chance.]

I set my phone down and looked at the invitation sitting on my table. Anabel's brother's welcome party. I wondered what he was like. If he were anything like Anabel, he was probably loud, funny, and full of life.

I had no idea that in just a few days, my entire world would change.

A few days after our lunch date, Ethan called me.

"I want to see you again," he said.

I smiled, holding the phone closer. "We just saw each other."

"That was days ago. I miss you, Linda"

My heart did that stupid flutter thing again.

"Can you come over to my place tomorrow. I'll cook dinner."

I paused. Going to his place felt like a big step. Like crossing a line I couldn't uncross. I almost said no.

"Ethan…"I said softly. But he responded before I could continue.

"Just dinner, Linda. I promise I'll behave."

I laughed. "Okay…..Fine. But if the food is terrible, I'm leaving."

"Deal. I will send my driver to pick you up tomorrow"

"Alright"

The next evening I arrived at his apartment building. My heart was racing. I wore a simple blue gown that wasn't screaming I’m trying too hard. Nothing too fancy. I texted him.

[Me: I’m here.]

[Ethan: Come up. Penthouse floor]

I took the elevator up, I was nervous. When the door opened Ethan was standing there, waiting for me. He was wearing a casual shirt and jeans, his hair slightly messy, and he still looked so good.

"You came," he said, smiling.

"Yes, I did. You invited me," I replied smiling back.

He stepped aside, letting me in. His apartment was beautiful. Modern, clean, with floor-to-ceiling windows that overlooked the city. The kind of home that reflected someone who valued peace. It felt like him.

"This is nice," I said, looking around.

"Thank you Linda. Please, make yourself comfortable. Dinner's almost ready."

I sat on the couch while he went to the kitchen. A few minutes later, he came with two plates of pasta setting it on the table with a bottle of wine and two wine glasses.

"You actually cooked," I said, surprised.

"I told you I would," he said inviting me to the table pulling my chair for me to sit. "Try it," he said sitting beside me.

I took a bite, and my eyes widened. "This is really good."

He smiled. "I told you I’m good at many things."

I was surprised he could cook such a delicious meal. I asked myself in my head "What is Ethan Hayes not good at?" “Nothing”. Honestly, Ethan’s ticked every box for me. He's everything I want in a man and more but I kept my cool. He's not running away as he said. I have all the time to fall for him. We ate and talked, and it felt easy. Natural. Like we'd been doing this for years.

"So," he said, leaning back. "Tell me about your family."

I hesitated. I didn't talk about my family much. "There's nothing much to tell. I’m an only child. My parents are great and supportive. They didn't understand the whole fashion thing at first, but they came around."

"That's really good," he said. "Family support matters."

"What about you?" I asked sipping my wine.

"I told you I’m helping with the family business. My parents are retiring soon. I have a younger sister and she has no interest in working in the company and I’m the only son. Someone has to take responsibility."

"Hmm…..your sister must be a tough one," I said smiling.

"No….on the contrary. She's very cool. Although she can be a lot, she's loving. She's always in my business"

He laughed, pulling out his phone."You’d probably like her."

He turned the screen toward me.

“This is her.”

I glanced at the phone. And my world stopped, I froze. My fork slipped from my fingers and fell onto the plate.

It was Anabel. My Anabel. My best friend. I stared at the screen telling myself this couldn't be real. This can’t be happening. My chest tightened. The room suddenly felt too small. Too hot. I reached for my glass of wine and gulped down the wine left, but it went down the wrong way. I started coughing, my eyes watering.

“Linda?” Ethan said, his voice filled with concern. He reached over, rubbing my back. "Are you okay?"

I nodded, still coughing, trying to catch my breath. "I'm fine. I just… I need to go."

"What? Why?" he asked confused.

I stood up quickly, grabbing my bag. "I'm sorry. I just remembered I have something to do."

"Linda, wait….."

"Thank you for dinner," I said, not looking at him. "I’m sorry I have to go."

I didn't wait for him to respond. I just left.