Chapter 20 : Girls’ Night Out

Elena's POV

The soft hum of music filled Elena’s apartment as she set the table, the warm aroma of roasted vegetables and garlic bread wafting from the kitchen. Saturday nights were rare for her and Sara—time off from work was often fleeting, and they usually spent it catching up on rest or errands. But tonight was different. They had promised each other a proper night of good food, laughter, and a few drinks in town.

Elena smoothed her blouse and glanced at the clock. Sara was always punctual, and right on cue, there was a knock at the door.

“El!” Sara’s cheerful voice called as Elena opened the door. “I brought wine and my charming presence. You’re welcome.”

Elena laughed, stepping aside to let her in. “Perfect timing. Dinner’s almost ready.”

Sara breezed into the kitchen, setting the bottle of wine on the counter and eyeing the spread on the table. “Look at you, going all out. Is this for me, or are you practicing for someone special?”

Elena rolled her eyes, though a faint blush crept to her cheeks. “It’s for us, and you know it.”

“Uh-huh,” Sara said, smirking as she grabbed the corkscrew. “Speaking of someone special, I assume we’re going to talk about Ren tonight. Because you, my dear, have been glowing all week.”

“I have not,” Elena protested, though her smile betrayed her.

“You totally have,” Sara teased, pouring two glasses of wine. “But let’s start with me, because I’ve got updates on Mr. Charming Smile.”

As they ate, Sara launched into a detailed recounting of her week at work. “So, Ben - Mr. Charming Smile - brought me coffee again on Wednesday,” Sara said, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “And he remembered my order. Black with a splash of oat milk. I didn’t even tell him that part!”

Elena grinned, raising her glass. “Clearly, he’s paying attention.”

“Clearly,” Sara agreed, clinking her glass against Elena’s. “But then, yesterday, he mentioned that he’s going hiking this weekend, and I couldn’t figure out if it was an invitation or just casual conversation.”

“Did you ask him?” Elena asked, her tone encouraging.

Sara shook her head, letting out a dramatic sigh. “Of course not. I panicked and said something stupid about liking trails near waterfalls. Why am I like this?”

Elena laughed, reaching across the table to squeeze her friend’s hand. “You’re like this because you’re human. It’s fine. He clearly likes you, Sara. Just take it one step at a time.”

“Easy for you to say,” Sara quipped, narrowing her eyes playfully. “Now, your turn. Tell me everything about Ren.”

Elena hesitated, her cheeks flushing slightly as she sipped her wine. “What do you want to know?”

“Everything,” Sara said, leaning forward eagerly. “What happened on your date? What’s he like? And more importantly, when are you seeing him again?”

Elena set her glass down, a dreamy smile spreading across her face. “The date was… perfect. He’s kind, attentive, and so easy to talk to. We went to the café across from campus, and it felt like we’d known each other forever.”

“And?” Sara prompted, her grin widening. “Did he kiss you?”

Elena nodded, her smile deepening. “Yes. And it was… amazing. It wasn’t just a kiss. It was like - I don’t know - it felt like something more. Like there’s this connection between us that I can’t explain.”

Sara’s eyes softened, her teasing tone fading slightly. “You’re in love with him, aren’t you?”

Elena opened her mouth to deny it but stopped herself. The truth was, she was in love with Ren. She had tried to rationalize it, to remind herself that they barely knew each other, but her heart refused to listen.

“I think I am,” she admitted quietly, her voice trembling slightly. “Is that crazy? We’ve only been on one date, but it feels like he’s… different. Like he’s meant to be in my life.”

Sara reached across the table, squeezing her hand. “It’s not crazy, El. Sometimes, you just know. And if he makes you feel this way, then maybe it’s worth seeing where it goes.”

Elena nodded, her chest warming at her friend’s words. “I hope so.”

After dinner, they freshened up and headed into town, the crisp night air buzzing with energy as they walked toward their favorite bar.

Inside, the atmosphere was lively, the sound of laughter and clinking glasses filling the space. They found a small table near the corner, ordering cocktails and settling in for more conversation.

As they sipped their drinks, Sara leaned forward, her eyes sparkling mischievously. “Okay, so what’s the plan? Are you going to see him again soon?”

“I hope so,” Elena said, her lips curving into a small smile. “He has my number now, so it’s just a matter of time.”

Sara raised an eyebrow. “And if he doesn’t call soon?”

“Then I’ll call him,” Elena said, surprising herself with her own confidence. “I’m not going to let this slip away. Not if it feels this right.”

Sara grinned, raising her glass. “That’s my girl. To love, and to taking chances.”

Elena clinked her glass against Sara’s, a quiet determination settling over her.

“To taking chances,” she said softly, her thoughts drifting to Ren.

As the night wore on, Elena found herself more certain than ever. Whatever this was between her and Ren, it was worth pursuing. And she was ready to see where it would lead.