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“Think they’ll ever figure all of that out?” Arlowe asks as we watch them go.
“I don’t know. I hope so.”
“Hey, Wade! Nice to see you again,” Arlowe says when she spots him towering over me.
“You too.”
Another guy comes up to the table, his eyes locked on Arlowe and she winces.
“I think that I might call it a night too,” she says apologetically and I nod.
“Yeah, we’ll have to get together somewhere else next time.”
She nods, leaning over and hugging me. I wave goodbye and smile when I spot Yates at the door, scanning the crowd. His whole face lights up and softens when he spots Arlowe and my heart kicks against my ribs.
I want that. I want someone who treats me like a queen and acts like I’m their whole world. I want someone who loves me.
Wade moves to stand next to me and I crane my neck to look up at him.
“You didn’t tell me you were coming,” I say, leaning against the table as I look up at him.
“I wasn’t planning on it,” he admits, handing me my drink. “But I finished my stuff early and figured I’d come by and see if you were still here.”
“I’m glad you did,” I say, and I mean it.
The night has suddenly taken a turn for the better, and I can’t help but feel a little giddy at the thought of spending more time with him.
“I’m glad I caught you. It looks like your night out is wrapping up.”
“Yeah,” I say, a little disappointed that our time together is already coming to an end. “I should probably head out too.”
“Can I walk you to your car?” he asks, his voice tentative, as if he’s not sure how I’ll respond.
I smile, feeling a warmth spread through me. “I’d like that.”
I finish my drink and then we make our way outside. The night air is cool, a welcome contrast to the stuffiness of the bar, and we walk side by side through the parking lot towards my car.
The music is faded out here and I smile as I hum along to an old pop song. When we reach my car, I turn to him, suddenly feeling a little nervous. There’s something about this moment that feels significant, like it’s the beginning of something new, something I’m not sure I’m ready for, but I want all the same.
“Thanks for rescuing me back there,” I say, my voice soft as I look up at him.
“You didn’t need rescuing, Auden, but I’m glad I was there.”
I take a step closer, feeling a sudden surge of bravery. Before I can second-guess myself, I lean up and press a quick kiss to hischeek. It’s a small gesture, but it feels like a big step, and when I pull back, I can see the surprise in his eyes.
“Goodnight, Wade,” I say, feeling my heart race as I unlock my car.
“Goodnight, Auden,” he replies, his voice low and filled with something that makes my chest tighten.
I slide into my car and close the door, taking a moment to steady myself before starting the engine. As I pull out of the parking lot, I glance in the rearview mirror and see Wade standing there, watching me go. There’s a small smile on his face, and I can’t help but smile too.
Tonight didn’t go exactly as planned, but maybe that’s not such a bad thing. Maybe it’s the unexpected moments that matter the most—the ones that make you feel alive, that make you realize there’s more to life than just going through the motions.
As I drive home, I can’t stop thinking about Wade, about the way he made me feel tonight. It’s more than just gratitude—it’s something deeper, something that makes me want to see where this could go. I don’t know what the future holds, but I know one thing for sure: I’m looking forward to finding out.
EIGHT
Wade
