***Chapter 3***
***Ethan's POV***

I decided to go hang out by Keilen's home. Keilen had married a wonderful woman he met on a blind date during law school named Emily. She was fun and excelled as a pediatrician.

"How is my little Mason?" I inquired as their housekeeper opened the door on her way to leave. I tried to locate the tiny rascal. He's their two-year-old son.

"Sleeping, thank goodness," Keilen chuckled as he entered the foyer.

"I'm so glad you finally agreed to go on a blind date!" Emily cheered, excitedly bouncing as she greeted me, with joy sparkling in her hazel eyes. Her chestnut curls framed a heart-shaped face that lit up with a warm smile and dimples.

"Come on, honey, don't be too excited before he changes his mind," Keilen said, trying to calm her down.

"Since he hasn't been on a date forever," Keilen teased me, "he might run for the hills if we seem too eager."

"Not that long ago," I joked.

"Anyway, we're making it a double date," Emily gleefully said.

"Mom and Dad?" I joked. "For your information, I could manage alone, but I won't reject your company."

"Good, because you didn't have a choice," Emily said with mischief. The funniest part was I knew she was serious.

"You're going on a date with one of my coworkers. She's a nice person and a nurse at the hospital. She'll tick all your boxes—she has a sense of humor and is pretty. And come nicely dressed, not straight from work," Emily stated.

"Of course," I declared. We went to watch the football game in the media room and provided humorous jokes.

As the day of my date arrived, I got ready, aiming for an outfit combining style with comfort. I wanted to look good for my first date in years. I chose my favorite pair of black jeans—they fit just right and were always a solid choice. On my feet, I opted for black and white Nike Dunks for a sporty touch without being flashy.

I chose a fitted white polo shirt with a subtle pattern to accentuate my muscles and present a polished appearance. I styled my hair in a low man bun and threw on my white Nike hat for a relaxed yet stylish vibe. I also put on my Apple Watch.

Overall, I felt good about the look—comfortable, stylish, and perfect for a casual dinner date.

I informed my mom I was heading out. It was a decision we made when I moved back. We started that habit to ensure we knew the other was safe.

I arrived at the restaurant fifteen minutes before the scheduled time. I spotted Emily and Keilen sitting down. As soon as Emily saw me, her eyes narrowed in fury.

"How are you just getting here?" she whisper-yelled with anger, poking my chest.

I glanced at Keilen, who just looked amused.

I showed Emily my watch. "I'm still 15 minutes early," I calmly said.

"And why are you dressed like a Frat boy? Why didn't you come looking more sophisticated," she declared.

"Emmy, calm down," I said, gently holding her arm to soothe her while Keilen chuckled softly in the corner.

"Keilen, didn't you tell him to come earlier?" Emily asked, and Keilen almost choked, trying to cover his tracks.

"I did, babe. He doesn't listen," Keilen said. My mouth dropped at his fib, but I couldn't blame him; Emily can be intense sometimes.

As Emily scolded me, memories of another intense but endearing woman surfaced, especially how I was going on this date to forget her. It took me back to the day Sophia and I moved in together.

**Flashback**

The apartment was spacious and brightly lit. It was one of the few places we could afford with my salary and Sophia's allowance. I didn't want her parents to hand us a place or for her to pay for it herself.

It would be our first time living together, and I wanted to make it magical—to show I could contribute. As I watched my girlfriend sit down on a box, she directed Keilen and some of my other friends to where to carry the boxes.

"Come on, Soph, could you help lift some of these boxes?" Keilen complained.

"Why should I help when you're all strong men?" she teased, stroking our egos.

"Now put those boxes in the bathroom, and that one goes into the kitchen. Move faster; I want these finished before the day finished," she instructed.

"Majority of these boxes were yours," one of my friends whispered as everyone agreed.

"What did you say," she asked as she stared at us.

"Nothing," we all said. Then
bringing the remaining boxes in with Sophia's instructions and started working on the bed.

**Flashback Ended**

Sophia and Emily sometimes have similar personalities, but Sophia isn't as intense as Emily can be. I need to stop thinking about her and focus more on this date. It is the start of a new beginning for me.

"Is she here already?" I asked. Emily's expression showed frustration.

"Yes, she went to the bathroom to freshen up while we waited for the table," Keilen said.

"It's a shame I can't do anything to fix your attire," Emily remarked, "And here she comes," she said as she approached a woman.

The woman held a warm smile brightening her face, framed by soft brown waves that fell gracefully around her shoulders. She extended a hand for greeting, her green eyes curious yet welcoming.

"Julia, this is Ethan," Emily introduced us.

Her elegant button-up blouse and tailored trousers made me feel underdressed. She dressed neatly and poised with her high heels. I was grateful the waiter escorted us to our table.

As we settled into the cozy ambiance of the sushi restaurant, I couldn't help but admire Julia's carefree spirit. As I listened to her and Emily discuss their work, I decided to work on gradually breaking the ice and finding our rhythm.

"So, what's your favorite type of sushi?" I asked, hoping to steer the conversation toward something light.

Julia smiled, her cheeks slightly flushed. "I love anything with tuna. How about you?"

"Salmon, definitely," I replied. "Especially with a bit of spicy mayo."

Emily, ever the outspoken individual, chimed in enthusiastically, "You two are so similar! You both love seafood and—"

Keilen gently interrupted, "Honey, give them a chance to discover things." He smiled at us, adding, "They'll work out just fine."

Julia laughed softly. "He's right. It's more fun this way."

As the evening progressed, the conversation became more animated. We found ourselves laughing over shared jokes.

"Okay, here's a classic," I said, leaning in a bit. "Why don't oysters share their pearls?"

Julia tilted her head, genuinely curious. "Why?"

"Because they're shellfish!" I delivered the punchline with a grin, and Julia's laughter was infectious.

"That's beyond cheesy," she said, still giggling.

"But it made you laugh," I retorted with a smile.

As we talked, Julia opened up more about herself.

"I got into nursing because my younger sister was in and out of the hospital since she had a weak immune system as a child," she said. "Spending so much time in hospitals made me want to help others in similar situations."

"That's admirable," I said, genuinely impressed. "You must have a lot of patience and empathy."

"I try," she smiled. "It can be tough, but it's also rewarding. Plus, I love hiking and being outdoors. It's my way of decompressing after a long week."

"Hiking, huh? Any favorite spots?" I asked, intrigued.

I always wanted to give it a shot to be so high and above. It has to be breathtaking.

"There's a trail near the National Park that's beautiful, especially at sunset, because you get to see the lake shine," Julia replied, her eyes lighting up, "We should do it one time."

"I agree we should! It will be fun," I promised.

I noticed Emily and Keilen exchanging looks as they whispered and glanced our way.

"We should watch out; they have that plotting look," I whispered to Julia.

"I know, I'm nervous," she whispered back with a chuckle.

"Okay, Jules, would you like to come with me to the bathroom?" Emily asked, without waiting for Julia to answer before she took her.

"So, what do you think of her?" Keilen asked.

"I barely know her," I said, taking a bite of food, but I could see the eagerness on his face. "She's great, and I'd like to get to know her ."

As the date ended, I walked Julia to her car. The cool evening air was refreshing, and the mood felt just right.

"Julia, I had a great time tonight," I declared, "I'd love to see you again, maybe without our chaperones next time. How about a second date?"

Her eyes sparkled, and she smiled warmly. "I'd like that too."

I took a deep breath, gathering my courage. "Could I get your number? This way, we can plan it ourselves."

She nodded, pulling out her phone and handing it to me. "Here, put your number in too."

As we exchanged numbers, I felt a sense of excitement and anticipation. Tonight had been a step forward, and I couldn't wait to see where things would go.

"Goodnight, Julia," I said as I opened her door.

"Goodnight," she replied, her smile lingering as she drove away.