Chapter 6: A Date to Remember
838 Words
Olivia spent the entire morning overthinking what to wear. She had tried on three different outfits before Natalie had intervened with a firm, "You look great in anything, stop stressing!"
But how could she not? This wasn’t just another name to cross off her list. This was *Noah.*
By the time evening rolled around, Olivia was waiting outside the cozy Italian restaurant Noah had suggested. She smoothed down her dress, took a deep breath, and stepped inside.
Noah was already there, sitting at a candlelit table near the window. He stood up when he saw her, a smile spreading across his face. "Wow. You look—amazing."
She felt heat rise to her cheeks. "Thanks. You clean up pretty well yourself."
He chuckled as they sat down. "So, I have a confession."
She raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"
"I’ve been looking forward to this all day."
She laughed softly, feeling her nerves settle. "Me too."
They ordered wine and started talking, reminiscing about old times, laughing over shared memories. But eventually, the conversation shifted.
"So," Noah said, taking a sip of his drink. "This list of yours… am I the last name on it?"
Olivia hesitated, then shook her head. "No. There’s one more."
Noah leaned forward. "Who?"
She bit her lip. "I haven’t decided if I want to check that one off yet."
His eyes searched hers. "Why not?"
"Because…" She inhaled deeply. "I think I want to stop making lists and just see where things go."
A slow smile spread across Noah’s face. "I’d like that too."
The rest of the night was filled with easy conversation, stolen glances, and the undeniable feeling that this wasn’t just about finishing a list anymore—it was about starting something new.
As they walked out of the restaurant, Noah turned to her. "So, Olivia Parker, can I take you on another date? No lists, no pressure. Just us?"
She grinned. "I’d love that."
And just like that, the most unexpected part of her journey had begun.
---
Olivia woke up the next morning with a smile on her face. She stretched lazily in bed, replaying every moment from last night. The way Noah had looked at her, the way his hand had brushed hers across the table, the way she had felt lighter than she had in years.
Her phone buzzed. It was Natalie.
**Natalie:** *Spill. Now.*
Olivia chuckled and quickly typed back.
**Olivia:** *It was perfect.*
**Natalie:** *Ugh, that’s not enough. Details, woman!*
Olivia hesitated, then decided to call instead of texting.
"Oh my God, finally!" Natalie answered on the first ring. "So? Tell me everything."
"It was really nice, Nat. Like, really nice. He took me to this Italian place, and we just talked and laughed, and it felt so easy."
"And? Did you guys kiss again?"
Olivia sighed, flopping onto her bed. "No. But he asked me on another date."
"That’s even better!" Natalie squealed. "See? I *told* you this list thing was going to lead somewhere."
"I guess I just didn’t think it would lead here," Olivia admitted. "It started off as something silly, and now... now I don’t want it to end."
"Well, lucky for you, it doesn’t have to," Natalie said. "So, when’s the next date?"
"Tomorrow night. He’s taking me on a picnic."
"A *picnic*? That’s straight-up rom-com level cute. You’re doomed, girl."
Olivia laughed. "I think I’m okay with that."
---
The next evening, Olivia found herself standing at the edge of the park, a gentle breeze brushing against her skin. She spotted Noah setting up a blanket beneath a large oak tree, a picnic basket by his side.
"Wow," she said, approaching him. "You really went all out."
Noah grinned. "I figured we should do something different. Also, I make a mean charcuterie board."
Olivia raised an eyebrow. "Do you now?"
"Absolutely. Allow me to impress you."
They sat down, and true to his word, Noah had prepared an impressive spread—cheeses, crackers, fruit, and even a bottle of chilled wine.
"Okay, I’m officially impressed," Olivia admitted, popping a grape into her mouth.
Noah smirked. "Good. That was the goal."
They ate, talked, and as the sun dipped lower in the sky, Noah turned to her with a thoughtful expression.
"You know," he said, swirling his wine. "When I left town all those years ago, I regretted not kissing you that night."
Olivia’s heart thudded. "Really?"
"Yeah. I thought about it so many times. Wondered if things would have been different if I had just gone for it."
"Well," she said softly. "Now we know."
Noah smiled, reaching out to tuck a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "Yeah, we do."
And then, he kissed her. This time, no lists, no hesitation—just them, finally getting their second chance.
As they pulled apart, Olivia whispered, "This one’s not going on any list."
Noah chuckled. "Good. Because I’m not letting you cross me off."
And with that, Olivia knew she was exactly where she was meant to be.
- Writer
