The Summer I Fell In Love

Episode 3

As the cab drove me through the Street, my eyes stayed fixed on the beautiful city lights ahead. The skyline wasn’t towering, but it stood proud and simple, glowing, and full of charm. Streetlights stretched down quiet roads like golden threads, while the lights from shops and houses gave off a warm, welcoming glow. The reflections danced gently on the River.Even in the cool evening air, the city felt alive,peaceful, steady, and quietly full of heart.

The taxi pulled up, and I got out. Without a word, the driver zoomed off, not even asking for the fare. For a moment, I wondered if Martha had already taken care of it.

I walked into the restaurant, expecting to see her waiting inside. The interior was elegant, with dim lighting and polished wood, but what stood out most was the way people seemed to look in my direction as I walked in. A few heads turned, whispers lingered, and I immediately felt uncomfortable.

I pulled my phone from my purse and dialed Martha’s number, hoping to spot her among the crowd. But the call didn’t go through. "Sorry, the number you’ve dialed is not available." I tried again, more urgently this time. Same result. Frustrated, I dialed a third time, but no luck.

As I stood there, fidgeting with my phone, I couldn’t help but wonder ‘Am I too pretty?’ The idea seemed silly, but I couldn’t shake the feeling of being watched.

Then, just as I was about to slip my phone back into my purse, I felt a large shadow behind me. Before I could even turn, a deep voice spoke.

"Your gown isn’t zipped up."

I stood frozen for a moment, trying to process what had just been said. I didn’t turn around immediately—was he really talking to me? I stood there, slightly awkward, waiting for any movement or confirmation.

After a moment, I heard him again, this time closer. “All done.”

That’s when I turned. Standing behind me was a young man,tall, with a presence that immediately caught my attention. He was dressed in a well-fitted suit, dark and sleek, but with a relaxed edge. The first thing I noticed was how the top three buttons of his shirt were undone, revealing a glimpse of his chest beneath, giving him a carefree yet confident look. His dark, intense eyes met mine, and I couldn’t help but get lost in them—there was a depth there, like he could see right through me. His face was handsome in a way that felt almost effortless—high cheekbones, a strong jawline, and full lips that pulled into a knowing smile. His hair was short, neat, with just a hint of wave, styled perfectly to match the sharpness of his suit.

He gave me a small, reassuring smile, like this was all normal. “Had to help you out there,” he said, his voice low and smooth.

I flushed with embarrassment but also couldn’t help but feel a little grateful. He had saved me from a very awkward moment. After a brief pause, he gave me a respectful nod and walked away, leaving me standing there, still trying to gather my bearings.

I adjusted my gown, taking a deep breath, and scanned the room again, finally hoping to find Martha.

Immediately after the handsome man left, Martha appeared out of nowhere only God knew where she had been hiding.

“Stephanie!” she called out, tapping me on the shoulder.

My eyes were still fixed on the spot where the man had passed, but I hadn’t even noticed Martha’s approach.

She tapped me again, more insistently this time, clearly trying to get my attention. “What’re you looking at? A fine dude ?” she teased, a playful grin on her face.

I snapped back to reality, suddenly feeling flustered. My cheeks turned red, and I quickly tried to cover up my flustered state. “No ,” I lied, avoiding her gaze.

But deep down, for the first time, a guy had caught my attention. It was unsettling, but also oddly exciting.

I followed Martha to our seats, still trying to shake off the moment. But when we reached the table, I was taken aback. There were four people seated, three guys and a girl. I paused, confused.

I turned to face Martha, my voice filled with surprise. “I thought it was a date between us… just the two of us.”

Martha smiled mischievously. “Well, surprise! I invited a few friends. I hope that’s okay.”

I stood there, still processing, as I realized I had no choice but to join the unexpected group.

We sat down. I took the seat at the end of the table, and opposite me, the chair was empty. I wondered for a moment if someone else was joining us.

Martha tapped the table excitedly. “Okay guys, meet Stephanie, my best friend from Nigeria!”

One of the guys, who looked Asian, gave a friendly smile. “Hi, I’m Shawn Lee,” he said.

I bowed slightly and smiled back.

Another guy gave a small wave. “I’m Tolu,” he said warmly.

The last one stretched out his hand for a shake. “Hey, I’m Peter.”

I took his hand and smiled. He looked British, and his thick accent confirmed it.

Then I turned to the girl beside Martha and smiled. “Hiii.”

She waved back with a gentle grin.

Martha chuckled. “Stephanie, that’s Hannah..a co-model, like me.”

I gave a slight nod and glanced down at the table. It looked like they’d already ordered before I arrived.

Martha must’ve noticed my wandering eyes because she pressed the small bell on the table. Almost instantly, a waiter appeared. “Hello. More orders?”

Martha looked to me.

“Oh yeah, uhm... I’ll order the steak, please.”

The waiter smiled. “Okay, I’ll be back in a few minutes,” she said before disappearing into the kitchen.

The restaurant had a warm, vibrant atmosphere. Around us, people chattered and laughed, their voices blending into a soft hum. Glasses clinked. Plates clattered gently. A jazzy, soulful song played in the background—familiar. I tilted my head, trying to catch it.

“Pretty little baby…” I started singing softly. “I’m so in love with you…”

Without realizing, I sang louder, nodding my head, letting the rhythm carry me. Lost in the music, I didn’t notice the others staring at me, stunned but amused.

Martha burst into laughter. “Just stand up and show us those moves!”

I laughed too, suddenly feeling shy, but they all started cheering except Hannah who has been staring at me in some sort of way.

“Come on! Stand up! Dance!”

Caught in the moment, I stood up, ignoring the awkward stare from her and began dancing twisting my waist and swaying to the beat. “You can ask for hours…” I sang, enjoying myself.

Then

bump.

I hadn’t seen anyone behind me, but I felt it the unexpected contact. My backside had bumped into someone.

I got startled as I spun around to face the person—it was him.

The handsome guy who had helped me zip up my gown earlier… . He stood right behind me, tall and composed, as if he’d been there all along. My heart skipped a beat, and for a brief second, it felt like time itself paused. His gaze met mine—slow, deliberate. His lips moved slightly, like he was waiting for me to speak.

Without thinking, I bowed my head slightly. “I’m so sorry… I didn’t mean to,” I said quickly.

Before he could respond, Martha’s voice rang out with cheerful familiarity. “Hey, Danny! Come sit here,” she said, waving him over.

My eyes widened. Wait… she knows him?

The rest of the group smiled at him, clearly recognizing him. Like he was part of the circle all along.

He didn’t say a word to me—didn’t even acknowledge my apology. He simply walked past with quiet confidence and sat down… right in the empty chair across from me. The one I’d wondered about earlier.

Something in my chest fluttered.

This is so embarrassing.

I turned around, biting my lip as I slowly sank into my chair, trying to disappear. I could feel his eyes on me—his gaze steady and unreadable—as he gently set down the menu. I glanced at him, just for a second… and quickly looked away.

Right then, the waiter arrived with my steak, carefully placing the plate in front of me with a smile. “Any drink to accompany?”

I paused for a moment. “Uhm… just a cup of water.”

Tolu chuckled from across the table. “Cup of water? No drink at all?”

I glanced his way, a bit flustered. “Uhm… I don’t drink,” I replied softly.

The waiter then turned to the stranger who I bumped into . “And for you, sir?”

“I’ll just take water. Not eating anything,” he said—his voice deep, firm, and smooth, a rich baritone that lingered for a moment even after he stopped speaking.

The waiter nodded politely and walked away.

Our eyes met again.

His stare was intense—unwavering. Not aggressive, but piercing, like he was trying to figure something out. It wasn’t curiosity. It was recognition… maybe even calculation. I couldn’t tell. But it made my stomach flutter in a way I didn’t understand.

Thankfully, Martha spoke up, slicing through the tension. “Okay! So, Daniel, this is Stephanie, from Nigeria. She’s a child to My parent’s friends.” She smiled at me. “Stephanie, meet Daniel, my cousin.”

Wait. Cousin?

I looked at him again, startled. Oh wow. I had no idea she had such a handsome cousin. Gosh. Did I just acknowledge he’s handsome?

Stephanie, get a grip! I scolded myself silently.