The Last Open Bar

Chapter 4

The car hummed softly as they drove out of the bustling streets, heading somewhere she couldn’t quite guess. The city gave way to winding roads framed by snow dusted trees, their branches sparkling under the soft Christmas light.

Finally, he stopped at the edge of a narrow path. “Trust me,” he said, offering a hand to help her out of the car.

Her boots crunched over snow and stone as he led her along the path. Soon, they arrived at a hidden cave tucked into the side of a cliff. Icicles hung like chandeliers, glinting in the faint sunlight that filtered through the cave entrance. Inside, the walls shimmered with minerals that caught the light, scattering it in soft rainbows. A small underground stream ran through, its water clear and singing over smooth stones. The air smelled faintly of earth and frost, crisp and magical.

She gasped. “This… this is incredible,” she whispered, spinning slowly, taking it all in.

“And you weren’t dressed for it,” he teased lightly. “Nor was I,” he added with a grin. “But sometimes, Spark, you just live in the moment.”

She laughed, warmth spreading through her despite the cold. “You planned this?”

He shook his head. “Nope. Surprise. I wanted today to be ours.”

They wandered through the cave, talking as they went. Childhood memories spilled out first bicycles, awkward crushes, high school sweetheart stories, dreams that had long since shifted. He asked if she could do anything other than her current job, what would it be. She confessed she’d love to travel the world, to write stories about people and places. He admitted he’d always wanted to be a musician, to play on a stage with nothing but an audience and his guitar.

Time passed effortlessly. The cave felt like another world, a secret suspended away from reality.

By chance or maybe luck they stumbled upon a small ice cream shop tucked along the edge of the path. Lights twinkled inside, and the scent of fresh cones wafted out.

“You’re kidding me,” she said, eyes sparkling like a child. “Ice cream?”

“Why not?” he asked, laughing. They each picked a different flavor, but within moments she was stealing spoonfuls from his cup.

“I can’t decide which is sweeter,” she said, grinning. “You or this?”

He chuckled, shaking his head. “Dangerous question, Spark.”

I was talking to your Ice cream and not you

Eventually, the magic of the day had to pause. He drove her back to the hotel, the city slowly preparing for evening. On the ride, they talked in comfortable silence, the hum of the car blending with their shared thoughts.

At the reception, one of the hotel staff handed her a small package along with her key card. “This came in for you while you were out,” the girl said, winking.

She carried it upstairs, curiosity prickling. As she opened the package, her breath caught. Inside was a dress.It was not just any dress, but a designer piece, delicate and beautiful, sparkling subtly in the soft hotel light. She traced her fingers along the fabric, stunned.

A thousand thoughts ran through her head. How… when… the cost… the gesture. He had thought nothing of it, bought it without hesitation, simply because he wanted to see her smile.

She held the dress against herself, imagining the evening ahead. Blue had been with her all day, and yet he had managed this perfect, extravagant surprise. Her chest tightened not just from the thoughtfulness, but from realizing how deeply he was weaving himself into her heart.

It was a sleek, black designer piece, cut just above the knee, hugging her figure in all the right places. The fabric shimmered faintly under the hotel light, delicate sequins catching it like stars. The neckline dipped just enough to be elegant, with subtle straps that curved gracefully over her shoulders. The back was slightly open, framed with intricate stitching, giving the dress a daring yet sophisticated allure.

She paired it with black stilettos, pointed and glossy, and a small, black satin clutch with a gold clasp. Her makeup was understated yet elegant: a soft smoky eye, a hint of shimmer along the cheekbones, and lips painted a deep rose that complemented the ensemble perfectly. Her hair flowed in gentle waves, catching the light as she moved.

By the time she arrived in the lobby, she felt a mix of anticipation and nerves. She had barely sat down when she noticed a group of girls near the entrance, speaking in rapid, unfamiliar tones. Their eyes widened, and though she didn’t understand their language, the way they glanced at him made it obvious they were talking about him, admiring him.

He appeared soon after, walking toward her, immaculate in every way well fitted suit, subtle cologne, and that quiet confidence that made everyone else fade from view.

“Are you ready, Spark?” he asked, voice low, smooth, with that teasing glint in his eyes.

She stood, smiling. “Ready… like this.”

He stopped for a moment, taking her in. “You look incredible,” he said softly, and she felt her heart skip.

“Oh, you look so good yourself,” she replied, cheeks warming.

He grinned, then walked back a few steps and did a playful little spin, as if to show her he was as relaxed and alive as she felt. They laughed together, the sound bright and carefree, filling the lobby with a warmth beyond the holiday lights.

He opened the car door for her, hands steady and gentlemanly, and she slid in. The drive was quiet, the streets twinkling under festive lights, anticipation building with every turn.

The restaurant was nearly empty when they arrived. She glanced around and tilted her head. “I feel like everyone’s having the best day of their lives… no one really comes here?”

He laughed softly. “It’s Christmas. A lot of places are booked.”

She raised an eyebrow, teasing. “Ah… so everyone else is too smart to leave their table empty?”

He didn’t respond, only smiled that private, knowing smile.

The evening was effortless. They shared a few jokes, stole bites from each other’s plates, and laughed at playful remarks. Conversation meandered gently from trivial things to fleeting confessions, comfortable silences punctuated by bursts of laughter.

When they finished, she realized they hadn’t even been given the bill. “Oh,” she said, surprised.

He just shrugged, a slight smile tugging at his lips. “I sorted it before we arrived.”

She shook her head, laughing softly. “I don’t even need to thank you, do I?”

“You don’t,” he said simply, his eyes soft but amused.

The car hummed softly as they drove, the city lights blurring past. She fiddled nervously with her hands, glancing at the package she’d received earlier. “I… I don’t even know how to thank you for the dress,” she murmured.

He gave her a sideways glance, a playful smirk tugging at his lips. “You don’t have to,” he said lightly.

She opened her mouth to protest, but he waved her off. “Really. Don’t thank me. I didn’t do it for thanks.”

Then, as if it had just occurred to him, he said casually, “Do you… want to watch a movie?”

She blinked. “Uh… sure?”

“Perfect.” He turned into the quiet streets leading out of the city.

By the time they reached his apartment, her thoughts were a jumble of anticipation and nerves. He stepped out, gesturing for her to follow. “I’ll give you a bedroom to freshen up,” he said, a grin playing at the edges of his lips. “I’ve already set up the living room and snacks. Take your time.”

She hesitated, glancing at the outfit she had planned nothing suitable. The dress. Her mental note was useless here.

“You don’t… happen to have a dress in your wardrobe, do you?” she asked, half teasing.

He laughed, shaking his head. “Nope. But I have shirts… and boxers. You’ll be comfortable, I promise.”

She arched an eyebrow but followed him, letting him guide her to the bedroom. Inside, she picked a loose shirt and boxers, shrugging into the oversized fabric. The boxers were too big, so she wrapped them twice around her waist, securing them with her hair tie. It was far from perfect, but it was cozy and private.

“Okay,” she murmured, taking a deep breath. “I’m… ready.”

“Follow my voice,” he said, his tone soft but teasing, carrying across the apartment. “Just come out when you hear me.”

She navigated carefully, unfamiliar with the size and layout of his penthouse. After a few steps, she raised her hand lightly, calling out, “Here’s what I’m wearing.”

He stopped in his tracks, eyes widening just slightly. Then a slow, appreciative grin spread across his face. “My dress has never looked hotter… or better… than it does on you,” he said, low and teasing. “Seriously.”

She laughed, shaking her head, a blush creeping up her neck. “You’re ridiculous,” she murmured.

“Maybe. But I’m honest,” he replied, his eyes glinting with amusement.

They settled on the couch together, the oversized shirt and improvised boxers forgotten in the warmth of the moment. He handed her a bowl of snacks, flicked on the movie, and she leaned against him, finally letting herself relax.

The city outside faded, the flickering screen casting soft light across the room. She felt safe, warm, and utterly at ease, the playful flirtation lingering in the air like an invisible thread between them. For the first time that day, she let herself sink into the comfort of simply being near him.