Chapter 21. The Invitation
1272 Words
The late afternoon sun cast a warm, golden hue over the city,
illuminating the bustling streets.. The air was
thick with the scent of street tacos and the sound of laughter
echoed from nearby cafes. Cole Lucas, a seasoned police
officer, stood at the entrance of the precinct,
adjusting his uniform cap as he prepared to head home. He
had always been dedicated to his job, but today was different.
Tomorrow evening, he was set to attend a red carpet event a
glamorous affair that felt worlds away from his usual routine of
patrolling the streets and responding to calls. Cole had offered to go with Kali and she gracefully accepted. Coel didn't think Kali would really say yes to going with him because he didn't think he had a chance with her, a rising star whose films had garnered both critical acclaim and a devoted fanbase. They had met back in high school adn then reconnected through her father, Aaron Evans, who worked as a detective in the same precinct as
Cole. Their rapport had grown over shared meals at the precinct’s break room and the occasional coffee runs. It was Aaron who had encouraged Cole to take the plunge and Go with Kali, though Cole had hesitated, unsure of what to expect. As he made his way to the parking lot, Cole’s mind raced with thoughts of the upcoming event. How did one act? He had seen the glitz and glamor on television, but now it was his turn to step into that world, as a companion rather than a star. He felt a mix of
excitement and anxiety bubbling in his chest.“Hey, Cole!” Aaron’s voice broke through his reverie. The older man was leaning against his cruiser, his arms crossed, a knowing a smile on his face. Aaron was in his late forties, with graying hair and a rugged demeanor that spoke of years spent
on the force. He had a warmth about him, a fatherly vibe that made him approachable, even in the sometimes harsh environment of law enforcement. “Hey, Aaron,” Cole replied, forcing a grin. “Got a minute?”
“Sure, what’s up? You look like you’ve seen a ghost,” Aaron chuckled, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “I’m just… a little nervous about tomorrow,” Cole admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. “I offered to go with Kali to this red carpet event, and I don’t know what to expect and i didnt think shed even say yes to a guy like me.” Aaron’s expression shifted to one of understanding. “Ah, the red carpet. It can be a bit overwhelming if you’re not used to it. But don’t worry, you’ll be fine. Just be yourself.” “Be myself? What does that even mean in that kind of setting?” Cole shook his head, a hint of frustration creeping into his voice. “I mean, I’m just a cop. I’m not exactly used to mingling with Hollywood types.”“You’d be surprised, Cole. People are people, whether they’re in front of a camera or behind a badge. Just remember, Kali Accepted your offer because she wanted you there, not because she needed a Hollywood expert,” Aaron replied, his tone soothing. “Yeah, but a custom tux, what do I wear if it doesnt look right or something happens? I can’t show up in my uniform,”Cole said, feeling the weight of the situation. “And do I just pick her up like it’s a date? What if I embarrass her?” Aaron laughed heartily, slapping Cole on the shoulder. “You’re overthinking it, my friend. Wear something nice maybe a
suit or that custom tux Jojo made specifically for you and she's a professional shes going to make shire you look good, And yes, you pick her up like it’s a date. Treat it like any other outing, but with a little more flair. Just don’t forget to compliment her; she’ll appreciate it.” Cole nodded, taking in Aaron’s advice. “It’s been ages since I’ve worn a tux.” as Aaron said “You’ll look sharp, trust me. Just remember to relax. Kali is a
down-to-earth person. She’s not going to expect you to know
the ins and outs of Hollywood,” Aaron reassured him.“Right. Relax. Got it,” Cole muttered, though the knot in his stomach remained. He thought about Kali’s bright smile and infectious laughter, the way she lit up a room simply by walking into it. He had always admired her talent and charisma
from afar, but now he had the chance to see it up close. The thought both thrilled and terrified him. “Just be yourself. And if you need any tips, I’m just a call away,” Aaron said, patting Cole on the back before heading to
his car. “You’ll do great.” As Cole drove home, he couldn’t shake the feeling of unease. As he over thought it and the thoughts races through his mind What if i don't fit in? What if i make a fool of myself? As cole though that he
was a cop, not a celebrity. The world of glitz and glam was foreign to him, and he felt like a fish out of water. But he also felt a spark of excitement. This was an opportunity to step outside his comfort zone, to experience something new and exhilarating. Once home, Cole opened the black tux bag JoJo handed him taking a look at the dark navy suit with a crisp white
button-up that complemented the navy suit perfectly. With a sleek black tie, that add a touch of sophistication. Just admiring the tux he felt a surge of
confidence. He was starting to feel like he could actually pull this off.
He laid it out on his bed and stared at it for a moment, thinking how amazing this all is. Even a custom tux a bit of him pondered was he out of his league? After a quick shower, he settled down on the couch with a
cold beer, flipping through channels until he landed on a documentary about the film industry. He watched intently, absorbing the behind-the-scenes stories of actors and directors, the struggles they faced, and the camaraderie they shared. It was a glimpse into a world that seemed so distant from his own, yet it was also a reminder that everyone had their own battles to fight. As the evening wore on, Cole’s phone buzzed with a text from Kali. *“Hey! Just checking in. Are you excited for tomorrow? I can’t wait to see you!”* His heart raced as he read the message. He quickly typed a response, trying to convey his enthusiasm while masking his apprehension. *“Looking forward to it! Just admiring the tux from JoJo.
Hope I don’t embarrass you!”*A moment later, her reply came through, filled with emojis and warmth. *“You could never embarrass me! Just be yourself and have fun. See you at 6?”* as Cole replied*“Absolutely! See you then.”* Cole put his phone down, a smile creeping across his face.
There was something comforting about her words, a reassurance that maybe he could handle this after all. As he settled into bed that night, he couldn’t help but feel a mix of anticipation and dread. Tomorrow would be a day unlike any other, and he was determined to make the most of it, no
matter how out of place he felt.
- Writer
