After Us

Seven years ago- The Date

By 7:45 PM, Layla stood in front of the bathroom mirror, adjusting her dress for the millionth time. It wasn’t anything flashy—just a simple black wrap dress that hugged her figure in all the right ways—but now it felt almost…too much.

She brushed her curls over one shoulder with her hands , applying a final touch of gloss to her lips, took a steadying breath, and let herself glance at the clock one more time.

8:00 PM felt like a countdown to a bomb waiting to explode. or just something she couldn’t define – yet.

Her phone buzzed, dragging her thoughts back to reality. A text from Evan.

“Hey Lay. Guess who’s looking handsome outside?. .”

She smiled at his confidence. Sliding her phone into her small bag and grabbing her coat while heading out.

Her gaze found him immediately—a tall figure leaning casually against the black SUV parked at the curb. Evan’s fitted navy polo and dark jeans made him look effortlessly put together.

When he saw her, his eyes lit up—blatantly, shamelessly—like he’d won a silent game she didn’t know they were playing.

“You look…” He paused, raking his gaze over her, “absolutely stunning.”

Layla felt the heat rush to her cheeks but managed a smile.

“Well, you don’t look any bad yourself.”

Evan laughed softly and opened the passenger door for her, his hand brushing the small of her back as she stepped in. The warmth of the gesture lingered as he walked around to the driver’s seat.

“So,” she started when he joined her in the car, “where are we going?”

“You’ll see.”

As the car hummed along the city streets, Layla glanced out the window at the stream of bright lights and pedestrians bustling on the sidewalk. She’d always loved how alive New York felt at night.

Tonight, though, the city felt smaller, quieter—perhaps because her focus kept pulling itself back to the man driving beside her.

When they finally pulled up outside Carmine’s, her breath caught.

“Carmine’s?” she asked, genuinely impressed.

He looked at her, his confidence unshaken. “Figured we’d do something classic for the first one.”

“First one?” she echoed, raising an eyebrow.

“Optimism never hurt anyone,” he quipped, stepping out to open her door before she could argue.

Inside, the restaurant was warm and intimate, glowing with soft golden lights that bounced off white tablecloths and glasses of deep red wine. A hostess led them to a cosy table tucked into a corner, offering just enough privacy for what Layla feared might end up being a very dangerous night.

But in between that, she admired the view that it came with.

Candlelight flickering on red checked table cloths, the warmth of the brick walls, and the calmness it came with.

They talked easily over appetisers—conversations that didn’t feel rehearsed, as though they’d known each other far longer than a handful of interactions. Evan had this uncanny ability to draw her out without prying, to make her laugh even when her nerves threatened to take over.

By the time the entrée arrived, she was full—of food, yes, but also of the quiet sense that this wasn’t just a date. It was something heavier. More significant.

She hated it.

At least, that’s what she told herself.

When the check came, Evan didn’t even glance at it before handing over his card.

“You didn’t have to do that,” Layla said, folding her napkin.

“You’re right,” he replied, smiling. “I didn’t. But I wanted to.”

As they stepped out into the night air again, Layla felt that familiar buzz of uncertainty, of being completely out of control in the best—and worst—possible way. She wasn’t ready to go home.

Apparently, neither was Evan.

“Want to walk?” he asked, tucking his hands into his pockets, his tone casual but his gaze said more.

Layla hesitated but nodded. “Yeah. I could use the air.”

They walked in silence for a while, the city’s lights creating a kaleidoscope of colours around them. It wasn’t until they reached a small, deserted park that Evan finally slowed.

“I’m glad you said yes,” he said, stopping in front of a low iron bench.

“Yeah?” she teased lightly, leaning against the bench’s arm. “And here I thought I was bailing halfway through.”

“Not a chance,” he replied, stepping closer—close enough for her to feel the weight of the moment settling between them.

He exhaled softly, rubbing the back of his neck. “Layla, I—I’ve wanted to do this for a while now. Tonight isn’t just about dinner or a walk. It’s about me wanting to spend time with you… because I like you. A lot.”

Layla’s eyes widened slightly, her breath hitching at his words. She hadn’t expected him to say it so plainly, so sincerely. “Evan…”

“I know,” he interrupted gently, giving her a soft smile. “I know it’s sudden. But there’s something about you, Layla. You make me want to be better, want to take chances. And I’m hoping—if you feel the same—you’ll give me a real chance.”

Her heart pounded in her chest as she searched his face, seeing nothing but honesty in his expression. “I—I do feel the same,” she finally admitted, a small, nervous laugh escaping her lips. “I’ve been trying to deny it, but… you make that really hard.”

His grin widened, relief washing over his features. “So, what do you say? Will you go out with me? Officially?”

Layla chuckled softly, the tension easing between them. “Yeah, Evan. I will.”

The warmth in his eyes made her heart flutter. And as they stood there, the city buzzing softly around them, Layla couldn’t help but feel like maybe, just maybe, this was the start of something she didn’t need to be afraid of after all.

Layla looked up at him, her eyes shining under the soft glow of the streetlights. “I don’t know where this is going, Evan, but I want to find out. With you.”

He stepped closer, his voice a warm murmur. “Then we’ll figure it out together.”

Their fingers brushed, lingering for a moment longer than necessary before Evan clasped her hand gently in his.

And just like that, the unknown didn’t feel so daunting anymore.