"Rethink Ryder's request, Thea." her grandma said, her voice loving and worried.
"Grandma, I can't decide whether to go out with him or not. I'm scared of getting hurt again."
Her grandma's face softened, and she wrapped her arms around Thea in a warm embrace.
"My dear...Life is short, and we shouldn't waste time apart from those we love. Remember how I always told you that love is a risk worth taking?"
Thea nodded, her tears spilling over as her grandma's words struck a chord in her heart.
Grandma Grace continued, "I would say you better go with him. Take a chance, Thea. Make memories, cherish your love, and don't let fear hold you back."
"I'll go, Grandma."
"That's my strong girl! Now go, be with him, and fill your heart with joy."
After emerging from her grandma's room, Thea spotted Ryder sitting on the sofa, his eyes fixed on his phone. She drew near and placed herself behind him.
"Wait for a bit. I'll go."
Ryder's gaze flickered up, his eyes locking onto hers, and he nodded silently, a small smile playing on his lips.
Thea turned to head to her room. She selected a formal frock, a gift from her grandma, and slipped it on.
As they prepared to leave, Thea's grandma enveloped her in a warm hug.
"Have lots of fun..."
Thea's pulse quickened as he gallantly held open the car door, his polite attentiveness making her feel cherished.
Without questioning their route, Thea had unwavering confidence in Ryder, her eagerness escalating as they ventured into the unfamiliar.
Thea's gaze was drawn to a faint glimmer beside her, and her curiosity was instantly roused. She reached down, her hand closing around a slender, elegant bracelet.
"What's this?" she asked, her eyes narrowing slightly as she turned to Ryder with a questioning look.
His gaze snapped to the bracelet, and a faint smile played on his lips before he revealed, "It's Savannah's. You met earlier in the campus."
Thea's heart skipped a rhythm as a dart of unease pierced her mind. Why did Ryder possess a personal token of another girl?
Before she could seek clarification, Ryder's phone echoed through the air. He activated the car's hands-free feature, and John's explosive tone reverberated through the speakerphone.
"Ryder, what were you thinking? You're dropping everything to go to Scotland next week?"
Thea's eyes widened in astonishment as she witnessed the tense exchange between the two friends.
He silently mouthed a regretful apology to her.
Thea's thoughts spun with wonder. What was the depth of Ryder's tie to Savannah? And why was John so incensed about the Scotland venture?
The silence in the car grew dense with concealed truths, leaving Thea feeling ill at ease and uncertain about her standing in Ryder's life.
"John, don't get angry about it. I'm just following my dreams."
But John was having none of it. "Dreams? My foot! I'm not going to talk to you anymore."
He snapped, the call ending abruptly.
Ryder sighed, his eyes gazing out at the road ahead.
"See, not only you but he's also angry with my decision."
Thea's attention was captured.
"Can't you rethink your decision?" she questioned, her voice low and even.
Ryder remained silent, lost in thought.
At last, they reached their destination - the illustrious 'Crystal Palace' restaurant in New York, famed for its extraordinary architecture.
Thea's eyes grew wide as she took in the spectacular sight before her.
The restaurant's exterior sparkled like a precious stone, its crystal walls and ceilings casting a prism of colors.
The entrance was adorned with majestic pillars, their intricate carvings seeming to come alive in the light.
As they entered, the warm luminescence of chandeliers enveloped them, creating a sophisticated ambiance amidst the lavish decor.
Thea's eyes widened in astonishment.
"Ryder, this is magnificent!" she gasped, her gaze radiating wonder.
As they entered the sumptuous Crystal Palace, a stylishly dressed staff member received them with a gracious smile.
"Please, follow me, Mr. Thompson."
He said, guiding them to their table.
The dining room manager, impeccably dressed, approached with a courteous smile.
"We're honored to have you join us tonight, Mr. Thompson. It's a privilege to serve you."