Kaith couldn't shake off the feeling of unease that lingered long after her ex-boyfriend had left. She had thought she was done with him, but now he was back, and he was sowing seeds of doubt in her mind.
She tried to focus on the restaurant, but her mind kept wandering back to Drake. What was she really getting herself into? What did he want from her, really?
As she worked on the menu, Kaith found herself questioning every decision she made. Was this really what she wanted? Was this really the right path?
Just as she was starting to feel like she was losing her grip, Kaith received a surprise visit from her best friend, Rachel.
"Hey, girl, what's going on?" Rachel asked, noticing the look of doubt on Kaith's face.
Kaith sighed, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. "Just having some doubts, I guess," she said.
Rachel nodded knowingly. "About the restaurant?" she asked.
Kaith nodded.
"About everything," she said.
Rachel smiled. "Well, let's break it down," she said. "What's really bothering you?"
Kaith thought for a moment before answering. "I guess I'm just worried that I'm making a mistake," she said.
"That I'm getting in over my head."
Rachel nodded thoughtfully. "I get it," she said.
"But here's the thing - you'll never know unless you try. And besides, you have Drake to support you."
Kaith raised an eyebrow. "That's exactly what's bothering me," she said. "I don't know what he wants from me."
Rachel smiled mischievously. "Well, maybe it's time you found out," she said.
Kaith thought about it for a moment. Maybe Rachel was right. Maybe it was time to stop guessing and start asking questions.
"Okay," she said finally. "I'll do it."
Rachel grinned. "That's the spirit," she said. "Now let's get back to work on that menu. We have a restaurant to open!"
Over the next few days, Kaith worked tirelessly to finalize the menu and prepare for the restaurant's opening. But she couldn't shake off the feeling of doubt that lingered in the back of her mind.
Finally, the day arrived when she was scheduled to meet with Drake to discuss the final details of their partnership.
As she sat across from him in his office, Kaith felt her heart racing with anticipation.
"Drake, can I ask you something?" she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Of course," he replied, his eyes locked on hers.
"What do you really want from me?" she asked, her voice firm.
"What's your end game?"
Drake smiled, his eyes glinting with amusement.
"I want to help you succeed," he said.
"I believe in you and your vision."
Kaith raised an eyebrow. "That's it?" she asked.
Drake leaned forward, his voice taking on a more serious tone.
"I also want to get to know you better," he said.
"I want to explore the connection between us."
Kaith felt her heart skip a beat. She hadn't expected him to be so honest.
"I see," she told him
Drake nodded.
"I know it may seem fast, but I feel a connection with you that I can't ignore," he said.
Kaith thought about it for a moment. She felt it too, but she was scared.
"I need time to think," she said finally.
Drake nodded. "Take all the time you need," he said. "But know this - I'm not going anywhere."
Kaith left the meeting feeling more confused than ever. She didn't know what to make of Drake's confession, or how to process her own feelings.
Over the next few days, Kaith threw herself into her work, trying to distract herself from the thoughts that swirled in her mind. But no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't shake off the feeling that she just wasn't sure of all that was happening.
Finally, the night of the restaurant's soft opening arrived. Kaith was nervous but excited as she watched the doors open and the first customers begin to arrive.
As the night wore on, Kaith found herself glancing around the room, searching for a familiar face. And then, just as she was starting to think he wouldn't show up, she saw him - Drake, standing in the doorway, his eyes locked on hers.
Kaith felt her heart skip a beat as he made his way towards her, a smile spreading across his face.
"You did it," he said, his voice low and husky.
"This place is amazing."
Kaith blushed, feeling a sense of pride and accomplishment.
"Thanks," she said.
"I couldn't have done it without you."
Drake's eyes locked on hers, and for a moment, Kaith felt like she was drowning in their depths.
"I'm proud of you," he said.
"You deserve every bit of this success."
Kaith smiled, feeling a sense of gratitude towards him. Maybe, just maybe, she had misjudged him.
As the night wore on, Kaith found herself relaxing in Drake's presence, feeling a sense of ease she hadn't felt in weeks.
Maybe, just maybe, this was the start of something special.
They talked and laughed, sharing stories and getting to know each other better. Kaith was surprised by how much they had in common, from their love of food to their passion for art.
As the evening drew to a close, Drake walked Kaith out of the restaurant, his arm brushing against hers.
"I had a great time tonight," he said, his voice showing sincerity.
"I'm so proud of you, Kaith."
Kaith smiled, feeling a sense of happiness wash over her.
"Thanks," she said. "I couldn't have done it without you."
Drake stopped her on the sidewalk, his eyes locked on hers.
"I mean it," he said.
"You're an incredible woman, Kaith. And I'm not just talking about your cooking."
Kaith's heart skipped a beat as she met his gaze. She saw something there, something that looked almost like attraction.
"Drake," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
But before she could finish, he leaned in and brushed a kiss against her cheek.
"Goodnight, Kaith," he said. "I'll see you soon."
And with that, he turned and walked away, leaving Kaith feeling stunned and confused.
What had just happened? And what did it mean for their future?