That weekend, Carissa and Katelyn shared laughter and good times, though Carissa couldn't shake her worry for her friend's well-being. Hoping to lift Katelyn's spirits, Carissa prepared a surprise dinner with Katelyn's favorite dishes. The aroma filled the house, waking Katelyn, who sleepily made her way downstairs. She gasped, taking in the beautifully arranged spread.
"What the heck, Rissa!" Katelyn exclaimed, eyes wide.
"Surprise!" Carissa said, grinning as she set down the last dish.
Katelyn looked around suspiciously. "Are you throwing a party?"
"No, just dinner for us," Carissa said with a laugh, placing spoons on the table. "Come on, it's time to eat! I was just about to come wake you."
Katelyn raised an eyebrow, still unconvinced. "Are you trying to get me to do something?"
Carissa rolled her eyes. "It's just dinner, Kate. Can't a friend make a meal without you thinking I'm up to something?"
Katelyn chuckled, taking her seat. "It's not a crime, but it's not like you to cook this much, especially without a special reason."
Carissa shrugged. "Maybe I just wanted to make sure you're feeling strong again, after everything." She paused, watching Katelyn. "Are you…feeling better?"
"It's been three weeks," Katelyn replied with a shrug. "I'm okay. I've moved on. Really."
"Glad to hear it," Carissa said, though her expression softened. "But, there's actually something I wanted to talk about."
Katelyn shot her a playful look. "Here comes the catch."
Carissa took a breath, smiling. "What do you think about Stuart?"
Katelyn's cheeks flushed slightly, and she hid her smile behind her glass. "What do you mean?"
"You know, you've admired him forever. Isn't it…strange, how it was him—of all people—who…changed things for you?" Carissa asked, her tone gently probing.
"I don't know if I'd call it 'fate,'" Katelyn murmured, picking up her fork. "I admired him, sure. But now… I don't know what to think."
"Look, I know he has a reputation for being cold, but he's done a lot of good too. Maybe…he's just misunderstood?" Carissa suggested carefully.
"Maybe," Katelyn replied. "But I'm not working with him. If that's what you're hinting at, forget it."
"Not at all. I'm just trying to help you see things clearly." Carissa paused, looking earnestly at her friend. "You deserve a chance to open up, Kate. To find someone who cares."
Katelyn leaned back, folding her arms. "What exactly are you getting at?"
Carissa hesitated. "I… ran into Stuart." She paused, watching Katelyn's face change. "He asked if I could arrange a meeting with you."
Katelyn's eyes widened. "What? Why?"
"He wants to talk. And, Kate…he really seems to care. He's sorry, you know. I think he just needs a chance to make things right."
Katelyn's jaw clenched, and she looked away. "I don't think I could handle him, Carissa. I mean, look what happened to him and Tracy. If she couldn't deal with him, why would I? And to think we started off on the wrong foot"
Carissa smiled gently. "You're the strongest, most stubborn person I know. If anyone could break through to him, it's you."
Katelyn let out a long sigh. "I don't know…"
Carissa squeezed her hand, her tone softening. "I'm asking you as your best friend, just give him one chance to explain himself. And if you still feel the same, I'll drop it for good."
Katelyn looked at her friend, her resistance melting. "Just once?"
"Just once, I promise," Carissa said with a reassuring smile.
Katelyn nodded reluctantly. "Alright. Just once."
"That's my girl!" Carissa exclaimed, pulling Katelyn into a hug, her face lighting up with excitement.
Carissa called Stuart, letting him know Katelyn had agreed to the date. But her excitement came with a warning.
"Do what you're supposed to do, Stuart," Carissa said firmly. "She's shed enough tears already, and if you hurt her again, I don't care who you are in this city—I'll hunt you down. Got it?"
"Yes, Carissa, I understand," Stuart replied, his tone soft.
"Good. Don't mess it up." She hung up before he could respond.
Three days later, the date was set.
"You really think I should wear this?" Katelyn asked, inspecting herself in the mirror. She smoothed her hands over the silver gown, its delicate slit hinting at her thighs.
"Absolutely," Carissa said with a grin. "Otherwise, I wouldn't have spent a big fortune on it."
Katelyn sighed, her nerves showing. "What if he doesn't show up?"
Carissa gave her a reassuring squeeze. "Trust me, he's going to be there. I spoke with him last night, and he promised."
Katelyn still looked uncertain, but a small smile broke through. "Thanks, Carissa."
"Of course. And tonight, I'm your chauffeur," Carissa said with a wink, spinning her keys.
Katelyn laughed. "Wait—what happened to Mr. Bones?"
"He's fine! I just want to be your personal driver tonight, ma'am," Carissa teased, doing a mock salute.
"You're nuts," Katelyn said, but she looked grateful.
"But you love me that way!" Carissa replied, and they both laughed as they got into Carissa's sleek black Bentley Continental GT.
In no time, they arrived at the Five Stars Restaurant.
"All the best, girl," Carissa said, pulling Katelyn in for a tight hug before she stepped out. Stuart's bodyguard approached immediately and escorted her into the restaurant, which was empty except for them.
The guard led Katelyn to a private VIP section, beautifully adorned with flowers of all kinds and a faint, lovely fragrance. Her heart fluttered as she looked around, but Stuart was nowhere to be seen. She forced herself to stay calm, though her hands began to shake. Was he really coming?
Meanwhile, Stuart stood in the shadows of a staircase above her. His heart raced as he watched her, the way her nervous gaze roamed the room, her fingers brushing nervously against the silver fabric of her dress. He took a deep breath but hesitated, caught between his longing to be close and the fear of saying the wrong thing. What if he hurt her again?
"Come on, man, you're not going to watch her from a distance all night," Victor, his close friend, murmured, nudging him out of his thoughts.
Stuart clenched his fists and took a steadying breath.