Dinner was served shortly after: a succulent grilled steak with simple but impeccable sides. Aiden couldn't help but praise
"Okay, I have to admit. The food is really excellent."
"See? Sometimes I get it right." Mel replied, winking at him.
Between one bite and another, the conversation continued in a natural and fun way. They talked about trivialities, about the places Mel liked to visit and even about Aiden's experiences as a ride-sharing driver.
"You know, you're a guy full of surprises." Mel said, leaning forward slightly. "I would never have thought someone like you would be driving around."
Aiden shrugged, smiling mysteriously.
"It's a long story. Maybe one day I'll tell you."
"Who knows? I like secrets."
When they left the restaurant, the weather was mild, with a pleasant breeze blowing through the streets. Mel suggested a quick walk through the neighborhood, which had charming architecture, with cobblestone sidewalks and trees decorated with small white lights.
"I admit dinner was a good choice," Aiden said, walking beside her.
"I'm always right, Aiden. Just accept that."
"Modest too."
She laughed and suddenly stopped in front of an old toy store that was still open. The window was full of wind-up dolls, metal cars, and even model trains.
"Wow, look at this! This is my childhood. Let's go in?"
"Really? A toy store?"
"Hurry up. You need a little nostalgia in your life."
Inside the store, Mel had fun like a child. She picked up a yo-yo and tried to do tricks, laughing when she missed them all. Then she found a remote-controlled car and started piloting it down the aisle, almost knocking over a shelf.
"Mel, you're going to make the owner lose." Aiden said.
"Don't be annoying. Look, you have to try this."
She handed him a wind-up doll that danced when activated. Aiden looked at the toy with an incredulous expression.
"You really want me to play with this?"
"I demand that you play with this."
Aiden spun the doll's string and set it on the floor, watching as it did a ridiculously funny dance. Mel started laughing so hard that she had to hold on to a shelf to keep from falling.
"This is pathetic." Aiden said laughing.
"Pathetic and wonderful! That's what matters."
In the end, Mel bought two simple toys and even gave Aiden a toy car.
"A souvenir of our day. Don't complain."
"I'll hide this in the back of the glove compartment."
The night was already late when Mel asked Aiden to take her to a quiet square, a little away from the busy center. The place was empty, with a small lake reflecting the full moon in the sky. They got out of the car and walked to a bench near the water.
"Why here?" Aiden asked curiously.
"I like this place at night. There's something peaceful about it, like time has stopped."
The two of them were silent for a few minutes, just listening to the sound of the wind and the leaves moving. Mel seemed thoughtful, looking at the starry sky.
"Sometimes I think I live too fast, you know?" she murmured, almost to herself. "Days like these... remind me that it's important to slow down a little."
Aiden watched her from the side, hearing the sincerity in her voice.
"Everyone needs a breather. You can't always live like you're rushing all the time."
"You understand that, don't you? It seems like your life has a chaotic pace too."
Aiden smiled softly, looking at the moon's reflection in the lake. "Maybe. But sometimes simple days are the ones that stay in your memory the most."
Mel turned to him, smiling slightly.
"So today will be a day you'll remember?"
"You bet it will."
They stayed there for a few more minutes, chatting about trivialities and sharing little details of life. There was no rush, no distractions. It was just the comfortable silence of two people who made the most of an unexpected day.
"I think it's time to take you home," Aiden said finally, standing up.
"Yeah, but you can be sure I'll call you for more days like this. There's no escape."
"I'm already prepared."
Aiden walked Mel to the car, opening the passenger door for her to get in.
"Aiden, can I choose the music?" Mel asked, already fiddling with the dashboard.
"You're already doing this without permission."
"Sure, why ask for permission?"
She found a more peaceful playlist, with soft songs that matched the starry night. Aiden started the car and began driving through the sleeping city. The streets were now empty, and the sound of the low engine was almost therapeutic.
"You know, you didn't tell me why you started working as a driver," Mel said, looking at him curiously.
Aiden looked away for a second, pondering the answer. He couldn't tell her the truth, the System, the missions, and all the complications that were his life. Then he smiled, giving a vague answer:
"Let's just say I like meeting people. They surprise me."
"Oh, go for it! I bet you just wanted to get away from the suit and tie job."
Aiden laughed, not denying it.
"And you? Why do you live with so much energy? It's like you're racing against time."
Mel sighed, looking out the window.
"Sometimes I feel like I have to live everything at once. I don't know why. Maybe because I don't want to regret it later."
There was a brief silence. Aiden respected her moment, but he also couldn't help but comment:
"And today? Did you make the most of the day?"
"Of course. And you?" She turned, staring at him.
"I'll need a couple of days to recover, but it was worth it."
She laughed. The sound was pure, free, the kind of laughter that brought peace.
The car stopped in front of a high-rise residential building. Mel took off her seatbelt and looked at Aiden, leaning against the back of the seat.
"So, driver, you passed today's test."
"Test?" Aiden raised an eyebrow in amusement.
"Sure. Not everyone has the patience to follow me around all day. But you did very well."
"I'm honored. Can I put that on my resume?"
Mel laughed again and opened the door. Before leaving, she leaned slightly toward him.
"Until the next call. Take care."
"You too, Mel."
She closed the door and walked toward the building. Aiden watched her disappear through the lobby, sighing as he sank into his seat.
"That girl is a whirlwind."
He adjusted his hands on the steering wheel and, for a moment, stood there, watching the lights of the building's entrance. The ride-hailing system was still active. Aiden quickly glanced at his phone and saw a notification for a new ride coming up.
"Why not?" he murmured, accepting the request.
He drove for a few minutes to a small bar in the center. The street was full of people going out to enjoy the end of the night, some visibly drunk.
A young woman with short, colorful hair, dressed in extravagant clothes, got into the car. She was wearing very high heels and carrying a bottle of water in her hands.
"Hi, driver! How are you?" she said with an excited smile.
"All right. Where are we going?"
"Home, please. My night was too long."
Aiden smiled at the corner of his mouth, starting to drive. He already knew that conversations came easily with passengers in states like that.