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Caroline hesitated for a moment, her mind racing. She barely knew Brad, and yet there was an undeniable connection between them. With a smile, she decided to take a leap of faith.
“I’d like that,” she replied, her heart pounding with anticipation.
“Why don’t we meet back here tomorrow evening around six?” Brad suggested.
“That sounds like a plan,” Caroline said, hoping he couldn’t hear how heavily her heart thudded against her rib cage. “Until tomorrow, then.”
Brad raised her hand to his lips, gently kissing her knuckles. “Until tomorrow, Caroline.”
Brad’s smile was heart-stopping, and Caroline had to force her knees not to buckle under its impact. She gave herself a mental shake and gathered all her strength to walk out of the coffee shop without him seeing her jelly legs or collapsing in a puddle of mushy goo.
As she made her way to Jennifer’s apartment, her mind was filled with images of Brad and how she’d had her first serendipitous moment. Caroline’s footsteps echoed down the quiet corridor as she approached Jennifer’s apartment. She couldn’t shake the excitement from her chance encounter with him, the intriguing stranger who had entered her life so unexpectedly. Thoughts of their upcoming dinner date warmed her heart, and she couldn’t wait to share the details with Jennifer.
As she reached Jennifer’s door, Caroline fumbled for her keys, eager to get inside, but the door flew open before she could open it. Her anticipation turned to concern when she noticed Jennifer staring at her with an expression of a mixture of relief and worry.
“Caroline!” Jennifer exclaimed, her voice edged with worry as she grabbed Caroline and hugged her before pushing her away to look at her. “Where have you been? I’ve been trying to call you for ages. I was about to phone the police!”
Caroline checked her phone and was shocked to find a barrage of missed calls and messages from both Jennifer and Jules. She had been so engrossed in her conversation with Brad that she hadn’t noticed her phone buzzing in her bag.
“I’m so sorry, Jen,” Caroline apologized, feeling guilty for causing her friend so much distress. “I lost track of time. Let me check in with Jules. She’s also been messaging.”
Jennifer nodded, her concern easing. She stepped aside for Caroline to enter. Caroline dialed her daughter’s number as she walked inside. Jules answered after the third ring. Before Caroline had finished greeting her daughter, she learned that Jules was upset because her father and his new wife were planning to convert her childhood bedroom into a nursery for their expected baby. Caroline did her best to placate her daughter, promising to talk to her father about finding a solution.
Once she hung up, Caroline hurriedly got ready, feeling a sense of urgency to make amends for her absence. Jennifer, who had been patient throughout, smiled as she saw Caroline’s anxiousness.
“Don’t worry,” Jennifer reassured her. “We still have time to make our reservation at ‘Le Petit Lueur.’ It’s one of the finest restaurants in Soho, and I’m sure you’ll love it.”
“I’m sure I will,” Caroline said. “You know how much I love French cuisine.”
Forty minutes later, they made their way to the restaurant. It was a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Soho. Its exterior was unassuming, but they were greeted by a warm, intimate atmosphere as they stepped inside. Soft candlelight flickered on white linen-covered tables, casting a romantic glow. The aroma of exquisite dishes filled the air, and the gentle hum of conversation added to the restaurant’s charm.
Over a sumptuous meal, Caroline explained why she’d been so late returning to Jennifer’s apartment. She shared the story of her chance meeting with Brad and how she’d agreed to go on a dinner date with him.
“Caroline, I can’t believe you, of all people, agreed to go on a dinner date with a complete stranger!” Jennifer stared at her in disbelief.
“We spoke for hours,” Caroline reminded her. “So, we’re technically not strangers anymore.”
“It is good to see you so perky and dreamy again.” Jennifer smiled. “Maybe a New York fling will be good for you.”
Caroline couldn’t help but smile at her friend’s openness to new possibilities. She agreed to download a tracking app on her phone, allowing Jennifer to keep an eye on her during the date, which put Jennifer’s mind at ease.
As they finished their meal and took a leisurely stroll back to Jennifer’s apartment, Jennifer finally revealed the reason behind her rushed meeting earlier in the day. Her voice carried a hint of sadness as she spoke.
“The truth is, the publishing house isn’t doing well,” Jennifer confessed. “They’ve decided to downsize, and I’m one of the people being laid off. In six months, I’ll be unemployed.”
Caroline’s heart ached for her friend, knowing how much Jennifer had dedicated herself to her career in publishing. But she also saw an opportunity, a chance to inspire Jennifer to follow her own dreams as she’d done for Caroline.
Taking a deep breath, Caroline stopped walking and faced Jennifer. “Jen, I know this is a difficult time, but it might also be a chance for you to pursue what you’ve always wanted.”
Jennifer looked puzzled, and Caroline continued, her voice filled with conviction.
“Remember how you’ve always wanted to open your own Entertainment Management firm? Publishing was supposed to be a stopgap until you could afford to do it. Maybe now is the time.”
Jennifer’s eyes widened as Caroline’s words sank in. She had indeed dreamed of running her own company, guiding talent in the entertainment industry, and shaping careers. But life, with its demands and responsibilities, had pushed that dream aside.
Caroline placed a reassuring hand on Jennifer’s shoulder. “Jennifer, this setback could be the universe’s way of telling you it’s time to follow your passion. It’s never too late to chase your dreams, my friend.” She smiled. “Isn’t that what you told me not too long ago? And look, I’ve got a book deal for my series and a television series.”
Jennifer’s face slowly lit up with hope and determination. “You know what? Maybe you’re right. Perhaps it’s time I took that leap of faith.”
They continued their stroll. Caroline could see the weight of uncertainty lift from Jennifer’s shoulders. As they walked together under the city’s glittering skyline, Caroline couldn’t help but feel that life had a way of weaving unexpected threads into their stories, leading them toward brighter tomorrows.
