Real Love, Real Connection: Steps Toward Something More (8)
New here? Start where it all begins: A Beginning at a Baby Shower.
A buzz was in the air after a local tech startup announced an ambitious plan to convert abandoned buildings into eco-friendly community spaces. The news had sparked debates across the city — some praising the innovation, while others questioned the costs and practicality. It was the kind of story that lingered in casual conversations, weaving its way into coffee shops and lunch breaks. Sarah had seen a brief mention of it in her news feed earlier in the week, the idea intriguing enough to linger in her mind, if only for a moment, before her day swept her back into its usual rhythm.
Sarah’s Apartment, Mid-Afternoon
She’s scrolling through her phone, taking a break from editing photos. Her eyes land on a picture she saved from her walk in the park — wildflowers bathed in soft sunlight. A small smile plays on her lips.
Sarah (thinking):
I should send this to him.
(She taps the image, attaches it to a message, and types quickly.)
Sarah’s Text:
“Thought you might like this — caught these during the walk. Wildflowers really don’t try too hard, do they?”
(She hesitates briefly before pressing send, then places the phone back on her desk. Moments later, it buzzes.)
David’s Reply:
“Wow, you weren’t kidding — you’ve got an eye for this. Beautiful shot. Thanks for sharing!”
(Sarah leans back in her chair, smiling faintly as she types her response.)
Sarah’s Text:
“Thanks! Though I think the clearing deserves most of the credit.”
David’s Reply:
“Maybe, but the clearing didn’t frame it so perfectly. That’s all you.”
Two days have passed since their walk at the park. The conversation continues naturally, the ease between them growing with each text.
David’s Reply:
“By the way, I think I’ve got a plan to repay you for sharing this photo.”
Sarah’s Text:
“Oh? What kind of plan are we talking about?”
David’s Reply:
“Nothing too elaborate — just dinner at my place. I’m making that famous lasagna. A couple of friends are coming, and I think you’d enjoy it.”
(Sarah stares at the screen for a moment, her smile softening as she considers the invitation.)
Sarah (thinking):
Dinner. With friends. It’s casual, but still something. He didn’t have to invite me, and he definitely didn’t have to remember that lasagna comment.
(She types slowly, rereading her response before hitting send.)
Sarah’s Text:
“That sounds great. Who’s coming?”
David’s Reply:
“My friend Luke and his wife, Tess. They’re both fun, and Tess will probably steal all my cooking secrets.”
(Sarah smiles faintly, her fingers moving over the screen.)
Sarah’s Text:
“Sounds like good company. When should I come by?”
David’s Reply:
“Saturday evening. Around 6? No pressure though — just good food and conversation.”
Sarah (thinking):
It feels easy. No pressure, no guessing games. But… there’s still something quietly exciting about it.
(She types her final reply.)
Sarah’s Text:
“6 works perfectly. Looking forward to it.”
(She places her phone down on the desk, leaning back in her chair. The faint hum of the city outside filters through her thoughts.)
Sarah (thinking):
Dinner with his friends… It’s thoughtful. Casual, but intentional. He didn’t have to include me. He could’ve kept it to his usual circle, but he didn’t.
(She glances at the wildflower photo still open on her phone.)
Sarah (thinking):
I’m not overthinking this. It’s dinner. It’s lasagna. But… it’s also the start of something, isn’t it?
(She shakes her head lightly, the corners of her mouth curving upward as she returns to her editing work.)
Saturday Evening
Sarah’s near her bedroom window standing in front of her mirror, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. Her outfit was simple yet thoughtful — a light blue blouse paired with dark jeans, a balance of casual and polished.
Sarah (thinking):
Dinner with his friends. It’s casual, but why does it feel like it’s not?
(She adjusts the necklace resting on her collarbone, the faintest smile touching her lips.)
Sarah (thinking):
Maybe it’s because he didn’t have to invite me. Or because I’m… looking forward to it more than I expected.
(She glances at the clock on her bedside table. It’s 5:45. With one final glance in the mirror, she grabs her bag, checks her phone for the address David sent earlier in the day, and heads out.)
— -
David’s Place
The faint smell of roasted garlic and herbs wafted through the air as Sarah stepped out of her car. She paused for a moment, taking in the modest but inviting exterior of David’s building before walking up the steps. Her knuckles hovered over the door for just a second before she knocked lightly.
David opens the door almost immediately, a warm smile spreading across his face. He’s dressed simply — a button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled up, a dishtowel slung over one shoulder.
David:
Right on time. Come in.
(Sarah steps inside, the rich, comforting aroma of lasagna hitting her instantly. The space is cozy and uncluttered, a reflection of David’s calm demeanor.)
Sarah:
(smiling) Smells amazing. I’m starting to think all that talk about your lasagna might actually be true.
David:
(laughing) Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. You can judge once you’ve tried it.
(He gestures toward the living room.)
David:
Luke and Tess should be here in about ten minutes. Want to sit for a bit?
(Sarah nods, following him to the living room. They settle onto opposite ends of a comfortable couch, the soft murmur of the television on in the background.)
David:
So, how was your week?
Sarah:
(shrugs lightly) Busy, but good. Nothing too out of the ordinary. What about you? Besides preparing for this culinary masterpiece, of course.
David:
(smiling) About the same. Though I did spend way too much time perfecting this recipe. I have a reputation to uphold, after all.
Sarah:
(teasing) High stakes, huh? Should I be nervous?
David:
(chuckling) Only if you hate lasagna.
(Sarah laughs, the sound filling the room comfortably. There’s a brief pause, the kind that feels natural rather than awkward. David leans back slightly, his gaze thoughtful.)
David:
It’s nice, having you here. I wasn’t sure if you’d say yes.
(Sarah glances at him, her smile softening.)
Sarah:
I’m glad you asked. It’s nice to… step out of my usual routine.
(David nods, his eyes holding hers for just a moment longer before the sound of the doorbell breaks the moment.)
David:
That’ll be them. Be right back.
(He stands, heading to the door to greet Luke and Tess. Sarah takes a quiet breath, glancing around the room. Her gaze lands on a small stack of books on the coffee table — a mix of architecture and photography titles. She picks one up, flipping through a few pages before setting it back down as David returns with his friends in tow.)
David:
Sarah, this is Luke and Tess. Luke, Tess — this is Sarah.
(Luke, a tall man with an easygoing smile, extends a hand while Tess, warm and vibrant, offers a quick hug.)
Tess:
David’s been talking about this lasagna all week. You’d think it’s the eighth wonder of the world.
Sarah:
(laughing) Sounds like we’re all in for a treat, then.
(The group moves to the dining table, settling into their seats. The table is set simply but thoughtfully, the lasagna steaming in its dish at the center.
As they begin serving themselves, the conversation flows easily, punctuated by laughter and light teasing. Sarah pauses for a moment, her expression content yet quietly thoughtful as she listens to the conversation and takes in the warmth of the evening.
— -
Later, as plates are cleared and the evening winds down, Tess leans forward, glancing between Sarah and David with a knowing smile.
Tess:
So, how did you two meet?
(The question lingers in the air, drawing curious glances from Luke and David. Sarah hesitates for just a moment, her gaze flicking to David as a faint smile touches her lips.)
Sarah:
At a baby shower. Not the most traditional setting, but… memorable.
(David chuckles softly, meeting her eyes.)
David:
Definitely memorable.
(The moment lingers, unspoken possibilities hanging in the air as they settle into the warmth of shared company — each wondering, silently, what the evening will reveal.)
Coming Next
Tess’s playful comment lingers, setting off a ripple of curiosity and unspoken thoughts between Sarah and David. As the evening continues and conversations unfold, a moment arrives that leaves them both facing a truth neither expected — but can no longer deny. Don’t miss the next chapter of Real Love, Real Connection, where honesty takes center stage and intentions start surfacing.
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