Chasing His Kickass Luna Back

The last thing I do is pull on a pair of tights and some tall heeled boots, followed by a dainty necklace and some dangly earrings. I take one last look in the full-length mirror, turning this way and that as I take in my appearance.

“Va va voom, if I may say so myself,” Elsie says, making curves in the air with her hands to indicate the way my body looks in the slim-fitted dress. Her words make me blush, but I can't help but agree. Va va voom indeed.

As I make my way down the stairs, I catch a glimpse of Karl waiting in the living room. He turns as I descend, and his eyes go wide.

For a moment, he seems utterly captivated, and I feel a warmth creep into my cheeks.

“You look... beautiful,” he says in a low, almost reverent tone as he approaches me.

I offer a shy smile, feeling slightly self-conscious under his intense gaze. “Thanks.”

He takes my hand and places a gentle kiss on it, sending a shiver down my spine. I can’t help but blush even more. I was worried that he would think my look is too much, but the way he stares at me just makes me feel even more beautiful.

“Ready?” he asks, offering his arm.

I nod, taking his arm, and together we head to the car. There are butterflies in my stomach in more ways than one, though, as we pull up to the fanciest restaurant in town; I can't quite shake off the unease building inside of me.

I glance down at my outfit, suddenly worried that I'm underdressed for such an upscale place.

Karl must sense my apprehension because he gives my hand a reassuring squeeze. “You look perfect, Abby,” he says gently, his eyes meeting mine in the dim light of the car. “Really.”

I nod hesitantly, trying to convince myself that I belong here. Karl's confidence is infectious, and I take a deep breath and climb out of the car.

We walk up to the restaurant, and Karl opens the car door for me. I step out, and we make our way inside. The restaurant is lit with candles, creating a dim, cozy feel. There's a lounge singer on the small stage who's singing along to a soft jazz track, and the clinking of cutlery and glasses fills the air.

“This way,” Karl says, nodding his head for me to follow. We weave our way through the restaurant; and that's when I see them

Ethan and Gianna, sitting at a corner booth. Gianna already has a drink in hand, swirling the liquid around absentmindedly as she stares off into the distance. She's dressed exquisitely, the perfect image of an expensive woman.

And here I am, feeling small beneath her gaze as I approach.

But then there's Ethan. He stands up as Karl and I approach, his smile warm.

"Abby," he says, leaning in to kiss my hand. “So nice to see you again.”

Gianna, on the other hand, remains seated, her expression less than welcoming. She offers a curt nod in my direction, her lips pressed into a thin line. It's clear that she’s not thrilled about my presence, but the feeling is mutual.

“Evening,” she says, her tone devoid of any warmth.

I offer a polite but reserved greeting in return, not wanting to provoke any further tension. The atmosphere at the table is already palpably strained.

Karl, however, attempts to break the ice. He pulls my chair out for me and gestures for me to sit. “Don’t worry,” he murmurs in my ear, his fingers brushing mine as we take our seats beside each other. “I'm here.”

His words make me blush. And in that moment, I'm glad to have him by my side.