Kim sat at her desk, her fingers hovering over her keyboard as she tried to focus on the report in front of her. The moment she had walked into the office earlier that day, her mind had kept drifting back to the lunch with Ryan. A strange mix of excitement and nervousness still simmered in her chest.
"Kim? Earth to Kim?"
She looked up to find Audrey standing in the doorway, a curious smile on her face.
"Hey, what's up?" Kim tried to smile, but Audrey could see right through her.
"Don't tell me you're still thinking about that lunch," Audrey teased, stepping into the room and sitting across from her.
Kim's face flushed slightly, but she couldn't help it. She had enjoyed herself, more than she'd expected. "I guess I am. It wasn't awful. Actually, it was... nice."
Audrey raised an eyebrow. "Nice? I think you're downplaying it, girlfriend. You hardly ever say something is 'nice' when it comes to men." She leaned in with an exaggerated whisper, "You've got a thing for this guy, don't you?"
Kim sighed, leaning back in her chair. "I don't know. We've been texting nonstop since then, and I'm honestly not sure what to think. But, yeah, I guess it's different from any other time."
Audrey's eyes lit up. "Wait, texting? You swapped numbers?"
Kim nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Yeah, I did. We exchanged numbers after the lunch, and we've been talking a lot. He's... easy to talk to, Audrey. It's strange. But I'm not sure where it's going."
"Kim, I'm so happy for you!" Audrey nearly jumped out of her chair. "This is a big step! I mean, it's been a while since you've even looked at anyone like this. I'm glad he's someone you can connect with. You deserve that, you know?"
Kim shifted in her seat, a bit uncomfortable with the praise, but deep down, she couldn't deny that part of her felt lighter. "I guess. But, I'm still... not sure. It's been so long since I've let anyone in. I'm just—scared, you know?"
Audrey softened, her voice quieter now. "I get it. You've been through a lot. But you're allowed to be happy too, Kim. Don't let fear hold you back from something that could be good. He seems like a good guy. I can tell just from the way you've talked about him."
Kim let out a deep breath. "Thanks, Audrey. I just... I'm trying to take it slow. I don't want to rush into anything. I'm not even sure I'm ready for something real, but I guess we'll see."
Audrey smiled warmly. "Whatever happens, you'll handle it. You've always been strong, and I know you're capable of figuring this out. Just don't shut it down before it has a chance to grow, okay?"
Kim smiled back at her, feeling comforted by Audrey's words. "I'll try. I'm just not used to this, you know? I've always kept my guard up, and it's hard to let go of that."
"I know," Audrey said, her tone filled with understanding. "But maybe it's time to give yourself a chance. You deserve to have someone who makes you feel safe and special, not someone who makes you doubt yourself."
Kim nodded thoughtfully, her mind racing as she replayed her conversation with Ryan. They had shared more than just a meal that afternoon. There had been something real between them, something she hadn't expected.
"So, what are you going to do now?" Audrey asked, pulling Kim from her thoughts.
Kim smiled faintly. "Well, we're planning to meet up again soon. He suggested we grab coffee again this weekend, and I think I'm going to take him up on it. I don't know if it's anything serious yet, but... it feels like it's worth seeing where it goes."
Audrey's face lit up with excitement. "Yes! I'm so proud of you. You're doing great, Kim. Just keep being yourself. He'll see how amazing you are."
"Thanks, Audrey," Kim said, a genuine smile spreading across her face. "I'll keep you posted, okay?"
"Please do," Audrey grinned, standing up. "You owe me all the juicy details!"
Kim chuckled as Audrey left her office, feeling lighter and a little more hopeful. Maybe, just maybe, this time would be different.
Later That Evening...
Kim found herself sitting on her couch, the evening calm settling over the apartment. Audrey had gone to bed early, leaving Kim alone with her thoughts. She picked up her phone, unlocking it and glancing at the screen. A message notification from Ryan.
Ryan:"Hey, I know it's only been a day since we had lunch, but I was thinking about it again. I really enjoyed talking with you. I'd love to do it again soon if you're up for it."
Kim's heart gave a little flutter. She stared at the message for a moment, unsure whether to respond immediately or take a moment to think about it. After a few seconds, she quickly typed her reply:
Kim:"I enjoyed it too. I'd like that. How about Saturday?"
A few seconds later, her phone buzzed again.
Ryan:"Saturday sounds perfect. I'll pick the place this time. I know a good café that's pretty quiet, perfect for talking."
Kim smiled at his message, a little relieved that he was taking charge, giving her less to think about. She liked that he was considerate, thoughtful even. It made things feel less complicated.
Kim:"Sounds great! Looking forward to it."
Ryan:"Me too. Can't wait to see you again."
Kim read the message again and then set her phone down beside her. A little smile lingered on her lips. This was the first time in a long while that she felt excited about spending time with someone.
She leaned back against the couch, trying to focus on the report she had planned to finish, but her mind kept wandering to the upcoming weekend. She couldn't remember the last time she had looked forward to anything this much.
As she tried to focus on her work, her phone buzzed once more.
Ryan:"By the way, I'm glad we got a chance to talk. You're even more interesting than I expected."
Kim chuckled softly, feeling a rush of warmth. She typed a response:
Kim:"You're not so bad yourself."
She hit send and settled back into her chair, feeling lighter than she had in days. Maybe this could really be something. For the first time in a long while, Kim let herself feel a glimmer of hope.