New clothes, same tension—nothing felt reset.
The fresh fabric clung to Denisse's skin, still warm from the fitting room lights, but the tension of the day clung harder. With everything that had gone wrong since morning, there hadn't been a single calm moment to actually talk. To do the thing dates were supposed to be about. Getting to know each other.
Wasn't that the point?
Apparently, the universe had other plans.
As they walked back toward the parking lot, Denisse's thoughts began to spiral, one after another, piling up like an accusation.
Okay. This is not good.
She replayed the day in her head whether she wanted to or not.
First, she waited an hour. An entire hour, checking her phone, pretending not to care, slowly convincing herself she'd been stood up.
Second, Nicole insisted on the motorbike. Which was exciting, yes, but also the exact reason they'd been soaked in the rain and forced to buy emergency clothes.
Third, Nicole had confidently said she'd pay for lunch... and then completely forgot her wallet.
That part still made Denisse squint internally. Not suspicious, exactly. Just absurd.
And then there was her.
The food. Flying.
Straight to Nicole's beautiful face.
And the wine. Oh God, the wine.
Denisse winced at the memory.
I assaulted her with beef and drowned her in red wine.
On a first date.
Amazing.
"Come on."
Nicole's voice broke through her mental spiral. She looked up to see Nicole already by the motorbike, helmet in hand, nodding toward it like this was all perfectly normal.
Denisse sighed and climbed on.
They were back on the highway before she could question any of her life choices.
A few minutes later, Nicole slowed and pulled over in front of a building glowing with sleek lights and polished glass.
Denisse slid off the bike and looked up.
A VIP club.
Her stomach dropped.
"Isn't it too early to go here?" Denisse asked carefully, eyes scanning the entrance. "And it looks... kind of expensive. My credit card won't survive this place."
"Relax," Nicole said easily. "I got you."
Denisse shot her a look. "That's what you also said in the restaurant."
Nicole winced, then smiled sheepishly. "Okay, fair. But this time, you won't pay. I know the owner. She'll let us order, and I'll pay her later."
Denisse hesitated, then nodded. At this point, resistance felt pointless.
Inside, the club was dim and elegant, music humming low, lights soft and flattering. They slid into a booth, and for the first time all day, nothing immediately went wrong.
Their food arrived soon after. Too much food. Beautiful food.
"Oh wow," Denisse said, eyes widening. "This is a lot. And it all looks so good."
"It's all for you," Nicole said, grinning. "Just don't make them fly again."
Denisse groaned, heat rushing to her cheeks. "Yes. They won't. Not this time."
They ate. Slowly. Carefully.
For a few blessed minutes, nothing exploded, spilled, or malfunctioned.
"So," Nicole said finally, leaning back slightly. "Is this the part where we try to get to know each other? A lot happened today, and we didn't really get the chance to talk."
Denisse nodded. "Yeah. A lot happened. I thought the universe was being cruel to us. But... I don't know. Do you think it is?"
Nicole smiled, calm and reassuring. "Nope. I think it's all coincidence."
Denisse let out a small laugh. "I hope you're right."
She hesitated, then asked, "So how did you even end up on that blind date app?"
Nicole opened her mouth to answer.
"Denisse?"
The voice cut through the air like a record scratch.
Denisse froze.
She turned slowly.
"Hannah?"
The woman standing beside their table looked flushed, unsteady, eyes sharp with something that made Denisse's stomach tighten.
"So this is where I can find you," Hannah said, her tone dripping accusation. "After ghosting me for months."
Denisse's heart sank.
Oh no.
Not her.
Please not today.
"H-Hannah," Denisse stammered, panic rising as she caught the smell of alcohol. "We never dated. You just assumed—"
"Assumed?" Hannah laughed harshly. "I know we both felt the same. But I think I know the reason now why you left."
She turned, glaring at Nicole.
"It's this bitch right here."
Denisse's breath caught.
"Wait—me?" Nicole said, stunned, pointing at herself.
"Yes, you bitch!" Hannah snapped.
Nicole didn't stand. She didn't raise her voice. She stayed exactly where she was, calm, composed, terrifyingly steady.
"You want to know why she left you?" Nicole said coolly. "First, you're not at my level. Second, look at how you're acting right now. Trashy. And most of all, I am way more beautiful and hotter than you will ever be."
Denisse stared at her.
She wasn't wrong.
Not even a little.
Hannah's face twisted. "Oh, bitch. You won't be now."
Before Denisse could react, Hannah grabbed a glass of water and threw it straight at Nicole's face.
"Oh my God!" Denisse gasped.
Of course.
Of course this would happen.
Universe, I haven't even finished my plate yet.
Nicole rose to her feet.
For one terrifying second, Denisse thought she was about to throw the water right back.
Instead, Nicole walked past Hannah.
Straight to Denisse.
She took Denisse's hand firmly and pulled her up.
As they passed Hannah, Nicole said calmly, "Guess what? You just proved that Denisse leaving you was the best decision of her life."
They walked out.
Hannah stood there, stunned.
Denisse was stunned too.
Outside, the night air felt unreal.
"I—I'm sorry," Denisse started, guilt crashing into her all at once.
"No," Nicole said gently. "Don't. This day has already been full of apologies. Let's just make the most of what's left."
Denisse hesitated. "But let me at least wipe the water off your face."
Before Nicole could respond, Denisse stepped closer. Carefully. Her fingers brushed Nicole's cheek as she wiped away the water.
She was close enough now to really see her.
The depth of her eyes.
The sharp line of her nose.
The softness of her lips.
Denisse's gaze dropped without permission. She swallowed.
"There," she said softly, pulling back just in time. "Come on."
Before she lost control completely.