My mother sighed, her shoulders sagging as the fight seemed to drain out of her. “I just want you to be happy, darling. This is all happening so fast.”
“I know, Mom,” I said, my voice softening. “But for once, I need to do things my way. Please, just trust me on this.”
There was a long pause as the weight of our conversation settled in. Finally, she nodded, though I could see the worry still etched in her features. “Alright, Lavinia. I’ll try.”
As we ended the call, I felt a sense of liberation, but also the heavy reality of what it meant now, to truly stand on my own.
Chapter 15
ISTOOD OUTSIDE La Rosa Italiana, nervously smoothing out the red fabric of my dress. I tucked a strand of hair behind my ear, the sleek waves Amelia had expertly styled brushing against my cheek. The soft night breeze played with the hem of my dress, which ended just below my knees, and the high slit revealed a teasing glimpse of my legs. I wrapped my arms around myself, trying to steady the flurry of emotions that had been swirling since this afternoon’s tense video call with my parents.
A few hours ago, I’d sent Ivy a panicked text. It had been so long since I’d gone on a first date, and I was suddenly overwhelmed. I was only half-serious when I’d texted:I don’t even have time to get ready! Help!But, within minutes, Ivy and Amelia were at my door, ready to save the day. They had stayed with me until the last minute, fussing over the details, and making sure everything was perfect, before sending me off with hugs.
Now, as I stood outside the restaurant, I could hear their voices in my head, offering encouragement, and boosting my confidence as I paced outside, my heels clicking softly on the cobblestones. The empty street offered me a small mercy. No one was around to witness my nerves getting the best of me.
“You’ve been on dates before,” I muttered to myself, taking a deep breath to steady the flurry of emotions that had taken over. “It’s supposed to be fun. It’s just dinner. Just getting to know someone new.”
But, for some reason, tonight felt different. Maybe it was because Ethan was the first person in a long time who made me feel genuinely excited. Or maybe it was because, for the first time since Sebastian, I was letting my guard down.
I glanced up at the old clocktower, its hands pointing to six o’clock. Ethan was probably inside already, maybe wondering where I was. The confidence I’d felt earlier when we exchanged flirty texts seemed to have evaporated, leaving behind a bundle of nerves.
“It’s just a date, Vinnie,” I whispered again, trying to push away the doubts. Finally, I stopped pacing and took in the mouthwatering scent of garlic, tomatoes, and fresh bread drifting from the restaurant. The aromas stirred my appetite, and reminded me of why I was here. “Just dinner,” I murmured, closing my eyes for a second and letting the warmth of the Italian cuisine wrap around me.
I could do this.
Iwantedto do this.
Squaring my shoulders, I pushed open the door to the restaurant, and the warmth hit me first, a welcome contrast to the cool evening air, easing some of the tension in my chest. The place had a charm that made me feel like I’d stumbled upon a secret corner of Italy, with shelves of dusty wine bottles and vintage Italian posters lining the walls. Olive branches,intertwined with fairy lights, hung from the ceiling, casting a romantic glow. The tables were dark wood, each with a flickering candle that bathed the room in a golden light. Couples leaned in close at their tables, speaking in low voices, their laughter mingling with the soft strains of Italian music that played in the background.
I scanned the room, my heart thudding in my chest until my eyes finally landed on Ethan, who was seated at a small corner table, and the sight of him caught my breath. He looked effortlessly handsome in a crisp white shirt, layered with a dark sweater that clung to his broad shoulders. His brown hair was tousled, as if he’d been nervously running his fingers through it, and he kept adjusting his collar, and rolling and unrolling his sweater sleeves.
Seeing him there, a little fidgety and out of sorts, softened something inside me. It was comforting, in a way, to know that I wasn’t the only one feeling nervous, and I watched him glance around the room, his fingers drumming lightly on the table, as if he couldn’t quite sit still.
Then, as if he could sense my gaze on him, his eyes found mine, and the rest of the world seemed to blur at the edges as he broke into the most adorable, bashful smile. It wasn’t the confident grin I was used to. It was sweeter, more vulnerable, as if he was just as eager for this to go well as I was.
That smile did something to me. It felt like a quiet promise, and suddenly, all my lingering nerves melted away as I smiled back, my lips curving into something genuine, something that came from deep within.
I reached the table and Ethan stood up, his smile widening as he stepped closer, his gaze never leaving mine. There was a palpable tension between us, the kind that made my skin tingle and my pulse race. It was the good kind—the kind that spoke of possibilities and new beginnings.
“Hey,” he said, his voice soft and filled with warmth. There was a slight tremor in his tone; a hint of nerves that made my heart skip a beat.
“Hey,” I replied, my voice barely above a whisper but, in that single word, I hoped he could hear the excitement.
Ethan stepped around the table with a nervous energy, pulling out my chair with an easy smile that softened the moment as his eyes swept over me in appreciation.
“You look amazing, Vinnie,” he said. “I’m almost regretting not dressing up more.”
“Thanks, Ethan,” I replied, feeling a blush creep up my cheeks as I sat down, smoothing my dress out of habit. “Seriously, you look really good.”
As he returned to his seat, an older-looking waitress approached, her smile broadening as she recognized Ethan. She had auburn hair pulled back into a ponytail; her uniform relaxed—black slacks, a fitted white shirt, and the restaurant’s logo embroidered on the pocket. The name tag read LAURA, and her friendly demeanor felt instantly welcoming.
“Hey, Ethan! Finally out on a date, huh?” she teased, a playful smirk on her face as she glanced between us. Ethan blushed, running a hand through his hair with a sheepish grin.
“Yeah, I guess so,” he admitted, glancing at me.
“Well, it’s about time,” Laura turned her attention to me, her smile warm. “You’re in good company. Can I start you two off with something to drink? First date specials are my favorite to pour.”
I smiled back. “I’ll have a glass of the house red, thanks.”
