“So, is everything else in life,” I point out.
“Exactly!” she agrees, her frustrations slowly growing. “Kenzie loves swimming, and she’s so talented at it. I have no doubt that she could make it to the Olympics one day, but my sister doesn’t see it like that. She believes that Kenzie should be spending more time in school and being in clubs that would boost her college applications. But Kenzie is so smart that she’salready taking college classes, and in a bunch of clubs, so why shouldn’t she be able to swim too?”
“She should.”
“Right? But nooo, my sister doesn’t seem to care about how miserable a life she tries to push on people,” she fusses. “She did the same thing with my oldest nephew when she practically forced him to enroll in a college he didn’t want to attend and major in something he wasn’t passionate about, and as soon as he graduated, he moved halfway across the country. Then my second nephew is struggling with severe anxiety because of all the pressure on him to become a doctor. Now she’s doing the same thing with Kenzie, hoping that she’ll follow in her footsteps to become a scientist. She wants her to work at NASA one day, but Kenzie doesn’t want that.”
“I’m sorry, Raine,” I reply, as tears stream down her face. I pull her in for a hug, and she sobs into my arms. “I’m so sorry.”
“I promised I wouldn’t get so worked up, but it's so frustrating,” she huffs. “I feel my heart ache every time I’m around my niece and nephews because they’re going through the same things I went through when I was their age. I love my sister, I do, but she also makes me hate her so damn much. I do all I can to make sure Kenzie, Steven, and Alex know that I’m here and I support their dreams, because it’s what they deserve. Even when their mom is tearing them down at every turn, at least they can count on their aunt to be there, you know?”
“I do,” I nod. “And from what I can see, you’re an amazing aunt. They’re so lucky to have you in their lives, and know that I’m more than happy to help in any way you need.”
“Dawn,” she gasps, looking up at me.
“Raine, I’m here for the long ride, love,” I tell her. “I’ve told you before that I plan on making you mine, and I mean that. You’re still opening up to me, and I appreciate you for that. But even without knowing all the details, I can tell that you’vebeen trying your best to stay strong for so long. You’ve probably always had to protect your heart, but I’m not going to break it. I respect and admire you too much. All I want is for you to be happy and be able to live the life you’ve always wanted.”
“You like me a lot, don’t you?” She asks, genuine confusion in her voice. I nod. “W-Why?”
“Because I just do,” I shrug. “You gotta stop downplaying how amazing you are, Raine Williams. I am genuinely attracted to you and interested in learning everything about you. I know it can be scary, but let me prove to you that I mean what I say, okay? But, you know, no pressure.”
“I want that,” she says. “I want it all. I want…all of you.”
“Now who’s being forward?” I tease, and she playfully rolls her eyes. “I’m glad to know we’re feeling the same, but I want to be clear about something, okay?”
“S-Sure.”
“I’m all about open communication,” I tell her. “I was raised in a household where expressing our feelings was encouraged. I think that may have a lot to do with how I am now, but being open and honest is something I strongly value. So, if I ever do or say something that you don’t like or that hurts your feelings, please let me know. If something is bothering you, please talk to me about it. I know it may be hard at first, but I promise you that I won’t judge you for speaking your mind. For this… relationship to work, we have to put forth effort, and I’m willing to. Are you?”
“I am,” she nods. “You’re right. It’s definitely going to be hard for me at first because I was raised the exact opposite. Most of my life, I hid my true feelings because I was terrified of being judged by my sister, but also wanted her approval, and I’ve been working on that. So, please be patient with me.”
“I will,” I nod. “And whenever you’re ready, I’ll be here to listen to you.”
“Thank you,” she squeaks out, burying her face into my chest. She stays there for a minute before her stomach growls. Her face flushes, and I chuckle.
“Well, I guess that’s a sign that I’m running my mouth too much, huh?” I joke, and she nods jokily. “How about we head on inside and officially start this date? I’m guessing all of that crying worked up an appetite, right?”
“Right,” she giggles, breaking away from me. “Lead the way, ma’am.”
I smiled at her before exiting the car. I met her on the curb and hit the lock button. After the two beeps signaled, I took her hand in mine and guided her through the front entrance. All I could think about as we walked through the restaurant was how lucky I was to be in her presence. She deserved everything good in this world, and I was determined to not only prove that to her but to be the one to give it to her as well.
Raine Williams had no idea how much her life was about to change.
CHAPTER 7
Big Feelings & Absent Menu Prices.
Raine Williams - September 6th, 2025
I glanced around the fancy restaurant that I was definitely underdressed for as I fiddled with the edge of my napkin. Was I nervous because I now knew this was an official date? Yes, yes, I was, but if I’m being honest, I was nervous well before we planned this. I was nervous the moment I realized she was who she was in her dressing room a few weeks ago.
From the moment Ginger first introduced me to her music, I’d thought she was attractive. But I didn’t expect that one day I’d run into her or that she’d see videos of me dancing and invite me to be part of her tour. I didn’t think that she’d want me as much as I wanted her. I still couldn’t believe it, if I’m being honest.
Yet here I was, sitting across from her in a private room at one of the most luxurious restaurants in New South. I’d passed by this place many times in my life, but this was the first time I’d ever stepped inside. From the crystal chandelier to the cloth napkins and plates with intricate patterns, I felt like royalty. And the menu had no prices, so you already know what that meant.
“This place is gorgeous,” I told her, still looking around at the beautiful upscale interior. “I feel like I’m in a grand ballroom, even though I’m severely underdressed.”
“You look beautiful, Raine,” she smiled, reaching across the table to take my hands in hers. “You deserve to dine in luxury, so I brought you to my favorite restaurant.”
