the way i loved you.

chapter fourteen - dress

"our secret moments in a crowded room, they got no idea about me and you."
- taylor swift

The local diner buzzed with a lively atmosphere as Brax, Mel, Jace, and I settled into a booth for lunch. The clatter of dishes and the aroma of freshly cooked food surrounded us, creating a casual backdrop for our gathering.

Brax, always the conversationalist, couldn't help but inquire about Jason's professional life. "So, Jason, how's work treating you lately?"

Jason, sipping his coffee, responded with a wry smile, "Work's work. Busy as always."

I, attempting to steer the conversation away from work-related matters, added, "Speaking of which, Brax, how's the new promotion treating you?"

Brax, clearly proud of his recent achievement, grinned. "Couldn't be better. The team's great, and the new responsibilities are challenging in the best way possible."

Melanie, sensing a potential tension in the air, decided to switch gears. "You guys remember that time we all went hiking near the lake? That was a blast!"

A nostalgic smile crossed my face as I recalled the shared memories. "Yeah, that was fun. We should plan something like that again sometime."

As we engaged in normal conversation, Jason's sly move under the table added a layer of excitement to the otherwise ordinary lunch outing. My breath caught when I felt the warmth of his hand on my thigh. My eyes met Jason's, but he maintained a calm demeanor while chatting with Brax.

As the conversation flowed, Brax turned his attention toward Jason. "So, Jace, what about Bethany? How's that going?"

Jason's response carried a hint of nonchalance. "Oh, Bethany? We're just colleagues. She was up for a position in HR, but we decided to grab dinner to discuss work stuff."

I couldn't help but feel a twinge of discomfort at the mention of Bethany, but I maintained a composed exterior. Melanie, always attuned to my subtle reactions, shot me a concerned look.

As the lunch continued, Melanie, always one to dig into the details, couldn't resist the urge to bring up the topic of the previous night's dinner.

With a teasing glint in her eyes, she turned to Jason and I, asking casually, "So, how was dinner last night?"

I exchanged a quick, almost imperceptible glance with Jason, who maintained his cool composure. "It was nice, just a casual dinner," I replied with a careful smile.

However, Brax, engrossed in devouring his burger, overheard the conversation and looked up with a puzzled expression. "Dinner? What dinner?"

The room seemed to tense momentarily, and Melanie shot Jason and I apologetic glances. Astoria, trying to play it down, chuckled nervously, "Oh, you know, nothing special. Just a last-minute thing."

Brax, not entirely convinced, furrowed his brows. "Last-minute dinner with Jason? You guys never mentioned it."

Jason, leaning back in his chair, interjected casually, "It was really nothing, Brax. Just a quick catch-up, no big deal."

Melanie, sensing the brewing tension, swiftly changed the subject. "Alright, let's not turn this into a detective story. We're here to enjoy lunch, right?"

Brax, still wearing a slightly skeptical expression, decided to let it go for the moment. "Yeah, yeah, lunch first. But we're revisiting this later."

The lunch continued, but an undercurrent of unspoken questions lingered, waiting to be addressed at a more opportune time.

The remainder of the meal unfolded with a sense of normalcy, yet beneath the surface, the unspoken connection between Jason and I lingered. His hand remained discreetly on my thigh, a subtle declaration of the intricate dynamics at play.

Back at the office, Jason told Brax and Mel that he wanted to show me around. Brax looked skeptical but agreed.

In Jason's sleek office, the contrast of the black and purple theme captivates my attention. The room exudes a sophisticated air, and I couldn't help but be impressed.

As I took in the surroundings, Jason, with a subtle smirk, notices my curiosity. "So, what do you think?" he asks.

"It's... impressive," I admit, genuinely impressed by the modern aesthetic.

Jason chuckles. "I'm glad you like it."

I shrugs, a playful glint in my eyes. "I'm curious. You know, about your favorite color being purple. It's so... vibrant."

He leans against his desk, his expression softening. "Well, I guess I have a hidden love for vibrant things. Keeps life interesting, don't you think?"

I couldn't help but smile. "Fair point. I expected something darker, like your office."

Jason laughs, the sound echoing through the sleek space. "Appearances can be deceiving, Astoria. Now, anything else you're curious about?"

As we engage in light banter, the black and purple office becomes a backdrop for a conversation that hints at the complexities beneath the surface.

In the midst of Jason's sleek office, the air is charged with a subtle tension.

Jason says randomly, "Astoria, there's something I've been meaning to ask you."

I meets his gaze, curiosity evident in my eyes. "What is it?"

He takes a moment, as if carefully choosing his words. "Would you join me at the lake tonight? There's something I'd like to share with you."

I, a mix of surprise and curiosity, responds, "The lake? Tonight? What's so special about tonight?"

A thoughtful smile plays on Jason's lips. "Just trust me, Astoria. It's a place that holds meaning for me, and I'd like to share it with you."

I contemplates his request, a myriad of emotions crossing my face. "Alright, Jason. I'll meet you at the lake tonight."

As we finalize our plans, the air in Jason's office seems to crackle with anticipation, leaving both of us wondering what the night at the lake might unveil.

I hesitated for a moment, standing in the doorway of my mom's room, and finally said, "Hey, Mom, can I borrow the car tonight? I want to go to the lake."

My mom looks up from the book she's reading, offering a warm smile. "The lake, huh? Planning a special night?"

I nod, a slight blush coloring my cheeks. "Yeah, Jason invited me. It seems important to him."

My mom sets the book aside, her expression thoughtful. "Well, if it's important to him, then it must be something worth experiencing. Just be careful, Astoria. I know you're responsible, but it's always good to remind you. And if you ever feel uncomfortable or unsure, call me, alright?"

I appreciated my mom's concern. "I will, Mom. Thanks."

My mom reaches out and squeezes my hand. "Have a good time, sweetheart. Enjoy the moments that come your way."