Chapter 5 A good evening..............

As Olivia drove home, she kept wondering why she agreed so easily to go out with Xavier, of course she liked him, but she also didn't want to just act on her feelings, that didn't work the first time, and now that she is older and more matured, she should handle her feelings better. As she pulled up outside the house, and came out of the car, Maya opened the door all smiles, "so how did it go?" She asked. "Well it was good" Olivia replied. But will you let me get in first, Maya"? "What, no I can't, I have been waiting all evening for you so you can tell me".

Maya replied as they both went inside. Olivia went to check on Aria as she walked in and Maya was hot on her heels to get the details of how her date went. After checking on her, she gave her a peck on her forehead, adjusted her blanket and closed the door behind her. Maya, who was so eager to hear about her date, was policing her around the house. "Okay Maya, can I at least get out of this dress and have a shower first" Olivia said, so Maya could let her be for at 5 minutes. Okay, okay ,Maya replied and went down to the living room. After Olivia takes a shower and changed into her nightdress, she went downstairs to join Maya, and told her about how it went, how their conversation was so smooth and how they have another date for next week. Maya knew at this point Olivia was starting to have doubts about seeing Xavier again, her friend had been through a lot with Trent Aria's father and since then, had sworn off men, meetings someone she might actually like could scare her. Maya knew she had to do something before Olivia ghosted Xavier. Maya knew Olivia needed a bit of a push to overcome her fear of getting hurt again, so she decided to offer a different perspective. "Olivia, I understand your reservations about dating again after what happened with Trent. But don't you think it's worth taking a chance on someone who could potentially make you happy? You deserve to be happy, and you can't let the past hold you back from that. Xavier seems like a really great guy, and you have a connection with him, and he already knows about, which I don't think will be a dealbreaker or he wouldn't have asked you out on the first date. Maybe it's worth seeing where it goes?" Olivia listened to Maya's words carefully and began to think more deeply about the situation. Maya was right – she didn't want to let her fear hold her back from finding happiness again. She had to take a chance on Xavier. "You're right, Maya. I can't let my experiences dictate my future. I'll give Xavier a chance and see where it goes." Maya smiled, relieved that she was able to help her friend see things better. " You can also make the third date inclusive of Aria, so he understands what he is getting into" "Thanks Maya, for always being a best friend to me and always here to help me out when I need you and even when I don't know I need you". Olivia replied. Just as they were talking, her phone screen lite up, it was a text from Xavier expressing how he had a good night and if she had gotten home safe, and how he was looking forward to seeing her again. *********************************************** The memory of Olivia's smile lingered in Xavier's mind as he drove back home. He couldn't help but replay their conversations and the laughter they shared throughout the evening. The way her eyes sparkled when she talked about her passions made him even more intrigued by her. As he entered his apartment, Xavier found himself unable to contain his excitement. He picked up his phone and sent Olivia a text, expressing his gratitude for the wonderful time they had and his anticipation for their next meeting. He eagerly awaited her response, hoping it would come soon. She replied, telling him she also had a good evening, and she was looking forward to seeing him again. They wished each other good night. Xavier's heart skipped a beat as he read Olivia's reply. Her enthusiasm mirrored his own, and he couldn't help but smile from ear to ear. The fact that she was eagerly anticipating their next meeting filled him with a sense of warmth and anticipation. As he settled into bed that night, Xavier's thoughts were consumed by Olivia. He couldn't help but imagine the possibilities of their future together. Would they explore new places, try adventurous activities, or simply spend quiet evenings wrapped in each other's company? The excitement and curiosity kept him awake, but it was a pleasant restlessness.