Date

"Choosing a lover is a lot like choosing a therapist. We need to ask ourselves, is this someone who will be honest with me, listen to criticism, admit making mistakes, and not promise the impossible?" -Alex Michaelides

Sloane Kingston

I spent the next days contemplating my decision. Three dates with Christian Allister. The idea of opening up to someone, even a little, felt foreign and risky. I wasn't used to letting people in; I wasn't used to caring. But something about Christian made me reconsider my usual boundaries.

As the clock approached 6 PM, I found myself in front of my mirror, checking my reflection. My business attire was pristine, but I added a hint of casual flair—a soft scarf and minimal jewelry. It was a subtle statement that I was still in control, still the Sloane Kingston who tolerated no nonsense.