Preparations for Valentine’s Day

Now came the hardest part: convincing him. It wasn't easy to ask someone so organized and methodical to accept a blind date just before Valentine's Day. Although Olivia had agreed to give it a chance, we knew we needed to make sure Ethan was interested too.

"Do you think it'll work?" Lindsay asked as we reviewed our options. "Ethan seems a bit… how do I say it… cautious."

"It's true," I replied. "But he's also creative and open to new experiences. We just need to emphasize how incredible Olivia is. And maybe exaggerate her qualities a little."

Lindsay smiled mischievously.

"You know, like when she told us she climbed a mountain in Switzerland just because someone said she couldn't do it."

"Exactly," I said, nodding. "That should grab his attention."

With that in mind, I called Ethan. He answered on the second ring, his voice calm and polite.

"Hi, Sack. How can I help you?"

"Hey, Ethan. Listen, I know this is a bit sudden, but I wanted to ask if you'd be interested in going out this Valentine's Day. You know Olivia, right?"

There was a pause on the other end of the line.

"Yes, I've heard of her. She's pretty popular on campus. Why do you ask?"

"Well," I began, trying to sound convincing, "Olivia is looking to spend Valentine's Day with someone special. And we thought you might be perfect for her. She's incredibly fun, spontaneous, and has a unique energy. Plus, she's had some pretty impressive adventures. For example, did you know she climbed a mountain in Switzerland just because someone told her she couldn't do it?"

I heard a soft laugh from the other side.

"She sounds… interesting."

"Oh, that's nothing!" Lindsay interjected, since she was on speakerphone. "Once, Olivia threw a surprise party for all of us in the middle of a snowstorm. She literally built a shelter with blankets and lights. It was epic."

Ethan stayed silent for a moment, probably processing everything we were saying. Finally, he responded:

"Alright. I'll take the risk. After all, Valentine's Day should be about new experiences, right?"

I smiled, relieved.

"Exactly. You won't regret it, Ethan. Olivia is… one of a kind."

When I hung up, Lindsay looked at me with a triumphant smile.

"Well done. Now we just have to hope Olivia doesn't scare him off in the first five minutes."

We told Olivia about Ethan's positive response as soon as we ended the call. She was sitting at her desk, surrounded by snacks and holding her phone, as if ready to cancel any plan we proposed.

"So… Ethan said yes," I announced, trying to sound casual.

Olivia raised an eyebrow, incredulous.

"Really?"

"Yes," Lindsay replied. "He's excited to meet you. Now you just need to coordinate the details of the date."

Olivia frowned, deep in thought.

"Where does he suggest we meet?"

"That's up to you," I responded. "We left it in your hands. Just make sure it's memorable."

Olivia smiled mischievously.

"Don't worry. If I'm going to do this, I'll do it with style."

Once we resolved Olivia's situation, my attention turned to Lindsay. Although I knew we'd spend Valentine's Day together, we hadn't decided exactly what to do. I wanted it to be special, something that marked a new chapter in our relationship.

"What are you planning to do with Lindsay?" Olivia asked while putting her phone away after talking to Ethan.

I looked at her, surprised by her direct question.

"I thought it would be obvious. A hike, dinner, maybe something more if everything goes well."

Olivia rolled her eyes.

"Ugh, you're so predictable, Sack. You need something more original. Something that says, 'I'm ready to make this official.'"

Her words echoed in my mind. Officializing our relationship. That's exactly what I wanted to do.

"You're right," I admitted. "I want this Valentine's Day to be memorable."

Olivia grinned widely.

"Then do something romantic but authentic. Something that reflects who you are and how you feel."

After thinking about it for a bit, I decided to keep it simple but meaningful. I talked to Lindsay that night to coordinate the details.

"Crystal Springs Reservoir?" Lindsay asked when I proposed the idea. "Go hiking there on Valentine's Day?"

I nodded.

"It's peaceful, beautiful, and holds special meaning for us. Plus, we can end the evening with an elegant dinner."

Lindsay smiled, her eyes glowing with warmth.

"I love the idea. It's perfect."

The day arrived quickly, and before I knew it, it was Valentine's Day. We met early on campus, where Lindsay was waiting for me next to my car. We got in and headed toward Crystal Springs Reservoir, a quiet and picturesque spot just a short drive from Stanford.

During the ride, the atmosphere between us was comfortable and filled with anticipation. We talked about small things, but every word seemed charged with meaning. When we arrived, we started walking along one of the trails surrounded by trees and panoramic views of the water.

I took her hand as we walked, feeling how our fingers naturally intertwined. The fresh air and serene landscape made the moment even more special.

"It's beautiful here," Lindsay said, looking around with a smile. "Who would've thought that the guy with the indifferent and cold gaze I met a few months ago would now be here beside me, holding my hand and smiling as if the world didn't exist."

I chuckled softly, remembering how different I used to be before meeting her.

"People change when they find the right person," I replied, looking into her eyes. "You taught me that it's okay to open up, that I don't have to carry everything alone."

Lindsay squeezed my hand gently, her eyes shining with emotion.

"And you taught me that there's beauty in vulnerability. That even the most reserved people have a big heart when you give them a chance."

We stopped for a moment to admire the scenery. The reservoir's water shimmered under the sun, and the wind gently swayed the tree branches. It was a perfect moment, one I'd never forget.

"Thank you for being here with me," I said, feeling that my words fell short of expressing everything I felt. "This day is special because you're here."

Lindsay smiled, moving a little closer to me.

"You don't need to say more. I'm happy to be here with you too."

We continued walking in silence for a while, simply enjoying each other's company. Then Lindsay broke the silence.

"You know, I always thought Valentine's Day was a commercial holiday," she said, gazing at the horizon. "All hearts, flowers, and chocolates. But today… today I realize it's not about that. It's about being with the people who truly matter."

I nodded, understanding what she meant.

"Exactly. You don't need extravagant gifts or grand gestures. Sometimes, the most valuable thing is simply sharing a moment like this."

Lindsay turned to me, her eyes full of curiosity.

"You know what I like most about you, Sack?"

"What?" I asked, feeling a mix of nervousness and curiosity.

"That you've always been honest, even when it was hard. You don't try to pretend to be someone you're not. And that… that's something I really admire."

I felt a lump in my throat. I'd never been good at receiving compliments, but Lindsay's words touched something deep inside me.

"Thank you," I murmured, looking down for a moment before meeting her eyes again. "But I also want you to know that… that I wouldn't be who I am now without you. You've helped me see things differently, to not be so afraid of showing my emotions."

Lindsay smiled, and for a moment, it seemed like she was about to say something more. Instead, she simply squeezed my hand tighter.

"You know what?" she said finally. "I think this is the beginning of something great. Not just for us, but for everyone. Olivia has her date with Ethan, you and I are here… even Sack, the guy who used to avoid deep conversations, is talking about his feelings."

I chuckled softly, feeling a wave of gratitude for having someone like Lindsay in my life.

"I guess you're right. Maybe Valentine's Day isn't so bad after all."

Lindsay playfully nudged me.

"Don't even say that. This day is perfect, and I'm not letting you ruin it with your cynicism."

We both laughed and continued our walk until the sun began to set.