chapter 5- Cracks in the armor

Over the next few weeks, Natalie and Adrian's connection deepened. Their conversations grew longer, venturing into more personal territory. Adrian shared stories about his childhood—how he grew up as the middle child in a bustling household, often feeling overlooked but finding solace in drawing. Natalie could relate. She told him about how books had always been her escape, her way of creating a world she could control when life felt too overwhelming.

Despite the bond forming between them, Natalie was careful to keep her guard up. She hadn't told Adrian about Jason or the broken engagement. That part of her life felt like a wound she wasn't ready to expose. Adrian didn't push for details, but his warmth and patience made her feel like she could trust him—one day.

One Friday evening, Natalie received an unexpected message from Adrian.

Adrian: What are you doing right now?

She glanced at the clock. It was 8 PM, and she was curled up on the couch with a bowl of popcorn and a rom-com she wasn't really watching.

Natalie: Living my most exciting life: movie night for one.

Adrian: Sounds like a blast. Mind some company?

Her heart skipped a beat. She re-read the message three times, trying to process what he was asking. Adrian had always been a name on a screen, a safe and comforting presence she could engage with on her terms. The idea of meeting him in person was both thrilling and terrifying.

Natalie: You mean, like, meeting up?

Adrian: Only if you're comfortable. No pressure. I just thought it might be nice to grab coffee or something.

She stared at her phone, her mind racing. Meeting Adrian felt like a huge step, one she wasn't sure she was ready for. What if he didn't like her in person? What if the easy connection they had online didn't translate into real life?

But then Emma's voice echoed in her mind: Baby steps, Nat. You can't hide forever.

With trembling fingers, she typed her response.

Natalie: Okay. Coffee sounds good.

The next afternoon, Natalie arrived at a cozy café in the city center. Her nerves were on overdrive as she stepped inside, scanning the room for Adrian. She spotted him almost immediately, sitting by the window with a book in his hand.

He looked exactly like his profile picture—tall, with wavy brown hair and kind blue eyes. He wore a simple navy sweater and jeans, the kind of outfit that felt approachable and unpretentious.

As if sensing her presence, he looked up and smiled. The warmth in his expression instantly eased some of her anxiety.

"Natalie," he said, standing to greet her. "You made it."

"I did," she said, managing a nervous smile.

They settled into their seats, and for the first few minutes, the conversation felt a little stilted. Natalie couldn't shake the awkwardness of meeting someone she'd only known through a screen. But Adrian's easygoing nature quickly put her at ease. He asked her about her favorite books, her job, and the best vacation she'd ever been on. He was as charming in person as he was online, and soon, Natalie found herself laughing at his stories and forgetting her nerves.

As the afternoon turned into evening, Natalie realized she was enjoying herself more than she had in months. Adrian had a way of making her feel seen, as though every word she said mattered.

But just as she started to relax, he asked a question that made her freeze.

"So," he said, his tone casual. "What made you join the app? Were you just looking to meet new people, or…?"

Natalie's smile faltered. The truth hung heavy on her tongue, but she wasn't ready to tell him about Jason. Not yet.

"Just… looking to meet new people," she said, forcing a smile. "I figured it couldn't hurt."

Adrian nodded, seemingly satisfied with her answer. But Natalie could tell he sensed there was more she wasn't saying.

That night, as she lay in bed, Natalie replayed the conversation in her mind. She hated lying—or at least omitting the truth. But how could she tell Adrian about Jason without scaring him away?

She pulled out her phone and opened their chat, her fingers hovering over the keyboard.

Natalie: Thanks for today. I really enjoyed it.

A moment later, his reply came through.

Adrian: Me too. Let's do it again soon.

Natalie smiled, her chest feeling lighter. For the first time, she thought that maybe, just maybe, she could let herself open up to Adrian. But she knew it wouldn't be easy. Trust was fragile, and hers was still in pieces.

As she drifted off to sleep, one thought lingered in her mind: Baby steps.