Upside Down

You turn to face Clara, the emerald bracelet catching the golden hour light streaming through the car window. Your newly plumped lips curve into a soft smile as you reach over to place your hand on hers where it rests on the gearshift.

"I feel the same way," you admit, your Irish lilt making the words sound almost musical. "These last couple days have been absolute madness, but you've been this... amazing rock of stability for me." You laugh softly, squeezing her hand. "Well, when you haven't been turning my world completely upside down, that is."

Clara's expression softens, vulnerability replacing her usual confident demeanor. She brings your hand to her lips, pressing a gentle kiss against your knuckles. "I know it's fast," she murmurs against your skin. "Probably too fast. But there's something about you, Mia. Something I can't quite explain."

The traffic light ahead turns red, and Clara slows the car to a stop. In the momentary stillness, she turns to look at you fully, her eyes searching yours with an intensity that makes your breath catch.

"I don't normally do this," she confesses, tucking a strand of copper hair behind your ear. "Jump in so quickly, I mean. I've spent most of my life playing it safe with relationships."

"Safe how?" you ask, genuinely curious about this glimpse into her past.

Clara shrugs, a small, almost embarrassed smile playing at her lips. "Dating men I wasn't particularly excited about. Following the expected path." Her thumb traces circles on your palm. "But with you... it's different. Scary-different, but in the best possible way."

The light changes to green, and Clara reluctantly returns her attention to driving, though her free hand remains intertwined with yours.

"You know what's funny?" she says after a moment. "I've known David for years. Been to your flat dozens of times. How is it we never properly met before?"

You feel a flutter of panic at the question—knowing exactly why but unable to explain. Before you can formulate a response, Clara continues.

"Though I suppose if we had met earlier, when you were with Matt we might not be here now." She squeezes your hand. "So maybe timing is everything."

The restaurant comes into view—a sleek, modern building with subtle lighting illuminating its entrance. Clara pulls into the parking lot, finding a space near the front.

"We're here," she announces, killing the engine. But instead of immediately getting out, she turns to you once more. "Before we go in... I just want to say that whatever this is between us, I'm all in. No holding back."

She leans across the console and kisses you again, slower this time, more tender than passionate. When she pulls away, her eyes remain closed for a beat longer, as if memorizing the moment.

"Now," she says finally, reaching for her purse, "let's see if we can actually make it through dinner without me dragging you to the bathroom."

The wicked gleam in her eye makes your body respond instantly, a warm flush spreading across your skin as you follow her out of the car and toward the restaurant entrance.

17:40 | Sunday 3 August 2025 | Entrance of Rivoli's

All daily tasks completed!

Return Points: 25/100

Babe Bucks: 20