In the Evening

Nicole stepped through the front door, the click of the lock echoing in the quiet hallway. She leaned her back against the wood for a moment, closing her eyes and letting out a long, shaky breath. "Hhh..."

"I'm home," she called out, her voice sounding small even to her own ears.

John appeared from the kitchen, a dish towel draped over his shoulder. He stepped toward her, wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her into a warm embrace. "You look exhausted, babe. Rough day?"

Nicole rested her forehead against his chest, smelling the scent of home and laundry detergent. "It was... fine. Just a lot of pressure."

"Mmm," John hummed, kissing the top of her head. "Well, you're home now. Forget about the office."

Nicole pulled back slightly, her fingers twisting the fabric of her blouse. "Actually, there's something. Mr. Jefferson is hosting a Halloween party tomorrow night. He specifically asked for both of us to attend."

John’s eyebrows shot up, and a spark of excitement lit up his eyes. "A party? At the boss's place? That's actually great news, Nic!"

"You think so?" she asked, avoiding his gaze.

"Think about it," John said, taking her hands in his. "I've been out of the game for too long. Being in his home, away from the sterile office environment... it’s the perfect chance for me to network. If I can impress him or meet a few other executives, I might actually find a lead on a new job."

Nicole bit her lip. "I don't know, John. I'm not really in the mood for a crowd."

"Please, baby," he whispered, leaning in so their noses touched. He gave her a small, pleading smile. "Just one night. We’ll dress up, have a few drinks, and I can finally start moving forward again. Do it for me?"

Nicole looked at his hopeful expression and felt her resolve crumble. She couldn't tell him why she was truly afraid to go.

"Fine," she whispered. "We'll go."

"Yes!" John cheered, lifting her off her feet in a quick, exuberant hug. "I'm going to start thinking of a costume right now!"