Leah stepped onto the sundeck, drink in hand, chatting with

 

Monica, when she saw him, the man at the grill. Tall, athletic, and

 

confident, with a flawless caramel complexion and a dazzling

 

smile. His apron read “King of the Grill,”

 

“You see something you like?” Monica teased.

 

“Just admiring,” Leah said, blushing.

 

“Girl, smile at him or something.”

 

“Oh no,” Leah whispered.”

 

Monica laughed. “Sure. You should introduce yourself.

 

I saw him looking. Pretty sure he likes what he sees.”

 

Leah hesitated, then Monica gave her a playful nudge. “Let’s

 

grab a seat.

 

“Yes, let’s sit where you have a good view of the grill king,

 

shall we.”

 

That way you can scope him out without being too obvious,

 

Monica teased, eyes gleaming.

 

Monica leaned in, grinning. “Leah, you need to stop being shy

 

and get yourself a man.”

 

Leah raised an eyebrow.

 

“Preferably that one,” Monica added, nodding toward the grill.

 

Leah laughed quietly. “I’ve been single for a while. Dating never

 

ends well for me—and honestly, I’m comfortable.”

 

Monica gave her a gentle nudge. “Comfortable? Or just afraid?”

 

Leah smirked, a quiet, confident half-smile.

 

Everyone gathered to join hands in a circle, pausing to bless

 

the food before indulging in the grilled & homemade pleasures.

 

One by one, guests approached the tables, filling their plates

 

with grilled meats and homemade sides, the air rich with the

 

aroma of summer cooking.

 

Leah, a petite, slender woman with a warm mocha-brown

 

complexion, stood patiently in line, her plate held delicately in one

 

hand. Her long hair, a cascade of soft waves, flowed down her

 

back before curling tightly at the ends, responding to the summer

 

heat and humidity.

 

As she moved up in line, she glanced toward the grill and

 

spotted him; the man who had been tending the grill, standing by

 

the table, beer in hand, next to a speaker, his presence

 

commanding yet relaxed.

 

Their eyes met briefly, and she quickly looked away.

 

“That’s a beautiful sundress you’re wearing,” he said, his voice

 

warm. “It looks good on you too.”

 

Leah tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, as she offered a

 

shy, grateful smile. Her voice came out low and gentle. “Thank

 

you,”

 

She turned and hurried to the table where she and Monica had

 

settled, her mind racing.

 

Noticing Leah’s nerves and her empty plate, Monica quietly

 

stepped to the back of the line to grab a plate of food for her.

 

Leah and Monica were mid-bite, chatting easily, when a voice

 

cut through their conversation.

 

“Hi, ladies. Do you mind if I sit here?” he asked, his tone

 

friendly yet tinged with exhaustion.

 

“I put in some serious work at that grill today, and I could use

 

a minute to rest.”

 

 

Monica glanced up, her eyes lighting up with recognition and

 

amusement.

 

“Of course,” she said with a grin.

 

“We’d be honored to have the king of the grill join us, won’t

 

we Leah?”

 

Leah, still a bit flustered from their earlier exchange, managed

 

to make a polite smile. “Absolutely,” she added, her voice warm

 

but tinged with a hint of nervousness.

 

“Thanks,” he said, taking a sip from his drink. “It’s nice to take

 

a break and enjoy the food I worked so hard to prepare.”

 

“I’m gonna sit right here next to Ms. Leah, if you don’t mind,” he

 

said with a friendly grin, wiping his hands on his apron.

 

Monica looked up, her eyes twinkling with amusement. “Go

 

right ahead,” she replied. “In fact, I’m gonna go get me another

 

drink. Y’all want anything?”

 

Leah glanced at her friend, then back at the man who had

 

been tending the grill. She smiled politely. “I’m good, thanks.”

 

“Me too,” he replied.

 

Monica stood and winked at Leah before heading toward the

 

drink station.

 

“So. how’s the food? I hope I didn’t overcook anything.”

 

Leah chuckled softly. “It’s perfect,” she said.

 

He smiled, clearly pleased by the compliment. “Glad to hear it.

 

It’s always nice to know the hard work paid off.”

 

“Well, Leah, what brings you here?”

 

“By the way, I’m Jason”, Jason Whitaker, sorry for not

 

introducing myself when I came over.

 

“I promise I was raised right,” he laughed.

 

Leah hesitated for a moment, then smiled.

 

“Um, I work with the owner of this house. She invited me a few

 

weeks ago, and I thought it would be a good opportunity to

 

mingle with such an esteemed colleague.”

 

Jason chuckled, revealing a set of pearly white teeth that

 

brightened the evening.

 

“Mingle with an esteemed colleague, huh?

 

“Well, I’m glad you could make it., Leah”

 

“Can I tell you something?”

 

Sure, she said hesitantly.

 

“And you promise you won’t get upset and tell me to leave.”

 

“Yes”

 

“You can relax; you’re not at work.”

 

Regular lingo is good enough for me.

 

I’m not your esteemed colleague, he snickered.

 

A deep warmth spread across Leah’s face, her skin glowing with

 

the subtle flush of embarrassment.

 

Her gaze dropped to the ground, and she shifted uncomfortably in

 

her seat.

 

“Don’t be embarrassed.”

 

Jason gave a reassuring smile. “I know you’re trying to make a

 

good impression and not risk your job, but I just want you to relax

 

while you’re here.”

 

“You know that esteemed colleague of yours, she’s my aunt.”

 

“Well, she’s my uncle’s wife, so I consider her my aunt.”

 

A playful grin crossed Jason’s face.

 

“They’re always entertaining. I’m actually surprised Aunt

 

Ingrid invited you. She rarely extends invitations to anyone from

 

work.”

 

Jason nodded, then met her eyes. “Well, you must be something

 

special.”

 

Now if you’re good company, don’t drink too much and don’t

 

embarrass her, you just might become a regular.

 

“That would be nice, Leah replied,” a gentle smile curving her

 

lips.

 

Monica returned to the table, a mischievous grin playing on her

 

lips. “Guess who’s back?”

 

“I know y’all said you didn’t want anything, but I brought you

 

something anyway.”

 

She placed two colorful drinks on the table, their vibrant hues

 

catching the light.

 

“That sexy man over there making drinks,” she continued,

 

nodding toward the bar, “he whipped up something special for

 

y’all by my special request.”

 

“Now drink up,” she added with a wink, “I’ll be back.”

 

Text me when it’s time to bounce Leah.

 

“But if you wanna dip out too early,” she teased, “you might be

 

riding solo.”

 

She punctuated it with that mischievous grin she’s famous

 

for, leaving no doubt, that a connection with the bartender

 

would being made tonight.

 

“She’s quite assertive, huh?” Jason remarked, leaning back in

 

his chair.

 

“Yeah, that’s Moni, I mean Monica.” Only her friends and

 

family call her Moni.

 

She sees what she wants and doesn’t hesitate to go after it.

 

She can be a bit overwhelming sometimes, but I love her, she’s

 

my bestie for life.

 

Jason laughed, nodding in understanding.

 

“Hmmm, how about you?”

 

“How about me what?”

 

Jason’s lips curved into a devilish smile; “Do you after what you

 

want?”

 

Leah met Jason’s eyes and, for the first time that evening, she

 

felt something shift.

 

“Maybe I do,” she replied softly, her voice steady despite the

 

quickening of her heart.

 

As the evening unfolded, the music grew louder, and the

 

rhythm of the cookout became infectious.

 

The soulful beats of classics like “Before I Let Go” and “Candy”

 

filled the air, prompting guests to rise from their seats and

 

migrate to the middle of the yard.

 

Leah, feeling the music pulse through her, kicked off her heels,

 

and turned to Jason with her eyes sparkling with excitement.

 

Without a word, she took his hand, pulling him toward the

 

center of the yard where a group had already begun line dancing.

 

The familiar steps of the Electric Slide and Wobble were in full

 

swing, and Leah was eager to join in.

 

Jason, caught up in her enthusiasm, followed her lead.

 

They slipped into the rhythm effortlessly, their movements

 

synchronized as they laughed and danced.

 

Meanwhile, Monica, ever the social butterfly, was already in the

 

thick of the dance line. She caught Leah’s eye and flashed a grin.

 

As the song ended, Monica approached, tapping Leah on the

 

shoulder. “Having fun?” she asked.

 

Leah nodded, her cheeks flushed from the dance and the

 

warmth of the evening. “Absolutely,” she replied, her smile wide.

 

Monica’s gaze shifted to Jason, a knowing look crossing her

 

face. “I see you two are getting along well,” she remarked, her tone

 

teasing yet approving.

 

Monica raised an eyebrow, her smile widening. “Well, I think it’s

 

time for me to make my exit,” she said, her tone light but

 

purposeful. “You two enjoy the rest of the night.”

 

“Moni, I’ll take you home, let me say goodbye to Jason, and we

 

can head out?”

 

“As I said Leah, it’s time for me to make my exit. Don’t worry

 

about me, I’m good.”

 

With a wink and a playful nudge, Monica turned and

 

disappeared into the crowd.

 

“Jason, I had such a great time talking and dancing with you,

 

and I wish I could stay a little longer, but I’m not letting Moni

 

leave here with some guy she just met.

 

She’s had a bit too much to drink, and I know her well enough

 

to guess what might happen.”

 

“I just don’t feel comfortable, with her leaving with some

 

random man, especially when she’s not in a state to make the best

 

decisions.”

 

Jason nodded, understanding the gravity of her words.

 

“I had a fun time with you tonight, Leah.”

 

“Put my number in your phone and call me to let me know

 

you’re both home safe.”

 

Leah gave Jason a friendly hug, and turned back to Monica, who

 

was still chatting animatedly with the man she’d met earlier.

 

With a deep breath, Leah approached Monica, placing a gentle

 

hand on her shoulder, “Hey, Moni,” she said softly, it’s time to go.”

 

Monica looked up, her eyes slightly glazed but still recognizing

 

her friend’s concern.

 

“But I told you I’m good,” she protested weakly.

 

“Go back to Jason.”

 

“I know you’re good,” Leah replied, her tone gentle yet insistent,

 

“But I think it’s time for us to call it an evening.”

 

Remember, this is my colleague’s event.

 

Reluctantly, Monica agreed, allowing Leah to guide her away

 

from the crowd.

 

“Wait a minute, I need to say goodbye to my new friend.”

 

“He’s not gonna like that you’re making me leave.”

 

“He’ll understand, Leah said with confidence.

 

“Hi Jason, we’re both home, safe. Hope you enjoy the rest of

 

your night.”

 

“Thanks for calling, I appreciate it. You’re a really good friend;

 

Monica should cherish you.”

 

“I think she does, in her own way.”

 

“It’s pretty quiet, are you still at the party.”

 

“Naw, at home. Sitting in front of my garage. I’ve got work in

 

the morning. I’m about to go in, shower and turn in for the night.

 

“Okay, rest well”

 

“Before we hang up, can we make plans to meet up tomorrow

 

evening, for drinks or a light meal?

 

“I’d like that,” Leah said, her tone light and teasing.

 

“Cool, 7 pm it is then. Text me with the location, it’s your

 

choice.”

 

Over the next few weeks, Jason and Leah were inseparable.

 

They spent every free moment together chatting over morning

 

coffee, walking through the park, and sharing late-night playlists.

 

Their bond deepened so quickly that Monica found herself

 

bumping into closed doors when she tried to hang out with Leah.

 

Monica didn’t mind though; she was genuinely happy for her.

 

For the first time, in a very long time, her friend Leah, was happy

 

and she seemed relaxed.

 

She was chill, present, and glowing in a way Monica hadn’t seen

 

in years. It was exactly how Leah deserved to feel.

 

One evening while dining, Jason, a seasoned multi-restaurant

 

owner, leaned forward across the table with a confident smile.

 

“Leah, I’d love for you to join me on a working vacation to Las

 

Vegas.”

 

Leah paused mid-chew, eyebrows flying upward in surprise.

 

He smiled, sensing her reaction.

 

“I’ll be meeting with potential partners to open a new

 

location there and this will be the perfect time for us to get away

 

for a few days, really get to know each other better.”

 

Once this new restaurant opens, my schedule is going to be

 

hectic.

 

“Of course, I’d love to. I could definitely use a break.”

 

Jason lifted his wine glass, the rim catching the soft glow of the

 

overhead lights.

 

He smiled at Leah, warmth, and intention in his gaze.

 

“To our first of many vacations together,” he began, his voice

 

smooth and earnest.

 

They paused, wine glasses raised at chest level—Their eyes met,

 

the anticipation of new adventures weaving between them.

 

Leah returned his smile, the wine’s warmth matching the spark

 

in her eyes.

 

“To us,” she echoed softly as their glasses chimed.

 

The working vacation with Jason turned out to be far more

 

work than vacation.

 

Mornings started early, marked by quiet sips of coffee shared

 

with Jason in the calm of the hotel room, and solo breakfasts in

 

the café under the gentle hum of conversations.

 

It wasn’t the glamorous escape she had envisioned, but she

 

didn’t complain. After a long string of short-lived dates and

 

fleeting rendezvous, Leah was thankful for the connection.

 

For the first time in a long time, she’d met someone who

 

genuinely wanted to spend time with her, and more importantly,

 

to truly get to know her.

 

Even when the days were long and she spent most of her time

 

alone, Leah didn’t complain. The time spent with Jason, though it

 

was sporadic, was exactly what she’d been craving.

 

Amidst business calls and strategy sessions, Leah and Jason

 

managed to squeeze in several small, intimate moments. They

 

wandered hand in hand down the neon-lit Las Vegas Strip, their

 

conversations drifting from business to personal reflections, and

 

occasionally, to the mesmerizing beauty of the city.

 

On their last evening in Vegas, they ventured into a casino, the

 

air thick with anticipation and the clinking of chips. Leah, usually

 

cautious, decided to try her luck at a slot machine. To her

 

astonishment, the machine lit up, signaling a win. The crowd

 

around them cheered as the machine dispensed a substantial

 

payout; two thousand dollars.

 

Jason’s eyes widened in surprise and delight, and Leah’s

 

laughter echoed through the casino floor.

 

After returning to work, Leah was buried in reports, meetings,

 

and endless follow-ups.

 

Most nights, she barely had the energy to shower before falling

 

into bed.

 

She hardly noticed at first how her connection with Jason had

 

begun to fade.

 

Their daily check-ins dwindled, first every few days, then just

 

once a week.

 

The silence stretched, and with it came a growing emotional

 

distance. The morning memes disappeared, as did the

 

spontaneous “thinking of you” voice notes that once made her

 

smile.

 

The silence tugged at her yet also stirred a desire to reconnect.

 

Though uncertain, since they hadn’t officially defined their

 

relationship, she hoped they just needed time to find their rhythm

 

again.

 

That time never came, so Leah took a chance and sent Jason a

 

heartfelt text:

 

“Hey Jason, I miss our daily check-ins. Could we set aside

 

twenty minutes tonight to catch up, no work-talk?”

 

She waited, thumb hovering over the screen—but Jason never

 

replied.

 

The silence wasn’t just absence; it felt like an answer.

 

Was he disinterested, or just emotionally unavailable?

 

Feeling drained, Leah turned to Monica again for support, only

 

this time, her heart was tired. She was done with dating and

 

chasing uncertainty. What she wanted now was stability, clarity,

 

and intention.

 

Over the next three months, Leah kept to herself, spending

 

quiet weekends watching Netflix and completing crossword

 

puzzles, silently nursing her disappointment.

 

Urged by her cousin to get out, Leah reluctantly agreed to

 

attend a gourmet food tasting event.

 

As she and Nina approached the hors d’oeuvres, Leah froze,

 

Jason was across the room, laughing with a lively group of men

 

and women.

 

She turned to leave, but it was too late. He’d seen her and was

 

already walking over, looking uncertain.

 

Jason offered a sheepish smile.

 

“Leah… hey. I didn’t expect to see you here.”

 

Leah, calm but guarded, replied, “Same.”

 

He rubs his neck, avoiding her eyes.

 

“I’ve been meaning to reach out.” Things got… complicated.

 

I’m sorry.”

 

Leah waits. No real explanation follows—just silence and a shrug.

 

She lifts her eyebrows. “Okay… thanks for the apology, I guess.”

 

Jason nods, uneasy. “You look great. I hope you’re doing okay.”

 

Leah gives a tight smile. “I am. Hope you are too.”

 

Nina walked up with a plate of crab sliders, sensing the tension,

 

she gently nudged Leah as if to ask if everything was okay.

 

Leah turns to leave, Jason watching silently as she walks away.

 

“Everything good, you okay?”

 

“I’m fine.”

 

“Well, who was that good-looking guy?” Nina asks.

 

“An unpleasant memory.”

 

“So that was Jason?”

 

“Yep.”

 

“So?”

 

“So, nothing. I told you, I’m done with dating,”

 

“I’m focusing on real friendships, travel, and enjoying life.”

 

“You’re not done, Leah. You’re hurt and just tired of the same

 

ole results.”

 

You got your hopes up again. You thought this one might be

 

different. And yeah, it sucks, but don’t give up.

 

Believe me, you’re not done; you’re just on the bench.”

 

“Nina, I’m not even near the field. I’m in the parking lot.”

 

“Fine. Be in the parking lot. But guess what? Next weekend,

 

I’ve got a military ball with Aaron. You’re coming.”

 

Your plans for a weekend of Netflix movies and crossword

 

puzzles are cancelled!

 

Leah hesitated. “I don’t know, Nina…”

 

I already bought your ticket.

 

“Okay. Fine. One ball. But I’m not entertaining a single man who

 

comes my way. I’m just… showing up.

 

Nina gave a playful wink. “You say that now.”