The next morning, Rhett shows up at 11 a.m. sharp for his dressing change.
Neva, true to her nature, cooks him breakfast first. He insists on doing the dishes afterward, sleeves rolled up, grinning like he belongs in her kitchen.
She'd casually mentioned last night that he could stop by for a meal anytime he wanted. Now, he doesn't want food any other way.
In their little while together, he flirts as always—light teases, playful smiles—just enough to earn a few of her classic sighs.
Eventually, he leaves, mentioning work that needs his attention.
---
That Evening,
Neva dresses carefully: a strappy vintage beige floral maxi, modestly softened with a knitted cardigan.
Her natural makeup glows softly in the golden evening, paired with delicate floral drop earrings and a few subtle accessories.
She stands at the garden park where Emma asked her to meet. The sounds of children's laughter, mothers' gentle chatter, and the rustling of yellow-orange leaves blend with the lake's serenity, the beauty of it all pulling a quiet sigh from her lips.
She fumbles in her handbag for her phone, swiping through the screen until she dials Emma.
After a couple of rings, Emma picks up. "Hello, Neva!" she says instantly, her voice slightly breathless.
"Where are you?" Neva asks, shifting awkwardly at the park's edge.
"Just a few minutes away! Wait by the white bench near the lake!" Emma chirps, then hangs up before Neva can reply.
Neva exhales, making her way toward the lake.
Her eyes land on the white Victorian-style bench—already occupied. As she draws closer, recognition strikes at the familiar jet–black hair and chiseled shoulders.
"Rhett?"
He turns, eyes lighting up like the reflection of the heavens on water. A black jacket draped over his shoulders, crisp white shirt, blue jeans—simple, yet effortlessly striking.
'He's… handsome,' Neva admits to herself, though she keeps her face composed.
His gaze trails down her figure, admiration gleaming on his face.
"I was waiting for you," he says smoothly, a smirk tugging at his lips.
Neva frowns. "Why would you wait for me?"
"Aren't we going on a double date?" he replies, as though it's the most obvious thing in the world
Her eyes widen. Emma!
Before she can unleash her fury, a familiar voice cuts in.
"Hey guys!!" Emma jogs over, dragging a man beside her.
"Sorry for making you wait!" She bends over, catching her breath.
Neva crosses her arms, glare sharp.
"Explain," she demands, jerking her chin toward Rhett.
This was supposed to be girls' evening out.
"Oh, Neva—you look gorgeous!" Emma squeals, taking Neva's hands in hers.
Neva doesn't budge.
Emma quickly softens, guilt flickering across her face. "Sorry for not telling you earlier.
But it's just a friendly double date! You two are friends, right?"
Neva arches a brow, unimpressed.
Emma smirks knowingly. "Unless you're mad because it's not just friendly…"
Meanwhile, the men exchange polite greetings. They've met before—Zedd and Rhett, boss and employee.
Rhett had considered ignoring Emma's odd call the night before. She'd tracked his number through Zedd and roped him in, all to set Neva up.
He hadn't refused.
---
Later – Post-Movie and Shopping
The movie ends. Among the crowd spilling out of the theatre, Neva and Emma follow, arms looped through each other's, glowing and giggling, giddy from the romance onscreen. Rhett walks behind them, he never even glanced at the screen—his gaze fixed entirely on Neva—even now.
Zedd, who had fallen asleep ten minutes in, lumbers a little farther behind, still dizzy with sleep.
Shopping follows, each man dutifully carrying bags, chiming in with occasional comments. Zedd offers practical opinions. Rhett, playful and teasing.
Eventually, the group splits, leaving Neva paired once again with her not-quite-boyfriend.
By evening, they find themselves outside a café. It's just past six; the sun has slipped away, leaving the town bathed in a warm glow of lamps and neon signs.
As they step into the buzzing street, Rhett pauses.
"Wait here."
Before she can ask, he strides across to a flower shop. Moments later, he emerges from the crowd with a bouquet of purple and white roses.
Neva blinks, startled.
"Because you're the most beautiful woman in my eyes," he says simply, offering the bouquet with that boyish, devastating smile.
Her cheeks heat instantly.
She bites her lip, trying—and failing—to hide her smile. She takes the flowers gently, as though they might vanish.
Emma and Zedd, behind them, both freeze.
Why aren't they together already? Emma wonders, her mind leaping straight to wedding bells. They look too perfect not to be.
Zedd is left speechless.
He's only ever seen Rhett cold and distant at the workshop. But here, in front of Neva? He's a different man entirely.
The magic of love really is strange.
Emma's eyes suddenly narrow at Zedd. Something about him is… suspicious.
He senses her gaze, stiffens, then turns slowly. The shiver that races down his spine confirms it: he's doomed.
---
The two couples part ways at the crossroads—one walking slightly apart,
the other trailing behind hand in hand, where the poor man trudges on with hunched shoulders, already enduring the playful, relentless nagging of the girl at his side.