Friday night finally arrived, and Linda found herself both excited and a little nervous about the party Sophia had begged her to attend. She slipped into her outfit, carefully touched up her makeup, and styled her natural hair into a neat updo that framed her face beautifully. After slipping on her heels and grabbing her clutch, she checked herself one last time in the mirror. Taking a steady breath, she waited for Alex and Sophia to arrive.
As she waited, the sound of a car outside caught her attention. She glanced out the window and saw a sleek silver Honda Civic parked in front of her apartment. Grabbing her bag, she locked the door and headed out to meet her friends. Alex and Sophia were already waiting in the car, grinning from ear to ear.
"Hey, Linda! You look stunning!" Alex exclaimed, opening the door for her.
Sophia nodded in agreement. "Yeah, you're going to turn heads tonight!"
Linda smiled, a little self-conscious but happy about the compliment. She slid into the backseat, and they set off toward the party venue.
As they drove, they chatted about everything from music to their plans for the night. The car ride was filled with laughter and chatter, and before she knew it, they had arrived.
When they reached the party, the music was pumping. The DJ kept the crowd alive, mixing beats that had everyone either dancing or chatting over drinks. The place was crowded and vibrant.
As they stepped out of the car, Linda felt a wave of nerves. Her stomach fluttered with butterflies. Sophia noticed and gently took her hand.
"Everything's alright. Just have fun," she reassured.
Linda smiled, feeling a bit better, and the three of them walked inside together.
The loud music and laughter immediately enveloped them. Alex wasted no time pulling Sophia onto the dance floor. Sophia gestured for Linda to join, but Linda only laughed and shook her head with a smile.
She made her way to the refreshment table instead. As she poured herself a drink, someone stepped up beside her to do the same. When he turned around, their eyes met—and Linda froze.
"Julian?!" she gasped in surprise.
His face lit up with recognition. "Aren't you Linda?"
She nodded quickly.
Julian's gaze swept over her, lingering for a moment on her dress. "You look beautiful, Linda. That dress really suits you."
A soft flutter stirred in her chest. "Thanks, Julian. You look handsome too," she replied, noticing how sharp he looked in his black tuxedo, crisp white shirt, and bow tie.
They exchanged a few pleasantries until the music shifted to a slower song. Julian glanced at the dance floor, then back at her.
"Would you like to dance?" he asked.
Linda hesitated, unsure about leaving her friends. But seeing Alex and Sophia laughing and enjoying themselves—and noticing Julian's charming smile—she found it hard to resist.
Before she could reply, Julian leaned in slightly. "Just one dance? I promise I'll make it worth your while."
Linda's lips curved into a smile, and she nodded. Julian took her hand, and together they stepped onto the dance floor.
Their movements were smooth and in sync, quickly drawing attention. A few people stopped to watch.
"I didn't know a black girl could dance like that," someone whispered in awe.
Others nodded, impressed, and soon phones were out, recording them.
From the sidelines, Alex nudged Sophia. "Wow, Linda's got moves!"
Sophia grinned. "I know, right? She's amazing."
Alex smirked, whispering, "You're full of wonders, Linda."
But when Linda finally realized all the eyes on her, embarrassment flushed through her. Her steps faltered, and she abruptly pulled away.
"Excuse me," she muttered, quickly leaving the dance floor.
Julian immediately followed. "Linda, wait!" He caught up with her near the refreshments. Concern softened his face. "Are you okay?"
Still flustered, she forced a smile. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just… not used to all that attention."
Julian's expression warmed. "You were incredible. I had a great time dancing with you."
Linda's shoulders relaxed a little. "Thanks. I had fun too."
His eyes sparkled as he asked, "Would you like to grab coffee sometime? Maybe get to know each other better? I really like you."
Linda blinked, caught off guard. She hadn't expected him to say that so soon.
"Julian, you're really sweet, and I've enjoyed getting to know you tonight," she said gently. "But I just see you as a friend. I hope you understand."
Disappointment flickered across his face, but he managed a small smile. "Yeah, I understand. You're amazing, Linda. I'm just glad we got to dance together."
Relieved, Linda smiled back. "I'm glad too. You're a great dancer."
They lingered there a little longer, talking, until Sophia and Alex joined them again.
"Linda, you were incredible!" Sophia exclaimed.
Alex grinned. "Told you—heads turned."
Linda laughed, and even Julian smiled, shaking off his earlier disappointment. The four of them spent the rest of the night chatting and enjoying themselves. After Linda introduce them.
After some time, Alex and Sophia excused themselves. "We'll be waiting outside," Alex said with a knowing grin before leaving with Sophia.
Julian stayed beside Linda, and just as the silence stretched between them, a cheerful voice called out.
"Linda!" Ava, Julian's sister, appeared with a bright smile. "It's so nice to see you again. At the mall, remember? You and my brother were talking. I still remember how he couldn't stop smiling after you left."
Linda chuckled. "That's right. It's nice to see you again too."
The three of them talked for a while, laughing and reminiscing. Despite his earlier disappointment, Julian seemed content just being there, listening.
Eventually, Linda said her goodbyes and walked out to meet her friends.
Sliding into the car, she was met with curious stares.
"So, what happened with Julian?" Sophia asked eagerly.
Linda explained everything—his confession and her friendly rejection.
Alex raised his brows. "You're kidding, right? Julian's one of the most popular guys in school!"
Linda rolled her eyes playfully. "I know, but I'm just not interested in him that way."
Sophia and Alex exchanged shocked glances. "Linda, you're passing up a great opportunity!" Sophia exclaimed.
Linda smiled patiently. "You two should be supporting my decision, not questioning it."
Alex sighed but nodded. "Okay, okay. We respect that. You must have your reasons."
Her smile softened. "Thanks, guys. That means a lot."
With that, Alex drove them all home, the car filled once again with chatter and laughter. After dropping Sophia off, he took Linda home before heading back to his own place.