Maya spent all of Saturday pretending she was not nervous.
She cleaned her apartment, did laundry, reorganized her tiny bookshelf, and even tried a new recipe she had saved months ago. None of it helped. Her mind kept drifting back to the same question.
Should she really go see Daniel play?
It was just a friendly invitation, she reminded herself. People went out to support local musicians all the time. It did not have to mean anything serious.
Still, by six o'clock that evening, she was standing in front of her mirror changing outfits for the third time.
"This is ridiculous," she muttered to her reflection.
In the end she chose simple jeans, a soft blue sweater, and her favorite boots. Casual. Normal. Nothing that looked like she had tried too hard.
The bar was only a twenty minute subway ride away. By the time she arrived, the sky had turned dark and the city buzzed with weekend energy. Music floated out onto the sidewalk as she pushed the door open.
The place was small and cozy, filled with low lights and the smell of fried food. A tiny stage sat in the corner with a microphone and a single stool.
Daniel was already there, tuning his guitar.
Maya almost turned around.
But before she could, he looked up and saw her.
His whole face lit up.
"You came," he said, hurrying over.
"I said I might," she replied, suddenly shy.
"I'm really glad you did."
He looked different out of the café. More relaxed. More confident. Like this was the place he truly belonged.
"Can I get you a drink?" he asked.
"Just water is fine."
"Water it is."
He returned a minute later and handed her the glass.
"I go on in about ten minutes," he said. "I'll try not to embarrass myself."
"I'm sure you'll be great."
"You're officially my only fan tonight, so no pressure."
Maya laughed. "I'll cheer very loudly."
When his name was called, he squeezed her hand lightly and headed to the stage.
The room quieted as he sat down and adjusted the microphone.
"Hi everyone," he said. "I'm Daniel Reed, and these are a few songs I wrote while trying to figure life out."
Then he started to play.
Maya had not known what to expect. Maybe something rough and amateur.
What she heard instead was beautiful.
His voice was gentle but strong, filled with emotion that made people stop talking and actually listen. The lyrics told simple stories about late nights, long roads, and hopeful beginnings.
For thirty minutes she forgot about everything else.
When he finished, the small crowd clapped warmly. Daniel looked relieved and happy as he stepped off the stage.
"So?" he asked, returning to her table. "Be honest."
"You were amazing," Maya said, meaning every word.
"Yeah?"
"Really. I'm impressed."
He let out a breath. "That means a lot."
They stayed for another hour talking and laughing like they had known each other far longer than a week.
Walking her to the subway later, Daniel hesitated at the entrance.
"Thanks for coming tonight," he said.
"I'm glad I did."
"So… I'll see you Monday?"
"Of course."
For a moment Maya thought he might hug her. Or maybe even kiss her cheek.
Instead he just smiled.
"Goodnight, Maya."
"Goodnight, Daniel."
On the ride home she stared out the window, feeling lighter than she had in months.
Something new was growing in her life.
And for once, she was not afraid to let it.