Mister Softee & I

Ruin the Friendship

Walking into the stylish and bustling STK restaurant, they couldn't help but feel a mixture of excitement and nervousness. The hostess greeted them with a warm smile, asking for their reservation name.

"Hello, welcome to STK, can I get the name for your reservation?" she asked politely.

Daniel, trying to maintain a level of discretion, replied smoothly, "Alonzo."

Sam looked at him, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Alonzo, that's clever!" she said with a smirk, enjoying the playful exchange.

Still holding hands, they followed the hostess to their table, situated towards the back of the restaurant. Daniel, ever the gentleman, reached Sam's chair and pulled it out for her, their hands brushing against each other in the process. His touch lingered for a moment longer than necessary, sending a jolt of electricity through Sam's body, grounding her in the present moment.

As they settled into their seats, Sam's breathing became shallow, her thoughts scattered amidst a flurry of emotions. She couldn't deny the undeniable connection she felt with Daniel, nor the resurgence of feelings she had long suppressed. Her thoughts were once again racing with desires and intentions.

"So this is happening?" she wondered silently. "More importantly, do I want this to happen?" She can feel her heart beating fast just from a simple touch. "I promised myself never to go there with another co-worker."

Lost in their thoughts, they found themselves making glances at each other across the table, both realizing the comical and awkward nature of the situation. Daniel, ever the one to break the tension, cleared his throat and shifted the conversation to lighter topics.

"So," he began, leaning slightly forward, "tell me more about this brand you are becoming an ambassador for? Are you excited?"

Sam's nervousness eased as she appreciated his effort to steer the conversation away from their momentary intensity. She smiled, feeling a surge of comfort in Daniel's presence.

"Well," she replied, her voice gaining confidence, "it's for this skincare line called Bubble. They reached out to my team and it sounded like a good fit, so yeah I'm excited." Daniel sat back in his chair and just smiled. Taking notice of the silence, "What? Do I have something on my face?" she asks. He chuckles, "Naw, you good. It's just every time you talk about something you are passionate about, you always get this glint in your eyes. I saw it the most with you after shooting this season. It's a good look on you." Taking the unexpected compliment and trying to tamper down her nerves all over again, Sam gets the waiter's attention so that they can order.

Settling her nerves a bit, "So what about you? What brand finally got your attention to get you out of your comfort zone?" Sam laughs a bit. Everyone knows that Daniel is a bit of a homebody, doesn't like doing press, and tends to shy away from unnecessary spotlight. Shaking his head, "Yeah, yeah, laugh it up. But I'm trying something a little different. I got a new agent and PR team this past season, and they strongly suggest I start with more obscure brands. That's the only reason why I accepted Tods ambassadorship." Sam nods, "I understand, and I'm proud of you for taking a leap. You're a star Daniel, and one day All American will end, making yourself as marketable as possible helps with longevity in this industry." Just then the food and drinks arrive.

Their conversation flowed effortlessly from there, as they delved into what they were happy with from Season 4 and even somethings they are a little apprehensive about the audience's reaction to. They discussed the big time dreams they had for their careers and personal life, sharing more stories of their adventures behind the lens. Although they have been in each other's orbit since 2017, it's been awhile since they've had a moment to connect like this. Time seemed to fly by, and they found solace in each other's company, forgetting the world outside the restaurant.

As the evening progressed, their connection deepened. Daniel's charisma and genuine presence drew Sam in, like a magnet to steel. She found herself opening up, letting go of the walls she had carefully built around her heart. In between bites of delectable food, their glances held an unspoken promise. The air crackled with anticipation, a silent understanding that something extraordinary was blossoming between them. Their chemistry was undeniable, and the tension between them was growing palpable.

Dessert arrived, signaling the end of their meal, but not the end of their evening. Daniel leaned forward in his seat, his eyes fixed on Sam, his thoughts laced with genuine curiosity. "I haven't been reading this wrong, there's something here. The timing isn't going to get any better than now."

Taking a deep breath, "You know, Sam," he began, his tone gentle yet filled with intrigue, "there's something about you. Something that draws me in and makes me want to explore this connection further. I know there's been this invisible line we haven't crossed, but I'm open to seeing where this can go. I'm tired of fighting it, but there's no pressure. Would you be open to continuing our conversation somewhere else?"

Sam's heart skipped a beat, her eyes searching his face for any signs of doubt. What she found instead was an unwavering sincerity, a vulnerability that mirrored her own. Her lips curled into a soft smile, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Yes," she replied, her voice infused with a newfound confidence. "Let's see where this goes Daniel. Lead the way."

And with that, they left the restaurant behind, stepping into the night that held infinite possibilities.