Nora's footsteps echoed in the small room as she paced back and forth, her anxiety a palpable force. "What if I humiliate myself?" she breathed, each word laced with dread.
"Nora, stop worrying. You'll be okay—just be yourself," Trish said, her voice firm yet soothing, as she watched Nora pace anxiously, the tension palpable in the air.
"Why do you keep saying not to worry when I'm about to sit down for dinner with someone who isn't you for the very first time in my life?" Nora cried out, her voice tinged with desperation as she slowed her frantic pacing to look at Trish.
"I know, it's a bit sad," Trish conceded, prompting Nora to shoot her a sharp glare. "I'm not wrong," Trish added, her tone unwavering.
Nora collapsed onto the bench, a deep sigh of defeat escaping her lips. "I know you're not wrong," she murmured softly, her voice barely above a whisper.
Though sympathy ached within her for her sister, Trish stood up and knelt in front of Nora, grasping her hand tightly. "Hey, it's going to be alright. You'll enjoy yourself with Jeff," she said, her voice firm yet comforting.
Nora nodded to her sister, returning the squeeze of her hands. "Thank you, that was exactly what I needed," she said softly, her voice filled with gratitude.
Trish smiled warmly at Nora, "You're welcome; now stop worrying. It's time for you to meet Jeff." With that, she gently helped Nora to her feet.
Taking one last glance at Trish, Nora offered a faint smile before slowly making her way to the front where Jeff awaited her.
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Nora walked briskly toward the front of the building, her heart racing as she caught sight of Jeff leaning against a wall by a doorway. She quickened her steps, a smile breaking through her nervousness when she reached him. "Hi," she managed to say.
Jeff sprang away from the wall, his gaze locking onto hers. "Hey, are you ready to leave?" he asked, pointing toward the door with an encouraging smile.
"Yes," Nora replied, stepping out after Jeff and sliding into the rental vehicle. "There's a diner we passed on our way here from the hotel," Jeff mentioned as he started the engine.
"That sounds great to me," Nora replied, nodding in agreement. "All right, cool," Jeff responded cheerfully, his excitement evident as they drove toward the diner.
Following a moment of silence, Jeff finally broke it. "So, how long have you been accompanying your sister to matches?" he asked, his eyes briefly flicking to Nora.
"It's been roughly two years now," she said with a gentle smile that betrayed her fondness for the experience.
Jeff kept his eyes on the road as he asked, "And what were you doing before that?"
Nora looked out the window, reflecting for a moment. "I was in the process of completing my art studies," she replied, her voice tinged with nostalgia.
Jeff's excitement was palpable when he heard Nora say she was finishing her art studies. "You went to art school?" he exclaimed, laughter bubbling up as Nora visibly relaxed in his presence.
"Yeah, Trish invited me to join her on the road when I graduated, and I couldn't say no," she admitted, a smile breaking across her face.
With a quick glance at Nora before focusing on the road ahead, Jeff asked, "What do you love drawing the most?"
"I usually draw from my surroundings," Nora said, her voice steady. She then asked, "Do you like art?" As Jeff parked in the diner's lot, excitement sparked in his eyes at her question.
"I absolutely love art! Painting is my favorite," he exclaimed, his enthusiasm infectious.
As Nora opened the car door, she inquired, "What do you typically paint?"
"Honestly, I paint what I see in my head," Jeff replied, a thoughtful look crossing his face as they entered the diner.
"That's pretty cool," Nora said, her voice tinged with genuine interest as they trailed behind the waitress to a booth. She thanked the waitress with a bright smile before settling into her seat.
The waitress flashed a friendly grin and replied, "I'll be back shortly with your menus," as she turned to leave.
Jeff turned his attention back to Nora. "What made you decide to travel with Trish?" he inquired, his interest piqued.
Nora let out a soft sigh, her eyes falling to her hands resting on the table. "It's honestly my parents," she admitted quietly. Then, looking up at Jeff, she added, "I love them, truly, but they don't believe that art can lead to a successful future."
He nodded quietly, fully engaged with Nora's confession. "I do not desire success at all," she revealed, her honesty hanging in the air.
Just as Jeff opened his mouth to respond, the waitress returned with their menus. After receiving their orders, she smiled and informed them their food would be ready in about twenty minutes.
When Jeff turned back to Nora, a bright smile spread across his face. "Well, then, live your life the way you want." Nora's smile mirrored his, radiating warmth and understanding.
They laughed and shared stories for hours in the diner, their conversations flowing effortlessly as they lost track of time until the diner closed its doors.
On the drive back to the hotel, they continued to enjoy each other's company, singing along to the radio and exchanging lighthearted jokes. As Jeff parked the car, he sprang out and made his way to Nora's door, opening it with a theatrical gesture.
"Thank you, kind sir," Nora said, stepping out with a twinkle in her eye.
"You're very welcome, madame," Jeff shot back with a mischievous grin, the playful banter adding to the joy of the evening.
Inside the hotel, they moved quietly, each casting furtive glances at the other, their playful energy lingering. Jeff let out a snort at the sight of the elevator. "Let's hope you don't run into anyone," he quipped, a teasing glint in his eyes.
Once inside the elevator, with the buttons pressed for their floors, Nora shot him a mock glare. "Ha ha, very funny, Jeff," she retorted, her tone dripping with sarcasm.
Jeff flashed a grin and replied, "I'm a funny guy," his eyes twinkling with mischief.
When the elevator bell rang for Nora's floor, a smile spread across her lips. She looked at Jeff, her voice gentle as she said, "It was a pleasant experience." With a hopeful tone, she continued, "I hope we can do this in the future."
As she exited the elevator, Jeff replied, "I hope so as well. Goodnight, see you in the morning."
Nora returned his goodnight with a warm smile, walking away to her hotel room, feeling lighter and more hopeful.
With bright smiles still etched on their faces, the two of them fell asleep that night, each one wrapped in thoughts of the other. They lay awake for a moment, anticipation thrumming in their hearts, counting down the hours until they could meet again.
