Never thought i would see you again

Chapter 14

As the day unfolded, Julian found himself anxiously anticipating the evening rendezvous with Taylor. The prospect of meeting her after a decade brought a mixture of excitement and nervousness. With the clock ticking, Julian stood in front of his closet, contemplating the right outfit for the occasion.

His mind raced with questions: Should he go casual or opt for something more polished? What would make the right impression after all these years? Lost in his wardrobe dilemma, a sudden knock on the front door interrupted his thoughts.

Curiosity piqued, Julian approached the door and swung it open to find Jake standing on his doorstep, a mischievous grin on his face. "Need some fashion advice, my man?" Jake teased, clearly sensing Julian's wardrobe-related distress.

A mixture of relief and gratitude washed over Julian as he ushered Jake inside. "You have no idea. I'm kind of in a fashion crisis here," Julian admitted, glancing back at his closet, which seemed to be conspiring against him.

"Don't worry, my friend. Uncle Jake is here to save the day!" Jake proclaimed dramatically, earning a chuckle from Julian. The two friends delved into the closet, sifting through shirts, jackets, and accessories in a quest for the perfect ensemble.

After a series of trial and error, Jake finally settled on a sleek, well-fitted button-down shirt paired with tailored trousers. "Trust me, Jules, this is the winning combo. You'll look effortlessly cool, just like the old days," Jake declared with a confident nod.

Grateful for Jake's assistance, Julian followed his friend's lead, allowing the expertise of the self-proclaimed fashion guru to guide him through the sartorial maze. As they fine-tuned the details, Jake couldn't resist offering some playful advice.

"Oh, and remember, man, confidence is the key. Strut in there like you own the place. Taylor will be blown away," Jake encouraged, adding a final touch to Julian's outfit.

With the outfit crisis averted, Jake leaned against the closet door, a satisfied grin on his face. "Now, spill the beans. What's the plan for tonight? Any secret handshake or code words?" he teased, eager to know more about Julian's long-awaited reunion with Taylor.

Julian chuckled, appreciating Jake's unwavering support. "No secret codes, just a dinner at Quo Vadis. It's been ages, Jake. I don't even know what to say after all these years."

Jake clapped Julian on the back, a reassuring gesture. "Just be yourself, man. The rest will fall into place. And hey, if the conversation hits a rough patch, you can always talk about the weather. Classic move."

As the clock struck 8 pm, Julian, clad in his chosen attire, bid farewell to Jake, armed with newfound confidence and a touch of nostalgia. The prospect of rekindling an old friendship and facing the unknown awaited him at Quo Vadis.

The soft hum of Julian's car engine filled the quiet evening air as he sat in the driver's seat outside Quo Vadis. His hands rested on the steering wheel, and he took a full minute to steady himself. In the gentle glow of the streetlights, he reassured himself with a silent mantra.

"You got this, Julian. It's just a casual reunion," he whispered, tapping the steering wheel three times, a ritual that somehow anchored him in the present. A final exhale signaled the moment to step out of the car and face the past.

As he stood in the glow of the restaurant's entrance, Julian straightened his blouse, a subtle act of preparation. He reached for his phone, using the camera to ensure his hair was just right. The glow from the screen highlighted a mix of excitement and nerves in his eyes. Tapping into the courage he'd stored up, he finally pushed the car door open and ventured into the night.