Everything I Never Said

Chapter Four

That Saturday night finally arrived, and eventually, I got to meet Harper and my other colleagues at dinner. As we stepped into the colourful streets of the city, I felt a mix of nerves and excitement swirling inside me. The city lights illuminated our path as our group of about ten people walked towards the restaurant. The one we chose had a laid-back vibe with dim lighting inside and a hint of live music in the background, together with the aroma of spices hanging in the air. We grabbed a long table and everyone settled in, exchanging smiles and casual greetings. The chatter among us grew louder, a mix of accents and laughter blending together. The Texan cuisine on the menu caught my eye, and I decided to try something local. We ordered an assortment of dishes, from barbecue to tacos; the table was soon filled with the smell of delicious food, and we dug in, passing dishes around family-style. Between bites, the conversations continued. We spoke about topics beyond work, finding about each other's interests and hobbies. As the night progressed, we shared our favourite Austin spots, exchanging recommendations for must-visit places. The talk turned to cultural differences, and I found myself explaining the quirks of British humour, provoking chuckles, and smiles from my new friends. Between the chat, I found myself seated next to Harper, of course, as she was the one I had bonded with the most during my month at the company.

«Can you believe it's already been a month?» Harper exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement. «Time really flies.»

I nodded, a smile playing on my lips. «It's been a rough start though, but apart from that, Austin has been treating me well so far.»

The girl on my other side, Sarah, chimed in, «Oh, and we're just getting started! Austin has so much more to offer. Have you explored the music scene yet?» She had a slender, graceful figure that moved with poise and confidence, her gestures fluid and expressive as she engaged in conversation. Her long, chestnut-coloured hair cascaded in loose waves down her back, framing her face in a soft and flattering glow. Her hazel eyes sparkled with warmth and curiosity, and her complexion was luminous, with a natural rosy flush.

I shook my head, eager to learn more. «Not yet. Any recommendations?»

Harper jumped in, «Definitely check out some live music on Sixth Street. It's like the heart of the music scene here. You'll love it!» she paused, then her eyes lit up, «Actually, you know what? Why don't we go and grab a few drinks after this? It could be fun!»

I raised an eyebrow but smiled at her shift of energy. «Like, right now? You wanna go dance?»

She nodded, an immediate wave of enthusiasm sparked around her. «Well, it's not a club...but we could have something to drink, listen to some music. I could introduce you to some people!» I felt a surge of excitement coursing through me as I eagerly agreed. Sarah, Mia, and Harper chimed in with their own expressions of enthusiasm, their eyes alight with anticipation.

Luckily, like we had known that something like this was going to happen, we were all wearing great night-out outfits. At around midnight, we walked into the bar Harper had chosen, the hum of conversations and the beat of music hitting us like a wave. Harper led the way, of course, her confident stride cutting through the crowd as she navigated toward an open space. Her hair was gracefully falling around her shoulders; she wore a stylish backless dress with a cherry red YSL bag and shoes matching the purse. Mia followed, her laughter echoing in the air as she chatted animatedly with Sarah. Mia had a carefree charm about her, dressed in an effortlessly cool co-ord, mirroring the energy of the bar. Sarah, with her radiant smile, walked alongside me. As we wove through the crowd, I could not unshake the feeling of being in a Sex and the City episode; the parallel between this scene and the moments when Carrie, Samantha, Miranda, and Charlotte entered clubs on their own adventures was spot-on. The loud music, the packed atmosphere, the laughter – it was a familiar and exhilarating feeling, a sense of finally being part of something even here.