Off-limits Series: Never Enough

Confirm my feeling to Sky

I arrived at my restaurant earlier than anytime before, the morning sun casting a golden glow over the quaint, bustling street.
The restaurant, “Love Aurora," had been my dream for years, and with the help of my best friend Sky, it had finally become a reality.
The chic interior, with its cozy nooks and elegant décor, was already buzzing with the early morning crowd.
Sky was already there, like always her curly black hair pulled back in a practical ponytail, as she efficiently managed the morning rush. She flashed me a bright smile as I entered.
"Morning, bestie! How was the big family dinner last night?" Sky asked, her green eyes sparkling with curiosity.
I sighed, my shoulders relaxing slightly as I joined Sky behind the counter.
“It was... eventful, to say the least."
Sky raised an eyebrow.
"Eventful how? Spill the beans!"
As we worked together, setting up for the day, I recounted the previous night's events—the return of Emma and Robert, the dinner, and the overwhelming emotions I had felt seeing Robert again after three years. Sky listened intently, her expression shifting from concern to surprise and back again.
"Wow, Girl," Sky said, shaking her head. "That sounds intense. How are you holding up?"
Sky is the only one who knows my history with Robert, and I couldn't move forward after what happened between us.
I leaned against the counter, my gaze distant.
"I don't know, Sky. Seeing Robert again brought back all those old feelings. And it's hard because Emma is so happy, and they're starting this new chapter in their lives."

Sky nodded sympathetically. "I can imagine. It must be tough seeing them together, especially after everything that happened."
I sighed, running a hand through my hair.
"It is. And then, during breakfast, Emma announced that they found a new house and are moving in next week. It just feels like everything is moving so fast, and I'm not sure how to deal with it. I know that it's been years since everything happened but I was still stuck there.” I blow.
Sky placed a comforting hand on my shoulder.
"It's okay to feel overwhelmed, Elena he's your first. But remember, you have your own life and your dreams. This restaurant is proof of that.”
I smiled, feeling a bit of the tension ease.
"You're right. Love Aurora is my dream, and I'm so grateful to have you by my side to help make it a reality.”
Sky grinned, giving me a playful nudge. "That's what best friends are for. And speaking of the restaurant, we have a busy day ahead. Let's focus on making it the best one yet.”
As the morning rush continued, I found solace in the familiar routine of running the café.
The chatter of customers, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, and the sight of satisfied faces enjoying their meals helped ground me in the present.
Later, during a rare lull in the rush, I and Sky took a moment to catch my breath. We sat at a small table near the window, savoring our lunch and a cup of strawberry milkshake.
"So, what are you going to do about Robert?" Sky asked gently, breaking the comfortable silence.
I sighed, staring into my milkshake.
"I don't know, Sky. Part of me wants to confront him, to talk about what happened and get closure. But another part of me thinks it's best to leave the past in the past and focus on moving forward."
Sky nodded thoughtfully. "Both options have their merits. But you need to do what's best for you. If you think talking to him will help you find closure, then maybe it's worth considering."
I looked up at my friend, grateful for her wisdom. "Thanks, Sky. I appreciate your advice. I'll think about it.”
“Oh, girl, and think about the sexy gentleman who has been asking you out for weeks now and you always put this poor guy down.”
I giggled as she gave me her puppy eyes.
“I will think about it.”
As the day wore on, I felt a sense of clarity slowly beginning to form.
Running the café, being surrounded by the supportive presence of my best friend, and engaging in the work I loved gave me a renewed sense of purpose.
By the time the evening rolled around, I felt more at peace with myself. The challenges of the past and the uncertainty of the future still loomed large, but I knew had the strength to face them head-on.
With friends like Sky by my side, I was confident that I could navigate what stuck my way.
I was trying a new recipe when Sky came inside the kitchen with a wide smile on her face.
“We've got a special request out front."
I study her, a curious expression on my face.
"Oh? What kind of request?”
Sky grinned.
“John is here, and he wants you to surprise him with dinner. Also, he's hoping you'll agree to go out with him tomorrow night. He asked for my help.” She clapped excitedly.
I sighed, feeling a mix of emotions.
"Sky, you know I've been putting him off for weeks. I just don't think I'm ready for anything right now.”
Sky stepped closer, her expression softening.
“I know, Elena. But remember our conversation earlier? You promised you'd try to move on and give the poor guy a chance.”
I hesitated, my mind racing. I knew Sky was right— I had promised to try and move forward.
Taking a deep breath, I nodded.
“Okay, I'll do it. I'll surprise him with dinner and... I'll agree to go out with him when he asks me.”
Sky beamed. "That's the spirit! I'll let him know.”
I shake my head at her smiling that I'm a lucky one to have her in my life.
I prepared a special dish for John, my nerves simmering as I plated the food. I carried the dish out to him, my heart pounding in her chest.
John looked up, his eyes lighting up as he saw me approaching.
“Hey, John," I greeted, setting the plate in front of him.
"I hope you enjoy this. It's a surprise."
John smiled warmly. "I'm sure I will. Thank you, Elena, and... I wanted to ask you something.”
“Can you sit down with me for a while?” His blue eyes are full of hope.
I nodded and took a seat across from him, my hands clasped in my lap.
"What is it?” I asked even though I knew what he was going to say.
John took a deep breath, his gaze earnest.

"I know I've been asking you out for a while now, and I understand if you're not interested. But I was hoping you'd give me a chance and have dinner with me tomorrow night.”

I looked into John's eyes, seeing the genuine sincerity there. I thought about Sky's words and my promise to move on. Summoning my courage, to move on, I nodded.

"Okay, John," I said softly.

"I'll go out with you tomorrow night."

John's face lit up with a mixture of surprise and joy. "Really? That's great, Elena. Thank you.”

I smiled, feeling a strange sense of relief.

“You're welcome. Let's see how it goes.”

I stood up smile warmly at him.

“I have work to do, see you tomorrow.”

“Of course, you will not regret that you give me a chance to know you better.” His voice full of joy.

I nodded, returning to my kitchen.

As John enjoyed his surprise dinner, I felt a flicker of hope. Maybe, just maybe, this could be the beginning of something new. I had taken the first step, and now it was time to see where it would lead me.

I have to move on, now.
After all Robert is moving forward with his life.
Why it's hurts that he was moving with his life like everything between us never exit?