Under the Grit

The Night We Met

Evangeline stood in the living room of her new house, surrounded by unpacked boxes and scattered decorations for the impending housewarming party.

Sunlight streamed through the windows, casting warm beams across the floor, but the glow did little to lift the heaviness in her chest. She absentmindedly arranged a vase of flowers on the coffee table, her mind drifting back to the conversation they had shared at the restaurant just days before.

Ben's upcoming business trip loomed in her thoughts like a dark cloud. The way he had taken her hands in his, the serious tone in his voice—it all replayed in her head, churning her stomach. She felt a knot tighten within her as she recalled his words: "I have to leave again soon for work." His absence was a familiar ache, one she had grown accustomed to, but it didn't make it any easier.

With every decoration she placed, her thoughts spiraled back to the complexities of her relationship with Arthur. They had worked together on her project for weeks, and while their connection was undeniable, the boundaries remained blurred. What would it be like to see him tonight? Would she have to face the awkwardness of the last time they were together, the tension that had crackled in the air after the encounter with the stranger?

"Evie, are you alright?" Ben's voice pulled her from her thoughts. He stood by the door, a half-open box in his hands, looking at her with a mix of concern and curiosity.

"Yeah, I'm fine," she replied, forcing a smile that felt more like a grimace. She busied herself with adjusting the flowers again, avoiding his gaze.

Ben studied her for a moment longer before setting the box down and walking over. "You sure? You seem a bit... distant."

Evangeline took a breath, trying to shake off the anxiety creeping in. "Just thinking about tonight," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "I hope everyone gets along."

Ben reached out, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "It'll be great. Just relax, okay?"

She nodded, but a flicker of doubt still gnawed at her insides. The thought of Arthur mingling with Ben and their friends felt daunting. She forced herself to focus on the task at hand, trying to ignore the knot tightening in her stomach.

As they continued setting up, Evangeline couldn't shake the feeling that tonight would change everything. She hoped it wouldn't lead to the chaos she feared, but with each decoration placed, the anxiety coiled tighter, leaving her uncertain about the night ahead.

The evening air was crisp and fragrant, filled with the scent of wood smoke and the rich aroma of roasted marshmallows. Outside, the fire pit crackled invitingly, casting a warm glow that illuminated the faces of Evangeline's friends as they gathered around the flickering flames.

Evangeline nestled comfortably in Ben's lap, the heat of the fire contrasting with the slight chill in the night air. She leaned back against him, her head resting on his shoulder, feeling safe yet restless. The laughter and chatter of their friends swirled around her, creating a tapestry of sound that was both comforting and distracting.

John sat a few feet away, absently strumming his guitar, his fingers dancing over the strings in a casual rhythm that perfectly complemented the atmosphere. Every now and then, he would break into a familiar tune, prompting a few of the others to join in, their voices mingling in a chorus of camaraderie. Karen was animatedly recounting a funny story about a mishap at one of their classes, her gestures exaggerated as everyone laughed, the camaraderie palpable.

Tilly and Mary-Beth were engaged in a light-hearted debate about which band had the best album of the year, while Kieran and Abigail were sharing inside jokes that made them giggle uncontrollably. Lenny and Javier were huddled over a plate of snacks, vying for the last piece of something delicious, their playful banter adding to the lively atmosphere.