Simply You(Ongoing)

CHAPTER 8

The week had been a transformative experience for Yessenia. She had spent the last seven days basking in the sun’s warm embrace, listening to the rhythmic lapping of the waves, and letting the ocean's salt cleanse not just her body, but her mind and spirit as well. The beach had provided an idyllic escape from the everyday pressures of life. She’d almost forgotten about the unsettling incident with Matheo, the man she had briefly encountered. The memory of him, mistakenly believing she was floating lifelessly, had faded into the distant horizon of her relaxation.

But life, as it often does, moves on. A new chapter was about to begin, instigated by an unexpected push from a friend who had a penchant for matchmaking. Yessenia’s friend, Clara, had been insistent. Despite Yessenia’s reservations about dating in general and her lack of enthusiasm about being set up, Clara had been unrelenting. She seemed to view Yessenia’s single status as a problem in need of a solution, and she was determined to play matchmaker.

Clara was one of those people who thrived on optimism and action. When she was set on something, there was no dissuading her. She had already organized the date, chosen the location, and even gone so far as to vet the prospective suitor, all while Yessenia had been trying to enjoy her beach getaway. The beach was serene, but Clara’s plans were anything but.

Yessenia had initially resisted, but Clara’s persistence wore her down. "It'll be fun, Yessenia. Just give it a chance. Besides, you can’t say no forever!" Clara had said, her voice dripping with a mix of excitement and exasperation.

So Yessenia had reluctantly agreed to the date. Clara’s enthusiasm was contagious, even if it was a bit overwhelming. The details were relayed with the precision of a military briefing: the venue, a charming bistro known for its quiet ambiance and delicious cuisine, the time, a cozy 7:00 PM, and the name of her date, which Yessenia struggled to remember. Clara assured her that he was a nice guy, someone she had met through work and thought would be a perfect match for Yessenia.

Despite her reluctance, Yessenia decided to make the best of it. She went through her wardrobe, selecting a dress that was both sophisticated and subtly alluring. It was a deep navy blue, made of a soft, flowing fabric that draped elegantly over her frame without being overtly flashy. The dress had a modest neckline and a cinched waist that flattered her figure while maintaining an air of understated grace. She paired it with simple yet elegant accessories—a pair of small diamond studs and a delicate silver bracelet—and opted for a pair of classic heels that added just the right amount of height.

The evening of the date arrived with a clear, starlit sky and a gentle breeze that hinted at autumn’s approach. Yessenia felt a mix of anticipation and anxiety as she prepared herself. She applied her makeup with care, choosing a look that was polished but not excessive. Her hair was styled in soft waves that framed her face, adding to her overall appearance of effortless elegance.

At precisely 6:45 PM, she left her apartment and made her way to the bistro. The location was charming, nestled on a quaint street that was lined with twinkling fairy lights. The restaurant’s warm, inviting glow spilled out onto the sidewalk, creating a welcoming ambiance that felt reassuring. Yessenia arrived early, giving her a few moments to acclimate to the environment before her date arrived.

The bistro’s interior was just as charming as its exterior—soft music played in the background, and the lighting was dim yet intimate. She chose a table near a window, where she could see the street outside and keep an eye out for her date’s arrival. She took a deep breath, trying to shake off the nerves that had settled in her stomach.

As the minutes ticked by, Yessenia glanced at her watch and then at the door, wondering when he would arrive. The time passed slowly, each minute stretching into what felt like an eternity. She sipped on a glass of water, trying to stay composed while her mind wandered through various scenarios—some hopeful, others less so.

At 7:10 PM, just as she was beginning to wonder if perhaps her date had decided against coming, the door opened and a tall, well-dressed man walked in. He scanned the room briefly before his gaze landed on Yessenia. A faint smile crossed his lips as he made his way towards her.

“Yessenia?” he asked, his voice warm and friendly.

She stood up to greet him, feeling a mixture of relief and nervousness. “Yes, that’s me. Hi, I’m Yessenia.”

“Nice to meet you,” he said, extending his hand. “I’m Daniel.”

Yessenia shook his hand, noting the firmness of his grip and the genuine warmth in his eyes. As they settled into their seats, the conversation began to flow more easily. Daniel was engaging and articulate, with a natural ease that put Yessenia at ease. They discussed various topics—from favorite books and movies to their recent experiences and future aspirations.

The initial awkwardness gradually dissipated as they found common ground and shared a few laughs. The food arrived, and the shared experience of enjoying a meal together added to the sense of camaraderie that was developing between them. Yessenia found herself genuinely enjoying the evening, despite her initial reservations.

As the night progressed, the two continued to converse, discovering more about each other and exploring mutual interests. The connection was pleasant and intellectually stimulating, and Yessenia felt a spark of hope that perhaps this setup wasn’t as misguided as she had first thought.

By the end of the evening, Yessenia felt a sense of satisfaction. The date had turned out to be enjoyable, and although she wasn't entirely sure if there was a romantic connection, she appreciated the effort and thought that Clara had put into arranging it.

Daniel walked her to her car, and they shared a polite but warm goodbye. As Yessenia drove home, she reflected on the evening. She realized that, even though she had initially been resistant to the idea of a setup, the experience had been positive. Clara’s matchmaking had, if nothing else, provided her with a pleasant evening and a reminder of the possibilities that lay beyond her comfort zone.

When Yessenia finally arrived home, she was greeted by a message from Clara, eager to hear how the date had gone. Yessenia’s reply was honest and appreciative, thanking Clara for her effort and letting her know that while it might not lead to anything further with Daniel, she had enjoyed the evening.

As she prepared for bed, Yessenia felt a sense of peace. The week at the beach had rejuvenated her, and the date had been a pleasant surprise. She knew that her journey was far from over, but for now, she was content to have embraced the experience and to look forward to whatever came next with an open heart.