It was meant to be

19 - A Huge Mistake?

Tessa

Getting ready for a date after a long time feels good, in a way. I'm really curious how this is going to work. When we were together, me an Alex didn't go out so often. I don't know how this will be, but I hope for the best. The few moments we had together were nice and I really hope he changed.

I walk out of my room and I see Mia watching TV. She stops and she looks at me.

"Are you going somewhere? You look pretty."

"Thank you. And yes, I'm going out. On a date."

"Oh, a date... You decided to forgive Hardin?" She smirks.

"No. I'm just Auden's nanny."

"Then with whom are you going out?"

"With Alex."

"Alex? Are you fucking kidding me? He's your ex, Tessa! He abused you."

"I think he changed. And I decided to give him a second chance."

"You are stupid, Tessa. I'm sorry I'm telling you this, but you are crazy for giving him another chance. He doesn't deserve it."

Mia's blunt words hit me like a cold splash of water. I pause, glancing at her, unsure how to respond. I know she means well, but hearing her say I'm stupid for giving Alex another chance stings.

"Mia, I know what I'm doing." I say quietly, but firmly. "People can change."

She raises an eyebrow, her expression full of skepticism. "Really, Tessa? He hurt you. He treated you like you didn't matter. I get that you're lonely or whatever, but going back to Alex? That's just asking for trouble."

I take a deep breath, trying to stay calm. I knew Mia wouldn't be thrilled about this, but I didn't expect such a harsh reaction. "He's been in therapy. He told me he's worked on himself, and I believe him."

Mia shakes her head, clearly frustrated. "And what if he hasn't? What if he's just telling you what you want to hear because he knows how to manipulate you? You deserve better than this, Tessa. I don't want to see you get hurt again."

I feel a wave of defensiveness rising in me. I know she's trying to protect me, but part of me can't help but wonder if she's overreacting. People can change, can't they? "I get that you're worried, but I'm giving him one chance. If it doesn't feel right, I'll walk away."

Mia sighs heavily, leaning back on the couch. "I hope you know what you're doing. Just... be careful, okay? You've been through enough."

I nod, grabbing my coat. "I will, I promise. I need to see if there's anything left worth saving."

She doesn't say anything more as I head out the door, but the tension hangs between us. I know she doesn't trust Alex, but I can't help but feel like I need to see this through, if only for closure.

As I drive to meet Alex, my thoughts drift to Hardin. What would he say if he knew I was going on this date? Would he even care? I shake the thought away, focusing on the road ahead. Tonight is about me—about figuring out what I want, not what anyone else thinks.

When I arrive at the restaurant, Alex is already there, waiting outside with a bouquet of flowers. His face lights up when he sees me, and for a moment, I let myself feel hopeful. Maybe Mia is wrong. Maybe he really has changed.

"Hey, you look beautiful," Alex says, handing me the flowers with a warm smile.

"Thanks." I reply, feeling a mix of nerves and anticipation. "Let's see how this goes."

But in the back of my mind, Mia's warning lingers, and I can't shake the nagging doubt that maybe—just maybe—she's right.

The date with Alex starts off better than I expected. He's charming, attentive, and for the first time in a long while, I feel like I'm not trapped in my own head. We talk about light things—work, mutual friends, old memories that aren't tainted by the pain of the breakup. For a moment, I even forget why I was nervous about this.