The Man of My Dreams

Chapter Five: Doubts and Realizations

The next day, Mia couldn't wait to share the news with Neal.

Neal watched as Mia practically floated through the café, her excitement palpable. She had always been cautious, weighing her options and analyzing every detail when it came to men. But now, she was like a whirlwind, completely swept up in her infatuation with Ethan. It worried him.

She greeted him with a warm hug and a quick kiss on the cheek. Avoiding small talk, she dropped the bombshell, her excitement bubbling over as she recounted every detail of the proposal. "And he gave me this gorgeous necklace! I'm officially his girlfriend!" she declared, beaming.

Neal's smile faltered as he leaned back in his chair, a frown crossing his face. Something felt off to him—things were moving too quickly. Three months—was that really enough time to know someone well enough to commit? He had seen Mia take months, even years, to truly open up to someone. This was unlike her.

"That's great, Mia, but don't you think it's a bit soon to be jumping into a relationship? Three months isn't a long time," Neal said, his tone cautious.

Mia's expression shifted, irritation creeping in. "What's that supposed to mean? I thought you'd be happy for me!"

"I am happy for you, but I just want you to be careful. You know how quickly things can change. It's a big step, and I don't want you to rush into it," Neal explained, his brow furrowed with concern.

"Rushing? We've been together for three months! I know him, Neal!" Mia snapped, her cheeks flushing. "Why can't you just be supportive?"

Neal raised his hands defensively. "I am supportive, I promise. I just want you to think things through. You've built this amazing fantasy around him, and I don't want you to get hurt."

Mia took a deep breath, trying to temper her frustration. "It's not a fantasy! This is real, and I really like him. Can't you trust my judgment for once?"

Neal sighed, his concern palpable. "I just don't want you to lose yourself in this. Promise me you'll keep your eyes open?"

"Fine," Mia muttered, crossing her arms. "But I really wish you'd just be happy for me instead of worrying all the time. He's amazing! He's everything I've ever wanted!" she gushed, seemingly oblivious to his lingering doubts.

Neal nodded, though inside, he was torn. "But you've only known him for a short time. Are you sure this is what you really want? You've always taken your time before jumping into something serious."

Mia's smile faltered for a moment. "I know, but this feels different. I can't explain it. With Ethan, it's like I can just be myself. He makes me feel understood."

Neal's brow creased. "But do you really know him? What about his past? His intentions?" he pressed, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. It was like watching a close friend walk toward a cliff, completely unaware of the danger ahead.

"I'm getting to know him, Neal. It's not like I'm marrying him tomorrow! I just want to enjoy this," she replied, a hint of exasperation in her voice.

Neal took a deep breath, trying to remain calm. "I just want you to be careful, Mia. You've always been the one to take your time, and this sudden shift feels... unexpected. It's like you've changed overnight."

Mia crossed her arms, her defensiveness rising. "What are you trying to say? That I can't change? That I can't be happy?"

"Not at all! I just want you to think things through," he said, softening his tone. "I care about you, and I don't want to see you hurt."

Mia's expression softened, though there was still a glint of hurt in her eyes. "I appreciate that, but you're starting to sound a little overprotective. I'm not a child, Neal."

"I know you're not," he replied with a sigh. "But you're my best friend, and seeing you this happy is important to me. I just... I worry."

As the conversation lulled, Neal's thoughts drifted to places he rarely allowed himself to explore. A part of him had always harbored feelings for Mia, deeper than friendship. Watching her with Ethan stirred something inside him—something he hadn't fully confronted before.

What if Ethan was just another fleeting moment in Mia's life? He didn't want to stand in her way, but the thought of her getting hurt twisted something deep within him. He had seen too many people rush into relationships, only to be left with broken hearts. He didn't want that for Mia.

"Mia," he began slowly, carefully choosing his words, "I just want you to find someone who truly deserves you. You deserve someone who takes the time to understand all the layers of who you are, not just the surface."

Mia's gaze softened, though her resolve remained. "I know what I want, Neal. I appreciate your concern, but this is my life, and I'm ready to embrace it."

Neal forced a smile, despite the tightness in his chest. "Okay, just promise me you'll keep an open mind. If anything feels off, don't ignore it."

Mia leaned back in her chair, her expression easing. "I promise. But I need you to trust me too. I want to experience this for myself."

As they finished their drinks, the weight of the conversation lingered in the air. Neal couldn't shake his unease about Ethan, but he knew he couldn't hold Mia back. He had to let her navigate this chapter of her life, even if it meant watching from the sidelines, with a quiet ache he wouldn't dare voice.

As Mia left the café, she felt a swirl of emotions. She was overjoyed about her relationship with Ethan, but Neal's words lingered, casting a shadow over her happiness. She couldn't shake the feeling of being pulled in two directions—between her heart and her friend's cautionary voice.

But deep down, she felt certain about Ethan. She hoped that, in time, Neal would see that too.