【 𝐆𝐇𝐎𝐒𝐓𝐅𝐀𝐂𝐄 】 Nicholas chavez

1.0

I smoothed down the fabric of my dress, taking a deep breath as I stood outside the restaurant. The cool evening air wrapped around me, the soft glow of the streetlights reflecting off the windows. Jordan gave my hand a quick squeeze before I leaned in to give him a goodbye kiss. His familiar warmth calmed my nerves.

"You're going to have fun. Call me when you're ready to be picked up."

I smiled. "Will do. Thanks for dropping me off."

Jordan gave me one last look before driving away, leaving me standing at the entrance. I pushed open the door to the restaurant, immediately hit by the cozy warmth and the low hum of conversation. As I made my way inside, I spotted my coworkers gathered at a long table near the window, already in mid-conversation, waving at me as I approached.

"There she is! The star of the show," they joked as I slid into the seat next to them.
"Star? I think you're giving me too much credit."

The table was still half-empty, with more people expected to arrive. While we waited, we ordered drinks and made small talk—discussing everything from annoying clients to weekend plans. The clinking of glasses and the buzz of chatter filled the space as we laughed at one another's stories, catching up after what had been a long week.

"So, Isha, what's Jordan up to tonight?"

"Probably enjoying a quiet night with a beer and a movie. He's not much of a restaurant guy."

"Lucky you. My boyfriend's idea of date night is takeout and Netflix on the couch," they joked, making everyone chuckle.

We were mid-laugh when two guys walked in, making their way toward our table. One of them I knew from training—cooper koch, a guy who could crack a joke out of anything. The other, though, was unfamiliar. He was tall, with dark hair, and walked with a kind of easy confidence. I watched as he greeted the group, flashing a charming smile. He slipped into the seat next to a girl I hadn't met before, wrapping an arm around her as she leaned into him.

"Hey, isha, this is Nicholas Chavez. He's a new trainee." I turned toward him as everyone else at the table greeted him. When it was my turn, I offered a smile, extending my hand.

"Nice to meet you, Nicholas. I haven't seen you around yet." He took my hand, holding it for a second longer than necessary, his eyes locking on mine with a playful glint.

"Well, I guess I've just been waiting for the right moment to meet you."

The flirty tone caught me off guard, and I blinked, not sure how to respond. He let go of my hand, but before I could pull away, he tilted his head slightly, studying me with that same teasing smile.

"Actually... I think I might know you."

I furrowed my brow. "How would you know me?"

His smile grew a little more mischievous.

"I know your boyfriend. Jordan, right?" The confusion hit me like a wave, and I didn't know how to react. He didn't explain any further, just let the statement hang in the air. It felt off, but I shook it off quickly. I didn't want to let it throw me. I forced a smile, nodding politely.

"Yeah... Jordan."

The conversation shifted away from us after that, and soon the table was full as more friends arrived. We all greeted one another, catching up on work gossip, complaining about training schedules, and making plans for the weekend. The drinks flowed, and soon the room was buzzing with laughter and chatter.

At some point in the evening, as the food arrived, one of my coworkers leaned forward, looking around the table with a grin.

"Alright, since we're all here... let's do something fun. Why is everyone training to be a cop?" A guy from the other side of the table said