𝐏𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐄 𝐏𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐄 𝐏𝐄𝐋𝐀𝐒𝐄, 𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐰 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐲

NINE

(REAL LIFE)

"and please please please"

PRESENT

Over the next few weeks, Elizabeth and Drew settled into a tentative rhythm, carefully testing the waters of their newfound friendship. They kept things low-key, avoiding crowded places or public appearances that might attract attention. Their meetups were casual—a coffee here, a walk there. Slowly, Drew showed her more of the person he had grown into, his efforts focused on regaining her trust rather than pushing for anything romantic.

One evening, as they strolled through a quiet park, Drew stopped, looking out at the sunset before glancing over at Elizabeth.

"Thanks for giving me this chance," he said softly. "I know it's not easy."

Elizabeth gave a small smile. "It's not, but... you're making it easier. Just... don't take it for granted."

Drew nodded. "I won't. I promise."

For the first time, Elizabeth felt a small crack in the walls she had put up, her heart letting him in just a little bit more. But she still kept her guard up, aware of the risks that came with giving him her trust.

As they walked, Drew told her more about the upcoming season of Outer Banks, sharing funny stories from set and little moments that didn't make it into the episodes. Elizabeth found herself laughing, genuinely enjoying his stories and the warmth in his voice as he spoke. In these moments, it was easy to remember why she had fallen for him in the first place.

Eventually, he turned to her, his gaze serious. "So, I know we said no pressure, but... I was wondering if you'd like to come to the season finale watch party? It's just the cast and crew, no media, no paparazzi."

Elizabeth hesitated. "Are you sure that's a good idea?"

"It's up to you," Drew said quickly. "But I think you'd have fun. It's just friends hanging out, and I'd love for you to be there."

She studied him for a moment, searching his face. He seemed sincere, and his invitation didn't feel like pressure—it felt like an open door, a chance to see a different side of him and to let herself ease into this new chapter.

"Okay," she said finally, a smile tugging at her lips. "I'll come."

A few days later, Elizabeth arrived at the watch party, nerves fluttering in her stomach. Drew greeted her at the door with a grin, his excitement evident. The atmosphere was relaxed and friendly, everyone gathered around in casual clothes, laughing and talking as they waited for the finale to begin.

As they settled in to watch, Drew took a seat beside her, his hand resting casually on the back of her chair. Elizabeth couldn't help but notice the small glances he threw her way, as if checking to make sure she was comfortable. Every now and then, he'd lean in to share a quick comment about a scene, making her laugh and easing her nerves.

When the episode ended, applause and cheers erupted, and Drew joined in with a bright, proud smile. He looked over at her, his eyes warm. "Thanks for being here tonight. It really means a lot."

Elizabeth smiled, feeling a surprising warmth spread through her chest. "I'm glad I came."

The night went on, and as the party continued, she found herself relaxing even more, enjoying the company and Drew's presence beside her. It felt like the start of something new—a chance to rebuild on their own terms, free from expectations or past mistakes.

Eventually, Drew offered to walk her back to her car. They strolled through the quiet parking lot, the laughter and music from the party fading into the background.

As they reached her car, he paused, turning to face her. "I just... I want you to know that whatever happens, I'm grateful for this chance to be a part of your life again, in whatever way you're comfortable with."

Elizabeth looked at him, her heart catching in her throat. For the first time, she felt a genuine glimmer of hope—a feeling that maybe, just maybe, they could find their way back to each other.

"Let's keep taking it slow," she said softly. "But... I'm glad we're here."

Drew's smile was soft, his eyes full of understanding. "Me too."

As they parted ways, Elizabeth realized that while the road ahead was uncertain, she was finally ready to take the journey—one step at a time.

As their kiss lingered, Elizabeth suddenly felt a jolt of reality snap through her. The warmth and intensity of the moment faded, replaced by a flood of uncertainty. She pulled back, her breath shaky as she stepped out of Drew's embrace.

"I... I'm sorry," she murmured, breaking the silence that had wrapped around them. She couldn't bring herself to look at him, her heart pounding not from excitement anymore, but from doubt. "This... it's just too soon. I shouldn't have—"

Drew's face softened, understanding flickering in his eyes. "Elizabeth, it's okay. I get it," he said quietly, trying to catch her gaze. But she looked away, feeling a wave of confusion and regret wash over her. Her head felt scattered, and suddenly, she just wanted to be alone.

"I need to go home," she said abruptly, fumbling with her keys and avoiding his gaze. "This was a mistake. I—I shouldn't have let it go that far."

Before Drew could respond, she got into her car, pulling the door shut. She caught a glimpse of his expression—hurt but understanding, as if he was struggling to figure out what he'd done wrong, and then, just like that, she drove off, leaving him alone in the parking lot.

As Elizabeth sped down the empty streets, her mind raced. What just happened? She gripped the steering wheel tightly, replaying the kiss, the way she had felt drawn to him... and then the overwhelming rush of panic that followed. Part of her had wanted to let herself fall back into what they once had, but the other part knew it wasn't the right time—not yet.

Meanwhile, Drew stood in the lot, watching her taillights disappear into the night, his mind spinning. After a long moment, he headed back into the party, grabbing his coat and saying a quick goodbye to his friends. He barely registered their good-natured ribbing as he slipped out the door, his thoughts tangled in what had just happened with Elizabeth.

Driving home, he replayed every second of their kiss, trying to understand where things had gone wrong. He had felt a connection, a glimpse of hope that maybe they were on the same page. But now, he was just... lost.

They both spent the ride home in silence, each wondering what had gone wrong, each haunted by the same thought: What the hell just happened?

message from venus📣
CHATTTTT wth is going in? what happened to taking things slow 🤦🏽‍♀️ anyway i hope you enjoyed this chapter i love you all so so much 💕 and thank you for almost 2k reads‼️
don't forget to comment and vote!😝😘