Brief Encounters

Timeline 1 (Part 6)

First Date

I dressed in a casual polo and slacks, aiming for the right balance of relaxed and presentable. As I headed out, I passed Granny in the hallway, her sharp gaze landing on me immediately.

"Something's different today," she said, studying me with that knowing look. "Go on, tell me what it is."

I gave a casual shrug, playing it off. "Nothing out of the ordinary."

She raised a brow, unimpressed. "Ah, but look at you, wearing a smile now, are you?"

"Well, I'm not that grumpy, I do smile now and then, Granny."

She scoffed, half-laughing. "Yes, yes, tell yourself that if you'd like. Just don't do anything foolish, hmm? Between your father, your brother, and the rest of this country, I've quite enough to worry about."

I smiled and said, "Don't worry, Granny. I'll be good—promise." She gave me a skeptical look, but I could see a hint of a smile in her eyes.

Since childhood, aside from Mum and Dad, it was Granny who truly stood by my side to guide me. I guess if I'm not doing anything foolish today—at least I hope I'm not—it's thanks to her. I hold her in such high regard, wanting nothing more than to spare her any additional worries or gray hairs. My goal is simply to be one less problem in her life, to make her proud, and to show her that her efforts haven't gone unnoticed.

As I rode in the car, my driver steering us smoothly through the London streets, I stared out the window, mind spinning with anticipation.

What would she be wearing? Would it match what I'd chosen? No, those weren't the questions gnawing at me. I wished my thoughts were as simple as that. Instead, I was wrapped up in the type of questions that went nowhere good, the kind that were impossible to answer. Questions like, What am I actually hoping for? Is she someone who could really fit into this life? Or the simplest but hardest of all, Am I ready to risk letting someone in?

I found myself wishing Mum were here to guide me. She had this gift—making me feel like I was asking the right questions, or that maybe I didn't need all the answers, just the courage to step forward. I suppose Harry inherited that confidence from her, the ability to dive headfirst into things without looking back. For me, it's...a little more complicated.

Before I knew it, we arrived at The Ivy. The staff had clearly been alerted; their faces lit up in recognition, flustered yet eager. One of them rushed forward, a bit too enthusiastically, to offer the "best table in the house."

I checked my watch: ten minutes early. Just enough time to compose myself. I let out a breath, settled into my seat, and waited for her to arrive.

A few minutes later, Jeanna arrived, and my heart did a little flip as I watched her step through the entrance. She looked around the room, her eyes finally landing on me, and in that moment, I couldn't help but admire her.

One couldn't tell that Jeanna had just come from work, though I knew—she'd had a live interview earlier for tonight's show. She was dressed elegantly, striking a balance that was neither too fancy nor too casual, perfectly suited for a leisurely lunch. Her outfit complemented her radiant smile, and the way she carried herself exuded a confidence that was both inviting and effortlessly charming.

"So," I said, rising to greet her. "Shall we find out what all the fuss is about? I hear the steak here is supposed to be the best in London."

She laughed softly, a sound that danced in the air. "Perfect! I'm absolutely starving." she said with a playful grin, her tone refreshingly straightforward and free of pretense. It was clear she felt at ease in her own skin