He asked about my job, my hobbies, even my favorite coffee order. It was refreshing to talk to someone who didn’t treat conversation like a chore. After a week of back-and-forth, he suggested dinner at a popular Italian restaurant downtown. It felt like a safe choice—public, elegant, and casual enough to avoid first-date pressure.

The evening started on a high note. Eric showed up early, holding a small bouquet of roses. He wore a crisp button-down, clean shoes, and carried himself with quiet confidence. When I arrived, he stood up, smiled warmly, and pulled out my chair. “You look incredible,” he said, handing me the flowers. He even gave me a tiny silver keychain engraved with my initial—a small but surprisingly thoughtful touch.

We clicked easily. The conversation flowed between travel stories, embarrassing childhood moments, and funny dating mishaps. He