hapter 0042 Serenas POV Sorry , Im late for the opening , Calvin says , his breath slightly hurried from the rush . Got caught up with lots of work stuff . Are you mad ? I smile at Calvin , shaking my head gently . Nah , I know you were busy . And this is just sparkling cider , I say , lifting my glass in reassurance . Calvin approaches Stevie and me at the counter . Stevie , this is for you , he says , extending a bouquet of vibrant flowers towards my best friend . Oh my goodness , Calvin , these are beautiful ! Stevie exclaims . Calvin turns his attention to me . And Serena , he says , his eyes softening with warmth . He pauses . These are for you , he finally says , extending the bouquet of flowers towards me . Thank you , Calvin , I say , accepting the flowers with a grateful smile . Theyre lovely . Whats the occasion ? Calvin returns my smile , his eyes gleaming with pride . I just wanted to congratulate Stevie and you for a successful opening of your shop , he says warmly : I know you both put a lot of effort into making this happen . Well , we couldnt have done it without all your help , I say gratefully . So , thanks . I can feel the tension between Calvin and me as if the room has shrunk to just the two of us . Oh , I completely forgot ! Stevie exclaims . I need to go . I have a blind date in an hour . Really ? I ask , surprised . I thought we were having dinner together . Oh , Im so sorry , Serena , Stevie says , hurriedly gathering her belongings . Maybe we can have it another time ? Sure , no problem . Have fun on your date , I reply . And always great to see you , Calvin , Stevie bids goodbye . On her way to the door , she gives me a wink . Right then , I figure she doesnt have a date . She only wants me and Calvin to have some alone time . Uh oh , shes going to tease me again the next time we see each other . Hey , so , are you free tonight ? Calvin asks . Maybe I can join you for dinner since Stevie couldnt make it . Sure , I reply with a smile . But on two conditions : I need to change first , and dinners on me tonight . sounds like a plan , Calvin agrees with a grin . I quickly change into a fitted black blouse adorned with lace detailing , paired with high waisted jeans . A touch of light makeup enhances my features , giving me a fresh and radiant look . Ready ? he asks , offering his arm . I smile , nodding Absolutely . Lets head to Olive Garden . As Calvin and I drive to Olive Garden , theres an undeniable tension in the air . The music softly playing in the background adds to the atmosphere , its soulful tunes stirring something within me . In an attempt to adjust the volume of the radio , I reach out my hand accidentally brushing against Calvins arın . Chapter 0042 For a fleeting moment , our skin makes contact , sending a jolt of electricity through me . I quickly retract my hand , my cheeks flushing . Calvin glances at me , a subtle smile playing on his lips . Sorry about that , I mumble , my voice slightly shaky . No worries , Calvin replies , his tone reassuring , Its all good . As we arrive at Olive Garden , Calvin courteously holds the door open for me , and I step out of the car . I can already smell the aroma of Italian cuisine and realize Im starving Crap , I just remember I didnt have lunch today . Calvin gently guides me towards the entrance , his hand hovering protectively at my lower back . Careful , watch your step , he murmurs . Calvins words catch me off guard , and I glance down instinctively . Its a stark contrast to the last family dinner with Bill , where I sprained my ankle and my ex husband didnt even offer to help . I realize how different Calvin is from his nephew in the way he cares for me , even in the little things . Ill be careful , I say . Were seated in a cozy corner booth , tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the restaurant . Soft music plays in the background as Calvin and I settle into our seats , ready to enjoy a quiet evening together . Looking over the menu , I decide on a classic favorite , spaghetti carbonara , while Calvin opts for the lasagna . We both agree to start with the endless salad and breadsticks , a quintessential Olive Garden experience . How was your grand opening ? Calvin asks as we wait for our order . I bet it turned out well . You and Stevie looked so happy when I saw you . It was fantastic , I reply . We already made this months rent . I never expected this at all . And I enjoy being busy with work . Calvin gins . Thats awesome ! he says with his eyes sparkling . Im really proud of you , Serena . As Calvin speaks , his eyes lock onto mine with warmth and sincerity . I cant help but feel a rush of happiness as his words sink in . Feeling flustered , I glance away for a moment , overwhelmed by the flood of emotions welling up inside me . Its not just what he says its the way he looks at me like Im the most amazing person hes ever seen . I wipe the tears from my eyes , feeling embarrassed by my sudden show of emotion . Calvins expression shifts to one of concern . Oh no , dont cry , he says , his voice filled with worry . Did I say something wrong ? Im sorry . I smile and shake my head . No , its all good , I reassure him . Im just happy . Thank you for telling me that . Calvin exhales deeply , a look of relief crossing his face . Of course , Im proud of you for having the courage to start something youre passionate about , he says earnestly Not everybody can do what you did Youre a big help , Calvin . Ill be forever grateful for your support and help . Youre a great friend , I say , my words genuine and heartfelt . 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