Eleanor stared at the message on her phone for the fifth time.
She had already read it so many times that she knew every word by heart.
«Saturday. 7 p.m. Wear something you feel beautiful in. I'll pick you up.»
There was no explanation.
No restaurant name.
No location.
Nothing.
Just Raven.
Eleanor placed her phone on the table and sighed.
Across from her, Charlotte immediately noticed.
"What?"
"Nothing."
Charlotte narrowed her eyes.
"That was the fourth time you've looked at your phone in two minutes."
Genevieve smiled.
"She definitely got a message."
Eleanor reached for her drink.
"I did."
"From Raven?"
Eleanor paused.
Charlotte gasped dramatically.
"It is Raven!"
"Keep your voice down."
Charlotte leaned across the table.
"What did she say?"
"Nothing important."
Genevieve laughed.
"Then why are you blushing?"
"I am not blushing."
Charlotte pointed at her.
"You absolutely are."
Eleanor picked up her phone.
"She asked me to keep Saturday evening free."
Charlotte's eyes widened.
"For what?"
"I don't know."
Charlotte stared at her.
"You don't know?"
"No."
"And you agreed?"
Eleanor nodded.
Charlotte slowly leaned back.
"Oh, you're gone."
Genevieve laughed.
"She hasn't even taken her out yet."
"That's the problem," Charlotte replied. "Eleanor is already emotionally involved."
"I am not."
Charlotte ignored her.
"What are you wearing?"
"I don't know."
"Good."
Eleanor frowned.
"Why is that good?"
"Because I'm choosing."
"No."
"Yes."
"Charlotte—"
"You're going on a date with a mysterious masked Alpha. I'm not allowing you to embarrass yourself."
Genevieve laughed.
"She's got a point."
Eleanor sighed.
"I don't even know if it's a date."
Charlotte gave her a look.
"She told you to wear something you feel beautiful in and she's picking you up at seven in the evening."
She paused.
"That is a date."
Eleanor couldn't argue with that.
---
The following afternoon, Charlotte arrived at Eleanor's apartment with several garment bags.
Eleanor stared at them.
"You're serious?"
"Very."
Charlotte dropped the bags onto the bed.
"I have three options."
Genevieve sat on the couch, watching with amusement.
"Only three?"
Charlotte looked offended.
"I'm being restrained."
Eleanor laughed.
Charlotte pulled out the first dress.
Elegant.
The second was more daring.
The third was simple but breathtaking.
Eleanor looked at it.
"I like this one."
Charlotte smiled.
"I knew you would."
Genevieve nodded.
"It suits you."
Charlotte looked at Eleanor.
"Raven is going to forget how to speak."
Eleanor's cheeks warmed.
"Stop."
"I'm serious."
Genevieve smiled.
"Just relax and enjoy yourself."
Eleanor looked at her.
"You make it sound easy."
"It is."
Genevieve glanced at her engagement ring.
"When you know someone makes you happy, you don't have to overthink everything."
Charlotte rolled her eyes.
"Listen to Miss Perfect Relationship."
Genevieve laughed.
"Lauren and I are happy."
"And disgustingly in love."
"Yes."
Charlotte smiled.
"Fine. I'll admit it. You two are cute."
Eleanor smiled.
She looked at the dress again.
Maybe Genevieve was right.
Maybe she should stop overthinking everything.
---
Across the city, Raven stood inside her bedroom.
Jane was holding a tablet.
"The schedule for Saturday has been cleared."
Raven nodded.
"Good."
Andrea sat on the sofa.
"So this is really happening?"
Raven looked at her.
"What?"
"You're taking Eleanor out."
"It's lunch."
Andrea laughed.
"It's seven in the evening."
Raven remained silent.
Jane tried not to smile.
Andrea continued.
"You've rejected three invitations this month, cancelled two business dinners, and suddenly you're clearing your entire evening for one person."
Raven picked up her jacket.
"Is there a point?"
Andrea grinned.
"You like her."
Raven stopped.
"I didn't say that."
"You didn't have to."
Jane looked down at her tablet, hiding a smile.
Raven gave both women a warning look.
"Are you finished?"
Andrea raised her hands.
"For now."
Raven walked toward the door.
Then stopped.
"Jane."
"Yes?"
"Make sure nobody follows us Saturday."
Andrea laughed.
"Definitely a date."
Raven turned around.
"Andrea."
"I'm quiet."
---
Saturday finally arrived.
Eleanor stood in front of her mirror.
The dress Charlotte had chosen fit perfectly.
She touched her hair nervously.
Her phone vibrated.
Raven: I'm outside.
Eleanor's heart skipped.
She picked up her handbag.
Before leaving, she looked at herself one last time.
Then smiled.
---
Outside the building, Raven stood beside her car.
Black suit.
Black mask.
Black gloves.
Completely composed.
Until Eleanor stepped outside.
Raven froze.
For several seconds, she simply stared.
Eleanor smiled.
"Is everything okay?"
Raven finally spoke.
"You look beautiful."
Eleanor's cheeks warmed.
"Thank you."
Raven opened the car door.
"Ready?"
Eleanor nodded.
"Where are we going?"
Raven smiled beneath her mask.
"You'll find out."
Eleanor laughed.
"You really enjoy keeping secrets."
"Only when they're worth keeping."
The car pulled away into the Chicago night.
Neither woman knew exactly where the evening would take them.
But one thing was certain.
This wasn't going to feel like a business meeting.
It was going to be their first real date.
To be continued…