Today Was A Fairytale.
"Time slows down, whenever you're around. But can you feel this magic in the air?"
After a long couple of days, Saturday finally rolled around. Excitement, nerves, and about a dozen other emotions were bubbling inside me as it all started sinking in...I had a date. To make sure I didn't completely panic, I'd invited Mallory over to help me with my makeup and finishing touches. It felt a little silly, like I was getting ready for prom or something, but I couldn't deny how grateful I was. Mallory was definitely the more fashionable one between us, and I needed her expertise.
She showed up hours early, giving us plenty of time to prepare.
"Good morning, sunshine! Who's ready for their date?!" she sang out as she walked through the door.
"ME!" I replied, my grin stretching ear to ear.
Mallory stepped inside carrying a box wrapped in glittery pink paper.
"This is for you! It's an early birthday gift!" she announced, thrusting it toward me.
"What is it?" I asked, eyeing the box as I gave it a playful shake.
"Well, open it, silly girl!" she giggled, practically bouncing with anticipation.
I tore into the wrapping, only to find layer after layer of tissue paper. Piece by piece, I dug through until I finally reached a blush pink two-piece bathing suit. The top had a classic triangle shape, but instead of ties, it was a pull-on style with a cute little frill at the bottom. The matching bottoms were simple but adorable.
"Oh my gosh, these are so cute! Thank you, Mals!" I exclaimed, pulling her into a tight hug.
"There's more! Keep going!" she laughed, clearly enjoying my reaction.
I reached back into the box and uncovered another bikini, this one all black with noticeably skimpier bottoms. Beneath that, there were even more bathing suits about six in total. Two one-pieces and four two-pieces, some of which were decidedly on the risqué side.
"Mallory! This is way too much! Oh my gosh… and they're, um, a little slutty," I said, laughing as I held up one of the skimpier sets.
"It's not too much! In fact, it's not enough!" she declared dramatically. "I was going to get you another set, but I figured six will do for now. And I couldn't wait to give them to you because you're gonna need to pack them. You need to show off what you've got! I just knew you were going to bring that ugly tankini set with the shorts, so I had to step in and save you."
I laughed, rolling my eyes. "I love them. Seriously, thank you."
Mallory smiled triumphantly as she set down the other bags she'd brought. "Okay, now that your swimwear situation is sorted, let's move on to makeup!"
I set the box of swimsuits near my closet and grabbed my makeup bag.
"Okay, let's begin!" she said, clapping her hands together like an artist ready to create her masterpiece.
At my request, Mallory gave me a light makeup look, but we compromised on a red lip to compliment my emerald green dress. She curled my hair into loose waves and sprayed my entire body with some kind of shimmery mist. By the time she finished, I looked and felt like a whole new person.
I changed into my dress, and Mallory helped me buckle the straps on my black heels. My look was almost complete when she suddenly exclaimed, "Wait, I have one more gift!"
She handed me a sleek black box, and my breath caught when I saw the name on the lid: Cartier. My heart stopped. Mallory had always gone above and beyond with her gifts, but this… this was something else entirely.
"Mals, if this is what I think it is…" My voice faltered as I opened the box, revealing the necklace inside. Tears welled in my eyes.
"No crying! You'll ruin your makeup!" she squealed, even though her own eyes were glistening.
The necklace was stunning; a gold chain with a small pendant holding a single diamond. My dad had given my mom a necklace just like this when I was a kid. I'd loved it so much, begging her to let me borrow it, but she always refused, knowing I'd lose it. She'd promised I could wear it when I was older, but it broke years ago, and we never found the center diamond.
"Mals, this must have cost a fortune. I can't accept this," I said, staring at the necklace in awe.
"There's no givesies backsies!" she laughed. "You have to keep it. Besides, I don't need two of them."
My head shot up, and I noticed she was wearing the same necklace around her neck.
"Wait… are these—"
"Yup! Our new friendship necklaces!" she giggled.
"Oh my gosh, Mals. My heart is pounding so hard right now," I said, placing a hand on my chest. Each beat felt like a drum in my ribcage.
"And if you lift the little piece in the box, there are matching earrings!" she added, covering her mouth as she giggled again.
"What?! Are you kidding me?" I exclaimed, lifting the insert to reveal the earrings nestled perfectly underneath.
I couldn't believe it. As I looked at the necklace and earrings, it felt like I had a piece of my dad with me again.
"Mals, I'm at a loss for words. This is way too much."
A tear slipped down my cheek, and we both immediately started fake-panicking. She tapped my face lightly to fix my makeup, and I pulled her into a tight hug. I didn't want to let her go.
"I'll never be able to repay you for this," I whispered.
"You've already repaid me," she said softly. "If anything, I owe you. My life wouldn't be what it is without you. And anyway, gifts don't need to be repaid."
She clasped the necklace around my neck and helped me put on the earrings. I turned to the mirror and took in the moment. My best friend standing beside me, our matching necklaces glistening under the light.
Mallory grabbed her purse and hugged me one last time. "I've gotta head out. Call me if it goes south, okay? I'll come rescue you."
"Thank you, Mals. For everything," I said, my voice thick with emotion.
As soon as she left, my mom walked into the room. "You look snazzy. So, where's he taking you?"
"I'm still not sure," I admitted, "but I'll text you when I find out. Look what Mals gave me for my birthday!" I showed her the necklace and earrings but conveniently left out the bathing suits.
"Oh, wow. Just like the one your father gave me," she said, examining the necklace closely. "What a thoughtful gift. Well, Maria will be here soon. I'll be downstairs waiting for you."
"Do you want to meet Erik?" I asked.
"I'd rather not. I'm not feeling great today, but I trust your judgment. Just make sure he doesn't let me down," she murmured as she left the room.
Almost on cue, Erik texted me.
Erik: "I'm just around the corner."
August: "I'll meet you outside shortly. Moms not feeling too good."
Erik: "Okay, I'm here now, take your time."
Since my mom refused to meet Erik, I decided to meet him outside. As I walked out, I spotted him leaning casually against his car, holding a bouquet of white ranunculus, my favorite. I couldn't believe he remembered something I'd mentioned offhand months ago.
"August, you look beautiful," he said, his eyes scanning me from head to toe. His gaze made me feel shy, but his sincerity warmed me.
"You look handsome as well," I replied, smiling. And he really did. Dressed in fitted black slacks, polished black dress shoes, and a black long-sleeve button-up, Erik looked effortlessly sharp. True to form, he stayed loyal to his all-black aesthetic, and somehow, it worked perfectly for him.
"Wait a minute—this isn't your car," I said, pointing to the sleek vehicle he was leaning on.
"It is my car. Well, my other car," he clarified with a smirk.
"Oh, so this is the car you use to take girls on dates to impress them?" I teased playfully.
"Nah, most girls get the Mustang treatment. But you?" He leaned in slightly, his voice low and teasing. "You deserve the Maserati."
I rolled my eyes and gave him a playful shove. "Oh, whatever!"
He chuckled, opening the passenger door for me. "Honestly, my Mustang's in the shop, so I'm stuck using this one for now. It was a gift from my parents when I got my first big promotion. A little too flashy for my taste, but it's better than calling for black car service," he explained, smiling.
"These are for you," he said, handing me the bouquet.
"Thank you. They're beautiful," I said softly, taking the flowers as I slid into the car. He shut the door behind me, and as I took in the sleek black interior, I couldn't help but laugh to myself. Everything, his outfit, his car, even the custom upholstery, was black. It was as if the color defined him.
Once he got into the driver's seat and buckled up, I turned to him. "I have two questions for you."
"Alright, ask away," he said, amused.
"First question: Is black your favorite color?" I asked, half-joking but also a little curious.
He stared at me for a moment before laughing. "How did you know? Was it my outfit? Or the black-on-black-on-black theme of my car?"
"Yes," I said with a knowing nod.
"My parents even had the interior customized because they knew my cold black heart wouldn't have liked the tan leather it normally comes with," he said dramatically, clutching his chest with a grin.
I laughed and shook my head. "Alright, second question: How on earth did you manage to get white ranunculus in the middle of summer? They're out of season and nearly impossible to find!"
"Nearly impossible," he corrected, a hint of smugness in his tone. "But not impossible."
I blushed, glancing at the flowers again. "They're beautiful. Thank you."
Just then, a car pulled into the driveway, catching both our attention. I watched as Maria stepped out and waved at us.
"Is that your mom?" he asked.
"No, that's Maria, my mom's nurse. She's here in case my mom needs anything while I'm out," I explained.
He nodded slowly, his gaze lingering for a moment before he turned back to me. "Alright, let's get going."
"So, where are we going? You've been so secretive," I pressed.
"You'll find out soon enough," he said, grinning as he pulled out of the street.
We chatted the entire drive, and while he dropped hints about our destination, none of them gave anything away. After about 40 minutes, we finally arrived at the Aquarium of Washington. I stared at the building, puzzled.
"The aquarium?" I asked, turning to him with a mix of confusion and intrigue.
"Just trust me," he said with a mysterious smile, stepping out to open my door.
As I got out, I couldn't help but wonder if the aquarium was even open this late or why he'd chosen a place like this for a semi-formal date.
As we were walking into the entrance I quickly texted Mals.
Auggie: "Dude, we're at an aquarium. Like, seriously."
Mals: "No freaking way! You're joking, right?"
Auggie: "Hand-on-the-Bible serious."
Mals: "I'm one call away if you need rescuing!"
Auggie: "Stay on standby because why am I dressed this formally... for fish?"
We entered the aquarium and were greeted by a cheerful teenager at the front desk. "For Montenegro?" she asked. Erik gave a subtle nod. She led us through a side door, her energy bright against the calm ambiance. "Enjoy your evening," she said with a smile before leaving us in the softly lit corridor.
The faint hum of the water tanks filled the air, accompanied by the occasional sound of bubbles rising. My nerves twisted in my stomach as I took it all in. Erik's calm, enigmatic presence always made me wonder what was going on in his mind. As he stepped closer, he looked effortlessly put together, his crisp black shirt perfectly fitted, his eyes steady yet warm.
"This place is so empty," I whispered as I looked around me.
"Uhm i rented out the aquarium just for us." his smile tight but his eyes soft, intently staring at me, almost as if he's trying to gauge my reaction.
"You really didn't have to rent out the whole place," I teased, offering him a smile. "Feels like I'm in some kind of rom-com."
His lips curved into the faintest smirk. "Maybe that's what I was going for. Besides, this way, it's just us. No distractions." His eyes focused on me, unwavering.
"Well, you've definitely set the bar high." I shook my head as I quietly laughed.
We officially began our walk through the aquarium, the soft glow of the tanks reflecting in our eyes. Erik gestured toward a school of bright yellow fish darting around a coral reef exhibit, his voice low but tinged with genuine interest as he explained something about their habitat. And just like that I'm captivated by both his knowledge and the quiet enthusiasm he clearly tried to downplay, I'm in awe, not just from the striking fish surrounding us but from yet another thing I'm learning about him.
"How do you know so much about all of this?" I asked with genuine curiosity.
He paused for a second, almost as if he was contemplating on what to say.
"I like places like this. It's… grounding. There's something about watching them move, like they're part of something bigger, without even realizing it."
My gaze lingered on him for a second, "I didn't expect you to be so—" I hesitated, searching for the right word.
"Sentimental?" he supplied, one eyebrow quirking up.
"I was going to say thoughtful, but sentimental works too." I laughed softly. We reached the shark tunnel, where sleek bodies glided silently overhead, their movements predatory and graceful. My head tilted back, marveling at the way the light shifted on their skin.
"This is incredible," I whispered. "Do you think they're aware of us?"
"Probably not," he replied, his hands in his pockets. "They're just existing, doing what they've always done. No stress, no overthinking." He glanced at me and continued. "Kind of enviable, don't you think?"
"Maybe," I said softly, turning to face him. "But I wouldn't trade this moment for anything. I like being here, feeling everything. with… you." The words slipped out before I could stop them, I felt my cheeks flush as he stood there gazing at me. I wondered if he could hear my heartbeat in the quiet. But instead of responding, he just smiled small.
Several exhibits later, the steady calmness of the water, the subtle gazes we shared and the tour had finally ended. We stood at the largest tank, a wall of shimmering blue where a sea turtle drifted lazily among schools of colorful fish. I thought we were done until he gestured toward a door I hadn't noticed before.
"Wait," he said. "There's one more thing."
He pushed the door open, revealing a small, private dining area surrounded by floor-to-ceiling glass. The tank continued here, wrapping around them in a seamless view of marine life. Fairy lights spread throughout, a single table sat in the center, draped in white linen and set with candles that flickered softly in the twinkling light.
I gasped, frozen in place. It felt like it wasn't real, like if I was in a movie. I couldn't believe the lengths he took to make this happen.
"You're kidding."
He stepped aside, letting me take it in. "Too much?"
"Are you kidding?" I said, laughing as I turned to him. "This is… perfect."
He led me to the table, pulling out my chair with effortless charm. The glow of the candles mingled with the shifting blues of the tank, creating a dreamlike atmosphere.
As we sat down, I couldn't help but ask, "How did you pull this off?"
"I used to work here as a teen. My dad's idea to teach me responsibility. I've kept in touch with the owner ever since. Plus, Marino & Co. donates a lot of money to them for conservation, and well… for once, I thought my conscience would let me use my connections." He beamed, clearly pleased with himself.
"This is insane. I feel like I can't even grasp it," I said, looking around at the grandeur of the empty aquarium.
A man in a suit approached and set two wine glasses in front of us. I hesitated. "Oh, I don't drink…"
The waiter smiled knowingly. "It's sparkling cider," he assured me with a wink before stepping away.
Erik smirked as he lifted his glass. "Figured I'd play it safe. Didn't want to get you drunk and then have you tell everyone I'm actually insufferable."
I laughed as I picked up my own glass. "Too late for that. The jury's still out."
We clinked glasses, and for the first time, I let myself relax. The space between us felt effortless, natural in a way that surprised me.
Over dinner, the conversation meandered like we had all the time in the world. I learned that Erik had been to nearly thirty countries but still swore by a tiny café in Paris that had, in his words, "life-changing croissants."
"I'm serious," he insisted, leaning forward slightly. "One bite and suddenly, all your problems melt away. I think about them at least once a week."
I raised a brow. "So, you're telling me that in all of your world travels, a pastry was your greatest discovery?"
"Don't mock it until you've tried it. Besides, what's your greatest discovery, then?"
I thought about it for a second before answering. "How resilient I am."
His expression shifted slightly, curiosity flickering behind his eyes. "That's not what I expected you to say."
"Well, I haven't traveled the world like you, but I've had my fair share of storms to weather," I admitted, swirling my cider. "And every time, I somehow manage to come out on the other side."
Erik studied me, and for the first time tonight, I felt truly seen. "I like that," he said after a beat. "That you know that about yourself."
Something about the way he said it made warmth bloom in my chest.
We shifted gears, trading the worst food experiences, his being a fermented shark dish in Iceland and mine being a disastrous attempt at making homemade sushi.
"Wait, you cut your hand trying to roll sushi?" Erik asked, trying to suppress a laugh.
"Yes! The seaweed wouldn't cooperate, and I thought maybe a little extra force would help."
He shook his head. "Remind me never to let you near a chef's knife."
"Oh, please. I'm perfectly capable in the kitchen," I defended, pointing my fork at him. "I make a mean grilled cheese."
"Ah, a true culinary masterpiece," he teased, eyes twinkling.
By the time dessert arrived, I found myself quietly watching him through the flickering candlelight, surprised at how easy it felt to be here with him.
"You've officially ruined first dates for me," I admitted, breaking the comfortable silence. "Nothing else will ever compare to this."
"That was the idea," he replied, smirking.
"Well, mission accomplished."
His smirk softened into something more genuine. "I'd move mountains just to see you smile like that again," he said softly, his voice sending a shiver down my spine.
I swallowed, suddenly feeling the weight of his words. Erik wasn't just being charming, he meant it.
As the warmth of his words settled between us, I found myself momentarily lost in the sincerity of it. But before I could dwell too long, Erik leaned back in his chair, tilting his head slightly as if considering something.
"Alright, I have to ask," he said, smirking. "What's the worst date you've ever been on?"
I let out a short laugh. "Oh, that's easy. This guy took me to a seafood restaurant, right? But turns out, he was terrified of shellfish. Like, full-on panic attack when the waiter brought out someone else's crab legs."
Erik snorted. "You're kidding."
"I wish. The poor guy spent half the date staring at his plate, visibly sweating. Then, when I ordered shrimp, he excused himself to the bathroom and never came back."
Erik stared at me for a second before bursting into laughter. "He ghosted you mid-date because of shrimp?"
"Yup. And I had to pay for both of our meals, too." I shook my head at the memory. "So, yeah, that one definitely takes the crown."
He grinned, resting his elbow on the table. "Well, now I know what not to do. No seafood-induced trauma on my watch."
I smiled. "Glad to hear it. What about you? What's your worst date?"
He exhaled dramatically, shaking his head. "There was this girl in college. Super sweet, beautiful, the whole deal. I took her to this nice Italian place, thinking I was smooth. But the second we sat down, she hit me with, 'So, what are your thoughts on marriage? I have my wedding planned already.'"
I widened my eyes. "Oh, wow."
"Oh, it gets better," he continued, barely holding back a laugh. "She then pulled out a binder...not a Pinterest board, not notes on her phone, but a full-on, color-coded binder of wedding plans. Venues, flowers, dress ideas… she even had a shortlist of baby names."
I covered my mouth, stifling a laugh. "No. She did not."
"Oh, she did. And when I didn't react fast enough, she said, 'You seem hesitant. You don't want to marry me?' On our first date."
I couldn't help it. I burst out laughing. "Please tell me you ran."
"I was too polite! I sat through the whole dinner. Even walked her to her car. But then I blocked her number and reconsidered ever dating again."
We were both grinning now, the easy rhythm of conversation making it impossible not to enjoy ourselves.
"Well," Erik said, tapping his fingers against the table. "I don't have a wedding binder, so I think I'm already doing better than her."
I smirked. "The night's still young."
He let a smirk form around his lips before he leaned forward, his voice a little softer now, "I just wanted to make sure I don't end up in your worst date stories."
I tilted my head slightly, considering him. "You won't."
His eyes flickered with something unreadable, but instead of lingering in the moment, he smiled and lifted his glass. "Then here's to setting the bar impossibly high."
I clinked my glass against his, letting the playful energy settle into something quieter, something that made me wonder if maybe, just maybe, this wasn't just a perfect first date. Maybe it was the start of something worth remembering.
After dinner, we wandered through the aquarium once more, lingering by the glowing tanks of jellyfish, the hum of the water filling the comfortable silence between us. Neither of us seemed eager to leave, stretching out the night in small ways, one last look at the exhibits, one more joke, one more unspoken thought hovering between us. Eventually, Erik glanced at his watch and exhaled softly before turning to me with a smile.
"Ready to head out?"
I nodded, though part of me wanted to say no, not yet.
As we stepped outside, the cool night air settled over my skin, grounding me in the moment. Erik walked me to his car, his hand resting briefly against the small of my back before he pulled away, as if catching himself. I should've felt disappointed when the warmth disappeared, but instead, it sent a different kind of shiver through me.
The drive back was quiet, but not uncomfortably so. The night itself felt like an extension of the aquarium, soft, still, existing in its own little world. And when Erik pulled up to my house, I realized I wasn't quite ready for that world to fade yet.
He stepped out first, walking me to the door. My heart beat a little faster with each step. There was an unspoken weight between us, something both of us were aware of but neither willing to name. I could feel it in the way he looked at me, in the way his fingers brushed his palm like he was debating something.
We stopped at my door, and for a moment, we just stood there, the silence stretching between us.
"Thanks for tonight. I had a really great time."
"Me too, thank you for…everything. I'll never forget tonight " I said softly, a hint of nervousness creeping into my voice.
He smiled at me briefly, warm, genuine, but…was there something restrained in it?
"Goodnight, August," he said, taking a small step back, his eyes still on me.
"Goodnight," I replied, watching as he gave a slight nod before heading back to his car.
I lingered in the doorway for a moment, watching his taillights disappear down the street. My mind raced as I replayed every moment of the night. It had felt so easy, so right. But as I turned and shut the door behind me, a sliver of doubt crept in.
Why hadn't he kissed me?
Was I imagining the connection? Or had I misread the entire evening?
I leaned against the door, feeling a tightness in my chest. My thoughts began racing, slowly at first and then all at once. I shut my eyes tightly, not wanting to feel the tears form. I held my breath for a moment and the knot in my throat unraveled. Today was a fairytale, but what went wrong?