VALERIE STOOD IN FRONT OF HER MIRROR, smoothing the fabric of her dress for the third time. her heart raced, not just from anticipation but also from the lingering nerves that always came with plans like this. she hadn't called it a date again, and neither had billie, but the energy between them had shifted since the party.
when billie's car pulled up outside her place, valerie took a deep breath before heading out. billie greeted her with an easy smile, leaning against the door of her car.
"hey, vei," billie said, eyes scanning her with an appreciative, lingering look. "you clean up way too good. i'm gonna have to step up my game next time."
valerie smirked, trying to ignore the heat rushing to her cheeks. "you're not looking too bad yourself, b."
billie opened the passenger door for her. "come on, let's go. i made a reservation at this quiet little spot by the beach. thought it'd be nice."
the drive was filled with soft music and their usual banter, though the air between them felt heavier, charged with unspoken words.
the restaurant billie had chosen was intimate and cozy, with large windows overlooking the ocean. they were seated at a table tucked into the corner, giving them some privacy. valerie scanned the menu, her stomach twisting-not with hunger, but anxiety.
she knew this feeling all too well. eating in front of people, even people she trusted, was a hurdle she still struggled to clear.
"what are you thinking of getting?" billie asked, her gaze flicking up from her menu to meet valerie's.
"uh, maybe just... a salad," valerie replied lightly, brushing her hair behind her ear.
billie set her menu down and leaned forward slightly. "you've been on this salad kick for a while. don't tell me that's all you've been eating."
valerie forced a laugh, avoiding billie's eyes. "just trying to stay healthy."
billie tilted her head, her expression softening. "vei... you know you don't have to do that around me, right?"
valerie's throat tightened. she looked down at her hands, playing with her rings. "it's not about you."
billie nodded, her voice low and careful. "i get it. i do. but you're already... i mean, you're stunning, you know that, right?"
valerie blinked, surprised by the quiet intensity in billie's tone. "you're just saying that."
"no, i'm not." billie's eyes didn't waver. "you don't see yourself the way i see you."
the waiter arrived, breaking the moment. valerie ended up ordering a small plate of pasta, mostly to appease billie's concerned gaze.
after their plates were cleared, billie insisted on taking valerie for a walk along the beach. the sun had just set, the sky painted in deep purples and oranges.
valerie kicked off her heels and carried them in one hand as they walked side by side. billie had her hands in her pockets, her steps slow and deliberate to match valerie's.
"this was nice," valerie said, her voice softer now.
"just nice?" billie teased, bumping her shoulder lightly against valerie's.
valerie laughed, shaking her head. "fine. it was great. happy?"
"getting there," billie said with a sly smile, though her tone shifted as she added, "i mean it, though. i like spending time with you."
valerie glanced at her, the sincerity in billie's expression making her heart skip a beat. "me too."
they stopped walking, the waves crashing softly in the background. billie turned to face her, her hands slipping out of her pockets. "vei..."
valerie swallowed hard, the way billie was looking at her making her knees feel weak. "yeah?"
billie's voice dropped, her words quiet but deliberate. "you're incredible, you know that? like, you have no idea."
valerie's breath hitched, her cheeks heating. "you've got a way with words, b."
"it's just the truth," billie said, stepping closer. "can i-"
valerie didn't let her finish. instead, she closed the space between them, pulling billie down into a kiss. this one was different from the party-not rushed or uncertain, but deliberate and full of the tension that had been building for days.
when they finally pulled back, valerie's forehead rested against billie's, both of them catching their breath.
"so," valerie said, her voice light but shaky, "was this still just hanging out?"
billie chuckled, her thumb brushing lightly against valerie's cheek. "not even close."
they stayed like that for a moment, the cool ocean breeze swirling around them, both of them finally letting themselves admit what had been obvious for a while now.
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valerie.wilson first date got me feeling like
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