Chapter 9: "Any Way You Want It"

Preparing for the Gala

The light in my apartment is soft, the last rays of the day filtering through the windows and casting long shadows across the room. I stand in front of my closet, staring at the row of suits hanging there, my mind not entirely on what I’m doing. I know this event tonight is important—the kind of high-stakes fundraiser that could make or break the community center project. Still, my thoughts keep drifting. To her.

Mia.

I pull a dark suit off the hanger, smoothing my hands over the fabric. The weight of the evening is settling in, but not just because of the project. There’s a part of me that hopes she’ll be there, that maybe tonight will give us the chance we’ve been dancing around for days now. The tension between us has been building, like the air before a storm, and I don’t know if I’m ready for what happens when it finally breaks.

I glance over at the dining table, where my latest designs are spread out. The community center plans, sketches filled with curves and open spaces. The lines flow in a way they didn’t before—less rigid, more alive. It feels like a reflection of something deeper, something shifting in me. I’m proud of the work, the way it’s come together, how it mirrors the changes I’ve been going through since… since everything.

I run a hand through my hair, checking my reflection in the mirror. The man staring back at me looks calm, collected. But underneath? There’s a knot of nerves twisting in my stomach, a mix of excitement and uncertainty. I haven’t felt like this in a long time. It’s not just about the project anymore.

It’s about her.

Mia has been on my mind constantly, and I can’t shake the feeling that she’s the key to something I’ve been missing. She’s opened something in me that I’d locked away after Jessica, and that scares me. But it also makes me feel more alive than I’ve felt in months. Maybe longer.

I straighten my tie, forcing a deep breath. I’ve been here before—big events, important people, high-pressure situations—but this feels different. This feels like more than just another evening of schmoozing and networking. This feels personal.

As I turn off the light and grab my keys, I take one last look at the designs on the table. The fluidity, the creativity—they’re a part of me now. I’ve grown. I’m ready for this.

And maybe, just maybe, tonight will bring more than just success for the project. Maybe tonight will bring the clarity I need when it comes to Mia.

Mia’s Pre-Gala Reflection

I stand in front of the mirror, adjusting a curl that refuses to sit right, my fingers trembling slightly as I brush it back into place. The soft scent of my favorite perfume lingers in the air, wrapping around me like a reminder to stay calm, to breathe. My gown—elegant but understated—is laid out on the bed behind me, shimmering slightly in the evening light.

I should feel more prepared for this, but I don’t.

My heart is racing, not just from the anticipation of the gala itself, but because of him. Lucas. I know he’ll be there tonight. The thought of seeing him, of feeling that same pull between us that I’ve been trying to deny, sends a rush of nervous energy through me.

I finish with my makeup, leaning in closer to make sure everything’s perfect. Not too much, not too little. Just enough to look like I belong at an event like this, though inside I feel anything but. I’ve been to plenty of these fundraisers before, but this one feels different. This one has Lucas attached to it, and I can’t help but feel like it’s more than just another night of small talk and charity speeches.

As I slip into the gown, I catch my reflection and pause. There’s a confidence in the way I look tonight, but underneath it, there’s that familiar vulnerability. The kind that comes with letting someone in. And I’ve been fighting it—fighting how I feel about Lucas ever since that evening we spent together. There’s something about him, something that makes me want to trust him, even though my instincts are telling me to stay guarded.

I smooth the fabric over my hips, turning to grab my shoes. I’ve been down this road before. The excitement, the connection, only for it to end with heartbreak. I promised myself I wouldn’t let it happen again, but Lucas… he’s different. There’s a depth to him, something real and unpolished that draws me in despite everything. And yet, I can’t help but wonder—am I ready to risk it?

I reach for my clutch, glancing around my apartment one last time. It’s warm, familiar, and for a second, I think about staying here, wrapped in the safety of these walls. But I know I can’t. Not tonight.

This isn’t just about the gala. It’s about what’s happening between Lucas and me. And as much as I’ve tried to push it away, I can’t deny the way he makes me feel. The way I want to support him tonight, to be there for him as much as I know he would be for me.

With one last look in the mirror, I take a deep breath and head for the door. My heels click against the hardwood floor, the sound echoing in the quiet space as I pull the door shut behind me.

I’m ready. Nervous, yes. But ready.

For whatever happens tonight.

The Gala Begins

The moment I step into the ballroom, I feel the weight of it—the grandeur, the expectation. Chandeliers hang from the vaulted ceiling, casting a soft, golden glow over the room. The tables are elegantly set, the floral arrangements perfectly positioned, and the guests... well, they look like they belong here, every one of them dressed to impress. A string quartet plays somewhere in the background, adding to the air of sophistication.

I adjust my tie as I make my way through the crowd, offering polite smiles and handshakes. Investors, colleagues, people I need on my side if this project is going to happen. Their faces blur together, conversations about architecture and funding filling the air around me. But my mind isn’t fully here.

It’s on her.

I scan the room, wondering when—or if—she’ll show. The pressure of my presentation, the stakes of the evening, it’s all there, but there’s something else that’s nagging at me. Something that makes me more nervous than standing in front of a room full of potential investors.

And then I see her.

Mia.

She enters the ballroom like she’s always belonged here. Her gown catches the light, shimmering just enough to draw attention but not in a way that feels flashy. She’s elegant, understated, and for a moment, I forget where I am. I forget about the project, the investors, all of it.

Our eyes meet from across the room, and I can’t help but smile. She returns it, a soft smile that eases the tension in my chest just a little.

I weave through the crowd, reaching her side just as she steps further into the room. "You look stunning," I say, the words slipping out before I can stop them.

She laughs softly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "You clean up pretty well yourself."

There’s a moment of quiet between us, the kind where neither of us needs to say anything. The attraction, the connection—it’s all there, hanging between us like something palpable. But then, just as quickly, the weight of the evening creeps back in.

"You ready for your big presentation?" she asks, her tone light but her eyes full of warmth.

"Ready as I’ll ever be," I say, though the truth is, I’m still feeling the pressure. "It’s a big night."

"I’m sure you’ll be great." She says it so simply, like it’s a fact, and for some reason, that calms me more than anything else tonight.

We fall into easy conversation, talking about the project, about the people we’ve met so far, but underneath it all, there’s something else. The way she looks at me, the way our shoulders brush as we stand close—there’s a tension, an unspoken understanding that there’s more to this night than just a presentation. More to us.

"I’m glad you’re here," I admit quietly, catching her gaze. "It means a lot."

Mia looks up at me, her smile softening. "I wouldn’t miss it."

The words hang between us, heavy with meaning. And for the first time tonight, I feel like maybe, just maybe, there’s something bigger happening here than I realized.

But before I can say more, someone calls my name from across the room, and I know it’s time. Time to focus. Time to deliver.

I glance back at Mia, and she nods, understanding. "Go knock 'em dead."

With one last smile, I step away, feeling the weight of the evening shift back onto my shoulders. But now, it doesn’t feel quite as heavy. Not with her here.

Lucas’s Presentation

The ballroom quiets, and all eyes are on me. I stand at the podium, the stage lights hot and blinding, but I force myself to focus on the designs projected behind me. This is it. The moment I’ve been working toward for months. My heart pounds in my chest, but I steady my breath and begin.

“Good evening, everyone. Tonight, I’m proud to introduce a project that I believe will make a real difference in our community.”

The words come out smoothly, but the pressure is there, sitting on my shoulders. I can feel the weight of every gaze in the room—potential investors, colleagues, people who can make or break this project. My designs flash on the screen, and I glance back at them, my eyes tracing the lines of the community center. Open, inviting spaces, natural light filtering through glass walls—everything about it is different from the rigid designs I used to create. It’s as if, in the fluidity of these lines, I see a reflection of myself. The person I’m becoming.

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

I talk about the layout, the purpose, the vision for what this center will do for the city. Every word is measured, every point carefully thought out. But as I speak, I find myself catching glimpses of her. Mia. Sitting toward the front, watching me with those warm, encouraging eyes.

She’s why I’m here. I didn’t realize it before, but meeting her—feeling something real again—it’s changed everything. She doesn’t just support me; she believes in me. And that belief, it’s infused in every word I say.

As I walk the audience through the features of the design, I hear the murmurs of approval, see the nods from the people who matter. They get it. They see what I see. The community center isn’t just a building; it’s a symbol of what’s possible, of connection, of growth. My designs aren’t just about architecture anymore—they’re about something bigger. Something I’ve been afraid to admit until now.

I glance at Mia again, and there’s a moment, a pause, where our eyes meet. Her smile is soft, full of pride, and it grounds me in a way nothing else could. She sees me—sees all of it. And for the first time, I realize how much that matters to me.

The applause snaps me back to the moment. I finish with a confident smile, knowing I’ve done it. The weight that was crushing me a few minutes ago now feels lighter, like a burden I’ve been carrying alone but no longer need to.

“Thank you,” I say, stepping away from the podium to the sound of applause that fills the room.

As I make my way off the stage, I look for her. Mia. Her applause is softer, more personal, but her expression says everything. She’s proud of me. And that? That means more than anything else tonight.

I give her a small, meaningful smile from across the room, and she returns it, her eyes sparkling with something that feels like more than just admiration.

It feels like something I want to hold onto.

Lucas’s Design Issue Escalates

I step off the stage, the applause still ringing in my ears, but my mind is already shifting. The success of the presentation feels good—better than good—but there’s something nagging at me, something I can’t shake.

That damn design flaw.

I had noticed it before, a subtle miscalculation that didn’t seem too important at the time. But now, with the investors on board and the project moving forward, it’s looming larger in my mind, a shadow over the excitement of the evening. I slip away from the crowd for a moment, finding a quiet corner where I can pull out my phone and take a second look at the plans.

There it is. The flaw.

My heart sinks as I realize it’s more serious than I thought. The alignment between two key structural elements is off, and if I don’t correct it, it could affect the whole foundation. How did I miss this? How did I let this slide?

Frustration bubbles up inside me. I should be celebrating right now, basking in the success of the presentation, but instead, I’m here, staring at a flaw that could undo everything if I don’t fix it fast.

I run a hand through my hair, the noise of the event fading into the background as my mind races. I could dive into it now, figure out a solution, but no. I can’t. Not here. Not tonight. I need to be present, to finish what I started with these investors, and more than that, I need to keep my head clear.

But the pressure’s building. I can feel it—the weight of the deadline, the stakes rising with every passing day. This project isn’t just about the designs anymore. It’s about proving something, about pushing past the version of myself I used to be. The one who let mistakes like this unravel everything.

I glance around the ballroom, trying to re-center myself. I spot Mia across the room, deep in conversation with someone. Just seeing her, seeing the way she moves through this space so easily, so gracefully, helps me breathe. She doesn’t know it yet, but she’s the reason I’ve been able to come this far.

But even Mia can’t fix this.

I take one last look at the plans, feeling the tension coil tighter in my chest. This isn’t going away. And I’ll deal with it. After tonight, I’ll face it head-on. But right now, I have to get through this event, keep everything in place just a little longer.

I pocket my phone, forcing myself to step back into the crowd, but the flaw is still there, burning in the back of my mind.

And I know—this is just the beginning of a much bigger challenge.

The Secret Admirer Intensifies

The room is alive with laughter and conversation, the buzz of the fundraising event in full swing. I’ve been gliding between guests, smiling, making small talk, ensuring everything runs smoothly. But my thoughts keep drifting back to the last note I received. I can’t help it—this mystery is starting to get to me.

I take a moment to breathe, stepping aside to check on the seating arrangements when I notice something. On the edge of one of the elegantly set tables, there’s a small, delicately wrapped box. My name, scrawled in neat handwriting on a note card, sits on top. The handwriting is the same—distinct, careful, familiar.

Another gift.

My heart skips. I scan the room, wondering if the person is watching me, waiting to see my reaction. The thought sends a thrill through me, though I don’t let it show. I pick up the box, holding it in my palm for a second before I slip into a quieter corner to open it.

Inside is a small charm, something simple but meaningful—an exact replica of the one I wore as a teenager. How could anyone know that? The gesture is intimate, personal, far beyond the casual compliments in the previous notes. Whoever this person is, they know me. Really know me.

A shiver of excitement runs through me. I glance around again, but no one’s watching me. Or at least, not in a way that’s obvious. My curiosity spikes—who could this be? I think back to conversations, interactions... Could it be someone here tonight?

I slip the charm into my purse, my mind racing with possibilities. The mystery of this admirer is deepening, and I have to admit, it’s getting harder not to let my thoughts linger on who it might be. Someone who sees me in ways no one else does.

As I move back into the crowd, my smile feels different now—more knowing, more intrigued. The room is full of potential, full of faces, any one of which could belong to the person leaving these gifts.

And I’m going to figure out who it is.

Ollie’s Career Dilemma

The hum of the ballroom fades as we slip into a quieter corner, away from the glittering lights and the clink of champagne glasses. Ollie sits beside me, his usual smile a little dimmer, his shoulders tense. I can tell something’s been weighing on him, and tonight, he’s ready to talk.

"I just... I don’t know, Natalie." Ollie runs a hand through his hair, staring down at the floor as if the answer is hidden in the pattern of the carpet. "This promotion... it’s everything I’ve worked for. A bigger role, more responsibility. But it means moving, leaving behind everything I’ve built here."

I watch him, the vulnerability in his voice striking me. Ollie’s always been so confident, so sure of himself, but right now? He’s conflicted. Torn between ambition and comfort. I get it. It’s a big decision. I feel the weight of his words and lean in, speaking softly.

"Have you thought about what makes you happiest?" I ask. "I mean, not just in your career, but in life. What’s keeping you here? What’s pulling you toward the promotion? You have to figure out what you want most, not just what you think you should do."

Ollie sighs, his gaze lifting to meet mine. "It’s just... I love my job here. I love my friends. And..." He hesitates, then shrugs. "I guess there’s someone here I’m not sure I want to leave behind."

The way he says it, the way his eyes flicker toward mine for just a moment, makes my heart skip. Is he talking about me? The idea catches me off guard, but I push it aside, focusing on the moment. This is about him, about what he needs to figure out.

"Sometimes you have to take a leap," I say quietly. "Even if it feels scary, even if you’re not sure where you’ll land. It’s hard to walk away from something comfortable, but sometimes, that leap is what takes you where you need to go."

He listens, nodding slowly, and I can see him processing my words, weighing them against the fears swirling in his mind. We sit there, the conversation deepening the connection between us, though neither of us says it out loud. There’s something unspoken in the air, something between us that lingers just beneath the surface.

"Thanks, Nat," Ollie finally says, a small, genuine smile tugging at his lips. "You always know what to say."

I smile back, but inside, I wonder where this leaves us. What happens if he does take the leap, if he leaves? The thought stirs something in me, something I hadn’t fully acknowledged until now.

"Anytime, Ollie," I say, keeping my voice light, though there’s more to it than either of us is ready to admit.

Grace and Susan’s Observations

I stand beside Susan, watching the room ebb and flow with conversation and laughter. The ballroom is stunning, but my focus isn’t on the décor or the event. My eyes keep drifting toward Lucas. He’s standing off to the side, deep in conversation with that lovely young woman—Mia, I think her name is. There’s something in the way they look at each other. Something new, something hopeful.

"He looks... different tonight, doesn’t he?" I murmur, my voice just loud enough for Susan to hear. "There’s a light in his eyes that I haven’t seen in a while."

Susan nods, her gaze following mine. "That girl, Mia. She seems to bring out the best in him. It’s like he’s finally letting go of all that weight he’s been carrying since Jessica."

I smile softly, watching as Mia laughs at something Lucas says, her hand lightly brushing his arm. "She’s good for him," I say. "I’ve seen it in the way he talks about her. I think he’s scared to admit it, but she’s exactly what he needs right now."

Susan chuckles quietly, crossing her arms. "Well, it’s about time he let someone in. He’s been brooding for long enough."

I nod in agreement, feeling a warmth settle in my chest. "They’re just starting out, but I can feel it. There’s something real between them."

We watch them for a little longer, silently exchanging looks of approval. I know Lucas still has his battles to face—his work, his past—but it’s clear to me that Mia is a step in the right direction. She’s a light in the darkness he’s been walking through.

"We should help them," Susan says after a pause, her voice thoughtful. "Not push, but be there. Make sure they know they’ve got support."

"Agreed." I smile again, my heart feeling lighter than it has in a long time. "We’ll be there for him. For both of them."

We stand there, content in the quiet understanding that we’re witnessing something special. Lucas has always been strong, but it’s been a long time since I’ve seen him this... alive.

It feels good. It feels hopeful.

Lucas and Mia’s Moment of Connection

The city lights stretch out before us, a sea of twinkling stars against the velvet sky. The air is cool, a soft breeze brushing past as Mia and I step out onto the balcony, leaving the noise of the gala behind. The quiet out here feels like a breath of fresh air, a welcome retreat from the chaos inside.

For a moment, neither of us speaks. We just stand there, side by side, staring out at the skyline. The silence between us isn’t uncomfortable, though. It feels... right. Like we both needed this—needed space to breathe, to just be.

I glance at Mia. The glow from the city reflects in her eyes, making them shine. There’s a softness in her expression, something vulnerable that I haven’t seen before. I want to say something, to break the silence, but I’m afraid of ruining the moment. Instead, I reach out, my hand brushing against hers, and she doesn’t pull away.

"I needed this," I say quietly, more to myself than to her. "A break from everything."

Mia nods, her gaze still fixed on the city. "Me too." Her voice is soft, almost like she’s admitting something to herself. "It’s hard sometimes, finding quiet when everything else feels so loud."

I know exactly what she means. The weight of the project, the endless deadlines, the expectations—I’ve been carrying it all for so long, it’s like I’ve forgotten what it feels like to just... let go. But standing here with her, in this quiet moment, it feels like maybe, just maybe, I can.

She turns to face me, her eyes searching mine, and I can feel the tension between us, the unspoken pull that’s been there since the beginning. I don’t know how it happened or when, but it’s undeniable now. I’m drawn to her in a way that feels both exhilarating and terrifying.

I reach for her hand, this time holding it fully. The warmth of her skin against mine sends a shiver through me, and I step closer, close enough to feel her breath on my skin. The city fades away, the noise of the gala disappearing behind us. It’s just us now, standing here, caught in this moment.

I want to kiss her. It would be so easy to close the distance, to give in to everything I’ve been feeling since the moment I met her. But something holds me back. The project, the deadlines, the fear of repeating old mistakes—it all comes rushing back in, flooding my mind with doubt.

Mia must sense it, because she pulls back ever so slightly, her eyes searching mine for an answer I’m not sure I have. The disappointment is there, just beneath the surface, but she doesn’t push. Instead, she just squeezes my hand gently, like she understands.

"We’ll figure it out," she says, her voice soft, reassuring. "Whenever you’re ready."

I nod, grateful for her patience but hating myself for hesitating. I don’t know what’s holding me back, but the pull of the past, of everything I haven’t dealt with, is still there.

And yet, as I look at her, standing so close, I know I want this. I want her.

But tonight, it seems, isn’t the moment. Not yet.