Ugh! I can't believe I just did that. My face must've been, like, on fire. He looked so nervous and confused. I'm such an idiot. Of course, he was confused! Why would some rich guy ask an employee to hang out? Seriously, what was I thinking?

I looked into the mirror, adjusting the buttons in my shirt. I was going for that "effortlessly cool" look, but in reality, I was overthinking every small detail. Was I casual enough? Would Alan notice the cologne I carefully chose? So many questions were running through my mind.

"Eleanor?" I called out as I left my bedroom. My echo travelled down the hallway reminding me of the emptiness in this huge house. I wasn't a fan of it, but tonight, it would come in handy.

"Yes, Sir Elliot?" Eleanor appeared from around the corner, her hands neatly folded in front of her. A worker for my family, a rather old one at that.

"I'm planning a picnic in the garden tonight," I said, trying to sound like it wasn't a big deal. "Could you have the others prepare the lights and to prepare plenty of cushions? Oh, and maybe some music? You know, the usual."

"Of course," she replied with a polite nod, smiling as she began walking away.

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"Thanks, Eleanor." I gave her a small smile before heading downstairs. The house felt more alive was the workers began their tasks. It made me feel less alone.

In the garage, I chose a Cadillac. It was sleek, fast, and it was the right kind for this event. If I was going to make an entrance, I might as well go all in, even if I wasn't aiming for that. As I got in, the smell of leather and the loud engine calmed my nerves. This night was unlike any other- I had invited Alan, and I had to make sure everything went smoothly.

Throughout the drive, my mind kept drifting back to Alan. What was it about him that made me so… nervous. Perhaps the way he smiled, though maybe it was part of it. It was more about the way he made me feel alive, breaking my chains that held me to my house. Like I could be myself, without feeling the need to impress him or try to stand out. It was complicated, and I wasn't sure how to navigate it.

I drove towards Alan's house, the sun dipping below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the trees. The evening was settling in, and the city was coming to life with lights and laughter. I must stop overthinking this. It was just a causal night with "friends", nothing more. But deep down, I knew it was more than that. At least, I hoped it was.

His house appearing closer and closer as I kept driving. I parked in front of his house, looking up to seeing the lights in his window. He was probably getting ready, too. I took one last look in the rearview mirror, running my fingers through my blonde hair, and smiled. Whatever happens tonight, I wasn't ready for. Yet I had to be.