Serena, a 35-year-old marketing executive, felt her life had grown somewhat routine despite her successful career. This changed when James, a charismatic colleague from her office, started showing interest. He was always the one to lighten up long days with his humor, and when he asked Serena out to dinner, her heart leaped with excitement.
To prepare for the date, Serena spent a Saturday shopping for the perfect dress. She found a stunning off-shoulder black dress that accentuated her figure perfectly. Paired with a fresh haircut, she felt unstoppable. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d put so much effort into dressing up, and she was eager to see James’s reaction.
Arriving at the restaurant, she saw James waiting. His initial smile quickly turned into a frown as he scrutinized her from head to toe. His reaction was disheartening. “Wow, Serena, you really… dressed up,” he remarked, his tone loaded with surprise and a hint of disapproval.
“Yes, I thought it would be nice to look special for tonight,” she replied, trying to maintain a light mood despite the sinking feeling in her stomach.
James shifted awkwardly on his feet, “I, uh, didn’t expect you to go all out. It’s a bit… inappropriate for your age, don’t you think?”
Her excitement turned to shock. “Excuse me?” she responded, her voice tinged with disbelief.
“You usually wear those conservative office clothes. I just didn’t expect this,” he muttered, still not meeting her eyes.
Struggling to process his words, Serena challenged, “So, you’re saying I look too old to dress nice?”
James sighed, “I’m sorry, Serena. Maybe this was a bad idea. I can’t take you to the restaurant looking like this. People might think… it’s just not right.”
The sting of humiliation was sharp as Serena felt tears well up. “You’re kidding, right? Just because I dressed up, you’re canceling our date?”
Visibly embarrassed, James quickly offered a solution. “Let me call you an Uber. I’m really sorry, Serena.”
Standing numbly, Serena watched as he arranged for her ride. The Uber arrived swiftly, and James hurriedly ushered her into the car with a feeble promise to talk later.
Once inside the Uber, Serena couldn’t hold back her tears any longer. The driver, a kind man in his early 40s named Harvey, noticed her distress and gently asked what was wrong.
After hearing her story, Harvey suggested, “Instead of letting this ruin your night, how about we go to that restaurant anyway? My treat. You deserve to enjoy your evening.”
Surprised by his kindness, Serena hesitated but then agreed, touched by his thoughtfulness. They arrived at the restaurant, and to her astonishment, she spotted James at a table—with another woman.
Harvey, sensing her shock, whispered, “Ready to make an entrance?”
Summoning her courage, Serena approached the table. “Oh, James! Didn’t expect to see you here. Meet my date,” she introduced Harvey confidently.
James’s complexion turned ashen. “Uh, nice to meet you, Serena,” he stumbled, then introduced the woman as his wife, Karen.
Stunned, Serena barely processed Karen’s polite greeting. “Nice to meet you, Serena. James has mentioned you’re quite the asset at work.”
Quickly realizing the awkwardness of the situation, Harvey steered Serena away, suggesting they focus on their own dinner.
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