CHAPTER FIVE

Lisa's thoughts drifted to her parents, who had celebrated their 30th anniversary last year. Their love story was one of genuine connection, laughter, and devotion.

She remembered how her father would gaze at her mother, his eyes shining with adoration. How her mother's face would light up when her father walked into the room. The way they held hands, even after all these years.

Lisa's heart swelled with nostalgia. If her parents' love was real, why couldn't hers be?

She thought about the countless times her parents had overcome obstacles, supported each other, and grown together. Their love wasn't perfect, but it was real.

Lisa's resolve began to crumble. Maybe Rachel was wrong. Maybe true love did exist. But was it possible for her?

Lisa's thoughts turned to her own experiences – the disappointments, the heartbreaks. Could she risk opening herself up to that again?

As she pondered, Lisa realized. She didn't want to give up on love. Not yet. Not when her parents' love story was living proof that true connection was possible.

Lisa took a deep breath, her decision shifting. She wouldn't settle for casual hookups.

‘Max, I appreciate the offer, but I think I'll pass.’

‘You’re not interested?’ Max asked.

‘I’m just not looking for something casual.’ She replied.

Max's expression transformed from surprise to amusement, a low chuckle rumbling in his throat.

‘Something serious?’ Max asked, his voice laced with incredulity. ‘You're kidding, right?’

Lisa's eyes narrowed, sensing mockery.

‘No, I'm not,’ she replied, her tone firm.

Max's laughter grew louder, attracting nearby attention. ‘That's cute. You're looking for a fantasy, Lisa. Something that doesn't exist in our world.’ Max's laughter faded, replaced by a smirk. ‘Suit yourself, Lisa. But you're missing out on a lot of fun.’

With that, Max turned and disappeared into the crowd, leaving Lisa feeling frustrated and belittled.

Lisa slipped out of the club, the cool night air a welcome respite from the pulsating music. She pulled out her phone and texted Rachel. ‘Hey Rach, changed my mind. Not feeling the vibe tonight. Heading home.’

Lisa hesitated, unsure whether to reveal more. She didn't want to hurt Rachel's feelings or make her worry.

She decided to keep her encounter with Max private, for now.

The next morning,Rachel stormed into the apartment, her high heels dangling from her hand. The door slammed shut behind her, echoing through the silent space. She was fuming, her mind racing with thoughts of Lisa's sudden disappearance.

Lisa, sitting on the couch, looked up from her book, wary. ‘Rach, what's wrong?’ Lisa asked, already knowing.

Rachel's face twisted in frustration. ‘You. Last night. You just vanished,’ Rachel spat, her voice trembling.

Lisa set her book aside, cautious. ‘I texted you. I said I wasn't feeling it.’

Rachel's eyes flashed. ‘A text? That's all I get? 'Not feeling it'? You disappear without a word, leaving me to wonder if you’re okay. I thought we were having fun.’

Lisa stood, her hands spread. ‘I'm sorry, Rach. I didn't mean to worry you.’

‘Worry me?’ Rachel's laughter was laced with anger. ‘You think that's all I am? Worried? I'm pissed, Lis. You ruined my night.’

Lisa took a step forward. ‘I said I was sorry. What more do you want?’

Rachel's voice dropped to a growl. ‘I want you to explain why you always do this. Why you always run.’

Lisa's eyes met Rachel's, a spark of defensiveness igniting. ‘Maybe I didn't want to be there. Maybe I didn't want to play games.’

Rachel's expression turned incredulous. ‘Games? That's what you think I do? Games?’

The tension between them thickened, heavy with unspoken words. Rachel's understanding had worn off, replaced by frustration.

‘Lis, you're going to end up alone if you keep running away,’ Rachel snapped.

Lisa's voice remained calm, but her heart stung. ‘That's not fair, Rach. I'm just trying to figure out what I want.’

‘Figure out what you want?’ Rachel's tone turned biting. ‘You want to hide behind your 'real connection' fantasy. Newsflash, Lis, that doesn't exist.’

Lisa felt a surge of defensiveness. ‘It does exist, Rach. My parents have it.’

Rachel snorted. ‘Your parents? That was then, Lis. You're chasing a dream.’

Lisa's voice trembled. ‘Maybe I'd rather be alone than settle for someone who doesn't truly care.’

Rachel's words cut deep. ‘You're already alone, Lis. Because you're too scared to take a chance.’

The hurtful words hung in the air, damaging their usually supportive dynamic.

Lisa wondered if Rachel truly understood her. She sighed. ‘I just couldn't do it. The club scene, the guys...it's not for me.’

Rachel's tone softened, concern creeping in. ‘Lis, what happened last night?’ Her eyes sparkled with curiosity. ‘Spill it, Lis.’

Lisa settled into the couch, recounting her night. ‘Well…. Firstly, I met this guy, Jaime. We talked outside, and he was charming, seems genuine. But he had to leave suddenly for an emergency.’

Rachel's eyebrows rose. ‘Emergency? What kind?’

Lisa shrugged. ‘He didn't say.’

Rachel nodded. ‘And then? What really happened that made you leave?’

Lisa's expression turned sour. ‘I went back inside and met Max. Total disaster.’

Rachel's eyes widened. ‘What did he do?

Lisa's voice dropped. ‘He asked me to spend the night. Like I was some kind of...I don't know, conquest.’

Rachel's expression turned thoughtful. ‘So, you left the club because of Max?’

Lisa nodded. ‘Yes. He just...rubbed me the wrong way. And after talking to Jaime, Max's behavior stood out even more.’

Rachel's eyes sparkled with understanding. ‘You were drawn to Jaime's authenticity, and Max's fake charm repelled you.’

Lisa smiled. ‘Exactly. Jaime was easy to talk to, genuine. Max, on the other hand, felt like a game player.’

Rachel's gaze turned serious. ‘You have to be careful, Lis. Max is well-known at the club for always getting what he wants, no matter the cost.’

Lisa's eyes widened. ‘What do you mean?’

Rachel's voice dropped. ‘He's a total psycho. Controls and manipulates people to get his way.’ Her eyes flashed with regret. ‘If only you had stayed with me that night, I would have stopped you from talking to him. I would have protected you.’

Lisa's grip on Rachel's hand tightened. ‘You can't blame yourself, Rach. I made my own choices.’ Her eyes locked onto Rachel's. ‘Thanks for looking out for me.’

Rachel sighed. ‘Well, it’s a good thing he left you alone after turning him down. Guys like him don’t take rejection well.’

Lisa squeezed Rachel’s hands. ‘Thanks, Rach. Just knowing you’ve got me makes me feel better.’