Chapter 81 In the Club, We're All Friends
Elena’s POV
Julian’s message came in while I was folding baby clothes on the couch, one sock missing its pair like always. I stared at my phone when it buzzed, already guessing who it was before I picked it up.
Julian: Random question. Would you be open to letting my niece and your baby have a play date?
I snorted before I could stop myself.
I typed back immediately.
Me: A play date? Julian, they’re basically potatoes.
The reply came fast, like he’d been waiting.
Julian: Wow. That’s harsh. Very judgmental of you.
I smiled despite myself, leaning back against the cushion.
Me: Be serious. Is this just another excuse to see me?
There was a pause this time. Long enough to make me lift a brow.
Then—
Julian: Okay, okay. You caught me.
I felt a small, stupid flutter in my chest.
Julian: I just need to see you. I miss you already.
I blinked at the screen.
Miss me?
Me: It’s been four days.
Julian: Feels like four years.
I shook my head, laughing softly.
Me: You’re being dramatic.
Julian: I know. I don’t even care.
I hesitated, then typed.
Me: I can’t today. I’m busy.
Almost instantly—
Julian: Doing what?
Me: The only free time I have is when I need to go grocery shopping.
I expected him to back off.
Instead—
Julian: Perfect.
I frowned.
Me: How is grocery shopping perfect?
Julian: I’ll come with you. I can even hold the baby while you shop.
I laughed out loud this time, actually laughed, the sound surprising even me.
Me: Absolutely not. You don’t have to do that.
Julian: I don’t mind.
Me: My sister has her anyway. She’s taking care of her today.
Another pause.
Then—
Julian: Okay.
Just that.
Okay.
No push. No guilt.
It made me exhale without realizing I’d been holding my breath.
Me: It’s not convenient today.
Julian: I understand.
That should’ve been the end of it.
But something tugged at me. A restlessness. A reminder that I’d been living on autopilot for too long.
I typed again.
Me: But… I’m free tomorrow night.
The typing bubble appeared immediately.
Julian: Tomorrow night?
Me: Yeah. I want to go out.
Julian: Out how?
I smiled.
Me: Like… club or something.
There was a delay.
Then—
Julian: A club???
I laughed.
Me: What?
Julian: You don’t strike me as the club type.
Me: I wasn’t a mom once, you know.
Julian: Hard to imagine.
Me: Rude.
Julian: I mean it in a good way.
I rolled my eyes even though he couldn’t see it.
Me: It’s been a long time. I want to dance. I want loud music. I want one night where I’m not thinking about diapers and schedules.
Julian: So… a break from mom mode.
I paused, then typed.
Me: Exactly.
Julian: Then we’re going.
The next evening came faster than I expected.
By the time Julian pulled up outside my place, my nerves were buzzing under my skin. I’d changed outfits twice, finally settling on something simple but confident. When I stepped outside and saw him leaning against his car, I felt something twist pleasantly in my chest.
He smiled when he saw me.
“Wow,” he said. “You look… wow.”
I laughed, brushing it off. “You clean up pretty well yourself.”
He opened the car door for me, and as we drove, the conversation flowed easily—nothing heavy, nothing forced. Just laughter and music and stolen glances.
When we pulled up to the club, bass thudding through the pavement, I hesitated.
Julian noticed immediately.
“You okay?” he asked.
“I think so,” I said, taking a breath. “Just… haven’t done this in a while.”
He smiled gently. “We can leave anytime.”
I nodded. Then straightened my shoulders.
“No. Let’s go in.”
The doors opened, music spilling out around us, lights flashing, bodies moving. I felt the energy hit me all at once.
Julian leaned close so I could hear him. “Still good?”
I smiled up at him.
“Yeah,” I said. “I think I am.”
And with that, we stepped inside.