Saturday evenings always made Beth uneasy. It felt like they belonged to people with plans; the couples, the friend groups, the families in restaurants laughing too loudly.

And now, apparently, to her.

Beth stood in front of her mirror, staring at the open wardrobe like it was a math test she had not study for.

She muttered, What does one even wear to meet a stranger for dinner?

From the hallway came Lena’s voice: Something that says, I didn’t try too hard, but yes, I look this good naturally.

Beth groaned. You’re not helping.

I’m always helping, Lena said, appearing in the doorway with Trisha trailing behind her like a tiny stylist-in-training.

Trisha crossed her arms, analyzing the situation like a fashion critic. Okay, Auntie Beth, maybe the silvery black top with the leather pants. It’s casual, but also… I could be interesting.

Beth raised an eyebrow. Since when do I take advice from a teenager?

Since the teenager has better taste than you,” Lena said, grinning.

…Rude.but True.

Eventually, after much debate and mild chaos, Beth settled on a simple outfit; jeans, a soft black top, and a silver necklace she hadn’t worn in years. Lena clapped her hands like she had just solved world peace.

Perfect! You look amazing. Daniel’s going to be like, Wow, who is this mysterious person, who radiates calm, competence and beauty?

Beth laughed, shaking her head. You’ve clearly been watching too many romance dramas.

Trisha handed her a small bottle of perfume. Here. One spritz. Don’t overdo it.

Yes, ma’am, Beth said dryly, taking it.

As she picked up her bag, Lena gave her a dramatic thumbs-up.

You’ve got this. And if he turns out weird, text me the alien emoji. I’ll fake an emergency.

Why the alien?

Because it’s your safe word, Lena said with complete seriousness. You and your obsession with those things.

Hey, Beth replied, smiling faintly. Aliens are fascinating.

Just don’t bring them up on the first date, Lena warned.

Beth smirked. No promises.

---

The restaurant was cozy low lights, soft music, clinking glasses. Beth looked at her phone trying to figure out which of the men there was Daniel.

After a few seconds she spotted him. He was sitting at a corner table, glancing at the menu like it contained the secrets of the universe.

He looked up when she approached tall, neat, and slightly awkward, with kind eyes that didn’t quite know where to rest.

Hi, he said, standing quickly. Elizabeth, right?

Beth, she said, smiling. No one calls me Elizabeth.

Right. Beth,  He repeated the name, as if testing how it felt in his mouth. I’m Daniel.

They shook hands. His was warm, slightly nervous.

---

At first, conversation came in slow, cautious steps.

He asked about her job; she told him a funny story about a patient who insisted the hospital food was government mind control.

He laughed a genuine, quiet laugh that softened his features.

Then she asked about his work. He explained that he was a software developer but secretly loved conspiracy theories.

Beth raised an eyebrow. Conspiracy theories?

Not the scary kind, he said quickly. Just the fun ones like, you know, aliens.

Beth blinked. Wait. You believe in aliens?

He grinned. You don’t?

She leaned forward, amused. Are you serious right now?

Completely. There’s no way we’re the only ones in the universe.

Beth laughed, covering her mouth. Lena told me not to bring up aliens.

Daniel looked surprised. Why?

She said it makes me sound weird.

Well, he said, smiling, then we can be weird together.

And just like that  the tension melted.

---

By the middle of dinner, they were talking easily. About space documentaries, the possibility of other worlds, childhood dreams, and the strange ways people come into your life when you least expect it.

There were moments of quiet comfort between sentences  the kind that didn’t need filling.

When the waiter brought the bill, Beth reached for her wallet automatically.

I can get it, she said.

Daniel shook his head. No, let me. You can get dessert next time.

She smiled, half teasing. You’re assuming there’ll be a next time.

He chuckled softly. I’m hopeful.

---

Outside, the night air was cool, carrying the faint scent of rain. They walked out together, standing awkwardly near the sidewalk where their paths would split.

So, she said. Thanks for dinner.

Thanks for not making it awkward, he replied. 

I was nervous.

You hid it well.

Not really.

They laughed, and for a moment, neither wanted to move.

Well, she said finally, goodnight, Daniel.

Goodnight, Beth.

She turned and walked away, still smiling realizing she felt lighter than she had in a long time.

And as Daniel headed the opposite direction, he thought the same thing:

That date was actually… not bad.

Neither of them noticed until later they had forgotten to exchange numbers.