Aidan sat at his sleek desk, the soft glow of his laptop screen casting warm light across the room. His fingers paused as he reread the latest email from Rob, details about an upcoming dinner with a fan who had won a competition hosted by BKS just weeks ago. At first, the idea had made him hesitant. Meeting a stranger from his professional life in person felt like stepping into uncharted territory, but after talking it over with trusted friends, his apprehension softened.

This wasn’t just about publicity or appearances. It was an opportunity to connect directly with someone whose life his work had touched, to hear firsthand how his voice and stories offered comfort, escape, and empowerment to women across the globe. The thought grounded him in a way few things had recently.

Aidan glanced at the neatly signed non-disclosure agreement she’d submitted, a reassurance that his privacy would remain intact.

With a steady breath, he clicked the calendar invite open and marked the dinner date. Two days from now, he would sit across from a fan, bridging the gap between voice and person, performer and listener.

He smiled faintly, a ripple of anticipation threading through his usually calm demeanor. Sometimes, the best parts of his life were the ones he hadn’t planned for.

Two days later.

The evening air was cool but inviting as Aidan stepped out of his apartment building, the city lights casting a soft glow over the streets. He’d chosen a sleek but understated navy blazer over a crisp white shirt, sharp enough to impress but relaxed enough to feel like himself. His phone buzzed gently in his pocket, a quick message from Rob wishing him luck.

The restaurant was tucked away on a quiet side street, a cozy, dimly lit place with velvet drapes and flickering candles on every table. The kind of spot where conversations could drift easily between laughter and quiet moments.

Aidan arrived a few minutes early, scanning the room with a practiced ease. When she walked in, his breath caught, not from nerves, but from the simple, genuine warmth she radiated. She was casual yet elegant, her eyes bright with curiosity and a shy excitement. None of that conveyed in the photo she sent with her submission but in person she was radiant.

He stood as the waiter led her over to his table and he extended his hand to greet her before pulling out her chair. "Please, sit." When she was seated he joined her at the table, his smile more relaxed now that she was actually in front of him. "I'm Aidan, it's a pleasure to finally meet you."