Evelyn organized her desk as the workday's final hours slipped away. The office was quiet; most of the staff had already left for the weekend. She should have been gone, but Derek's morning text about his date with Sandra had distracted her all day, resulting in a late finish. Even now, as she prepared to leave, she wondered how the date was going and if Derek would fall for Sandra's charms.

At six o'clock, her phone buzzed, pulling her from her reverie. Rayna's name flashed on the screen. With a resigned sigh, she answered.

"Hey, Ray," Evelyn greeted, forcing enthusiasm.

"Evelyn! Are you ready for tonight?" Rayna's voice crackled with excitement.

Evelyn hesitated. A night out felt more daunting than exciting. She wasn't in the mood for loud music, crowds, or the attention Rayna likely anticipated. But a promise was a promise. "Yeah, but I'm just leaving the office now," she said, forcing a smile.

"No worries. We don't have to arrive early! I was thinking we could get ready together at my place—just like old times," Rayna suggested.

Evelyn's eyes darted to the framed photo of Samantha on her desk. She didn't want Rayna asking questions she wasn't ready to answer. "How about we meet at your place instead? We can get ready there, and I can ride with you," she suggested.

"Cool! I'll text you my address. Come whenever you're ready," Rayna replied.

Evelyn breathed a sigh of relief. "Thanks, Ray. See you in about two hours."

After hanging up, Evelyn gathered her things and left. The streets bustled with people heading home or out, and Evelyn longed for a quiet evening at home with Samantha, watching cartoons. Unfortunately, tonight was about keeping a promise. Thankfully, Maya was taking Samantha to the amusement park; the child would likely be exhausted and easy to put to bed.

Upon arriving home, Evelyn freshened up, had dinner with Samantha, and prepared her for bed. As Evelyn read Samantha a bedtime story, the child's eyes grew heavy, and she snuggled close.

"Mommy, can we see Rek?" Samantha asked, making Evelyn smile.

"I thought you'd forgotten him," Evelyn said, amused.

"No! I miss him. I dreamt Rek was playing with me at the park," Samantha said. Evelyn patted her hair. "I don't think he's still at the hotel, but don't worry. If you're meant to see him, you will."

"Mommy, will we always be together?" Samantha asked sleepily.

Evelyn kissed her forehead. "Always, my darling. Always."

As Samantha drifted off, Evelyn watched her breathe softly. After ensuring she was asleep, Evelyn got dressed and left for Rayna's.

Arriving at Rayna's apartment, she took a deep breath before knocking, a sense of unease tugging at her as she adjusted her dress. Rayna opened the door, her face lighting up. "There you are! Come in!"

Evelyn entered, noting Rayna's stylish apartment. It was warm and welcoming, reflecting Rayna's personality. Nostalgia washed over her as she remembered countless nights spent getting ready for outings—nights Sandra had also been a part of. She recalled Michael dancing with Sandra, and her own foolish happiness at their easy camaraderie. What a fool she'd been.

But that was years ago, Evelyn reminded herself. Life, and she, had changed. She was no longer that fool.

Shaking off her thoughts, she smiled. "Your place is lovely."

"Thanks. I got ready while I waited," Rayna explained, already dressed.

"Great. I'm glad I dressed at home. We can leave now," Evelyn said. Rayna's lips twisted into a playful smirk as her eyes traveled over Evelyn's simple, knee-length blue dress.

"Are you sure you're dressed for a club? I was about to ask where your bag is," Rayna said, Evelyn's cheeks flushing.

"What's wrong with my outfit?"

"Evie," Rayna said, hand on her hip, "I'm not letting you go to the club dressed like you're heading to a board meeting."

"I don't wear this to a board meeting," Evelyn said defensively.

Rayna raised an eyebrow. "What happened to you, Evelyn? You used to be so fun, so daring. Now you'redemure. Or, to be blunt, boring and stiff."

"Thanks," Evelyn said dryly.

"For real, what happened?" Rayna asked with concern.

"Life happened, Rayna. I don't have time for dress-up," Evelyn replied defensively.

Rayna's gaze softened, but she wasn't letting Evelyn off the hook. "I won't let you leave dressed like this. We won't attract any male attention with you dressed like that."

"I don't care about male attention. You can have it all," Evelyn said, crossing her arms.

Rayna laughed softly. "I won't get any attention if people think I dress like that too. So, yes, I care. We need to up your game, for tonight." Before Evelyn could protest, Rayna moved to her bedroom, motioning for Evelyn to follow. With a sigh, Evelyn trailed behind, feeling reluctant yet resigned.

Rayna opened her closet, revealing a stunning array of clothes.

"Why does a baker have such stylish clothes?" Evelyn asked. Rayna grinned.

"So I'm always in style when I step out," she said. "Remember playing dress-up? This is like that, except we actually go out and show off." Evelyn smiled at the memory of simpler times.

"I'm not sure anything in there is my style anymore," Evelyn said, apprehensive.

Rayna wasn't deterred. "Nonsense! You're going to pick something sexy, and you'll love it."

After much persuasion, Evelyn selected a dress—far more revealing than anything she'd worn in years. It was deep red, with a plunging neckline and a hemline just above her knees. She held it up, uncertain.

"What do you think?" she asked.

Rayna grinned. "You're going to look amazing."

Once Evelyn was dressed, Rayna admired her work.

"Now that's more like it," Rayna said, pride in her eyes. "You look stunning, Evelyn. Just like the old Evelyn."

Evelyn gave a half-hearted smile. "I hope I don't regret this."

"You won't," Rayna assured her, already gathering makeup and hair tools. "Now sit. Let me work my magic."

Evelyn sat as Rayna expertly applied makeup and styled her hair into soft waves. When Rayna finished, she stepped back. "There. Ready to take on the night."

Evelyn barely recognized herself. The woman in the mirror seemed a stranger. Apprehension pricked her; was this really who she wanted to be?

But before she could change her mind, Rayna grabbed her purse and keys. "Come on, before you change your mind!"

With a last glance in the mirror, Evelyn stood, feeling the unfamiliar sensation of the dress hugging her curves. She followed Rayna, trying to ignore the nervous flutter in her stomach.

Stepping out into the night, Evelyn wondered what the evening held. She was stepping outside her comfort zone, leaving the safety of her everyday life. As Rayna linked arms with her, Evelyn felt a flicker of excitement beneath her apprehension. Maybe tonight would reconnect her with the adventurous, daring part of herself she'd almost forgotten. And maybe, just maybe, she wouldn't regret it.