The apartment door swung open in the afternoon, and I looked up from my phone as Daniel walked in with the biggest grin on his face.
"I got the job," he announced, dropping his bag on the couch.
I blinked, sitting up straight. "Wait—seriously?"
He nodded, running a hand through his hair. "Yeah. One of the top law firms in the country. They liked my interview, and I start tomorrow."
A slow smile spread across my face. "Daniel, that's amazing!"
"I know, right?" He flopped onto the couch, exhaling. "Honestly, I didn't think I'd land something this good so fast."
"Well, you're a genius, so I'm not surprised," I said, tossing a pillow at him.
He caught it with ease, shaking his head. "I guess. But there's one problem."
I raised an eyebrow. "What?"
He gestured at his outfit. "I barely own any suits. I need to get more, like, immediately."
I laughed. "Right, because you've always been more of a 'hoodie and sneakers' kind of guy."
He groaned. "Tell me about it."
We celebrated for a while—nothing big, just some leftover snacks and drinks while I listened to him talk about his new workplace. But as the night rolled in, it was time for me to get ready for my own job.
I grabbed my outfit—simple yet decent for a nightclub waitress—and checked myself in the mirror.
"You're actually going?" Daniel's voice made me turn.
I sighed, already expecting this conversation. "Yes, Daniel. I told you I would."
His expression darkened. "You don't have to anymore. I got a job, Rose. A stable one. You don't have to work at some nightclub filled with drunk idiots and weird VIPs."
I adjusted my shirt and looked at him. "Daniel, this isn't just about money. I need to do something for myself. I don't want to sit around and depend on you."
He clenched his jaw, exhaling through his nose. "At least pick something safer."
"I will be safe," I assured him. "It's just waitressing. I'll serve drinks, move around tables, and get paid. That's it."
He ran a hand down his face, clearly frustrated. "What time do you finish?"
"Midnight," I said carefully.
His head snapped up. "Are you serious?!"
"Yes, Daniel," I said firmly. "It's not that bad. I'll come straight home after my shift."
He looked like he wanted to argue more, but eventually, he sighed. "Fine. Just… be careful, okay?"
I smiled. "I will."
As I grabbed my bag and headed out, I heard him mutter under his breath.
"This is a terrible idea."
I ignored it and walked out the door.
The night was just beginning.