MY STAR FROM WESTBRIDGE CHAPTER TWO

 

MY STAR FROM WESTBRIDGE💞

Chapter Two

James pulled up in front of Zara’s house in his sleek black Benz, the headlights casting a soft glow on the driveway. He stepped out, adjusting the cuff of his jacket before walking up to the door. The cool evening air brushed against his skin as he rang the doorbell.

Inside, Zara, who had been waiting all evening, immediately knew it had to be him. A smile stretched across her lips as she smoothed down her sweater and hurried to the door. The moment she opened it, she threw her arms around him in a warm hug.

James chuckled, wrapping an arm around her waist before playfully ruffling her hair. “Missed me that much, huh?”

Zara pulled back, smoothing her hair with a fake pout. “You just ruined my perfect look.”

James smirked, tilting his head. “Nah, you’re still the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen.”

Zara rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide her smile. “Flatterer.” She playfully held his hand, intertwining their fingers as she led him inside.

This wasn’t his first time in her house, but tonight felt different. Tonight, they had a date.

As they entered the cozy living room, the scent of home-cooked food filled the air. The soft glow of warm lights gave the space an inviting feel.

Mrs. Sophia Reynolds emerged from the kitchen, wiping her hands on a dish towel, her kind eyes twinkling at the sight of James.

“James! It’s so good to see you,” she greeted warmly. “Here for Zara, I assume?”

James flashed his signature grin. “Yes, ma’am.”

Mrs. Reynolds gave an approving nod. “Nice. Would you like to join us for dinner before you two head out?”

James glanced at Zara, who gave him a knowing look. He wasn’t about to turn down a home-cooked meal from Mrs. Reynolds.

“Definitely,” he said with a smile. “It’s my pleasure.”

Mrs. Reynolds gestured toward the dining table, already set with steaming plates of food. “Then come on in, let’s eat.”

James and Zara took their seats across from each other while Mrs. Reynolds served them, the rich aroma of roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, and buttery vegetables filling the air.

“So, James,” Mrs. Reynolds began as she settled into her seat, “tell me, how’s basketball going? Still making those game-winning shots?”

James chuckled as he took a bite of his food. “Trying my best. We’ve got regionals coming up, so practice has been intense.”

Mrs. Reynolds nodded. “I have no doubt you’ll do great. I see the way you play—determined, focused. That kind of drive will take you far.”

Zara smirked, leaning on her elbow. “Yeah, and let’s not forget the part where he loves showing off.”

James raised a brow. “Showing off? I call it giving the people what they came to see.”

Mrs. Reynolds laughed, shaking her head. “Well, confidence is important. But remember, humility is just as attractive.”

James nodded, setting his fork down. “Absolutely. I want to make something of myself—not just for the fame, but because I love the game. I want to go pro one day.”

Mrs. Reynolds smiled. “And I believe you will.” She turned to Zara. “And what about you, darling? Still set on becoming a doctor?”

Zara nodded eagerly. “More than ever. I want to help people, Mom. Maybe even work in sports medicine—so I can keep this one from breaking too many bones.” She nudged James playfully.

James chuckled. “Hey, I’d trust you to patch me up.”

Mrs. Reynolds watched the two with a fond expression. “You two have such big dreams. I love seeing that. Just remember, no matter where life takes you, always stay true to yourselves.”

Zara reached across the table and squeezed her mom’s hand. “We will, Mom.”

After finishing their meal, Zara excused herself to get ready, and Mrs. Reynolds followed her upstairs.

Zara stood before her bed, where she had laid out five different dresses. She picked up each one, holding them against her body as she turned to her mom for approval.

“This?” she asked, holding up a blue dress.

Mrs. Reynolds pursed her lips. “Pretty, but maybe not for tonight.”

Zara switched to a white one. “Too formal?”

Her mother nodded. “A little.”

Finally, Zara grabbed a short red dress with delicate lace details and a flattering fit.

Mrs. Reynolds clapped her hands together. “Now that’s the one. Bold, confident, absolutely stunning.”

Zara grinned. “Red it is.”

As she changed, her mother helped her with a subtle nude makeup look, enhancing her natural beauty. Once finished, Zara looked in the mirror, feeling both excited and nervous.

“You look breathtaking,” Mrs. Reynolds whispered, placing her hands on Zara’s shoulders. “James won’t know what hit him.”

Zara giggled. “Thanks, Mom.”

Mrs. Reynolds kissed her forehead. “Now go enjoy your night.”

James stood outside by his car, scrolling through his phone when Zara stepped out. The second he looked up, his breath hitched.

His usual smooth words failed him for a moment. “Wow…”

Zara smirked. “I hope I made the right choice?”

James quickly opened the car door for her. “Best choice ever.”

As she slid into the passenger seat, James grinned and shut the door gently before getting in and driving off into the night.

They arrived at Golden Diner, a classic spot known for its neon lights, cozy booths, and legendary milkshakes. It was a place where high school couples often went for late-night dates, filled with laughter and youthful energy.

As they slid into a booth, James reached for her hand across the table.

“So,” he started, “in a few months, we’ll be graduating. Have you thought about how things will be?”

Zara laced her fingers with his. “I think about it all the time. You’ll be off playing basketball, and I’ll be drowning in medical books.”

James smirked. “Sounds like our love story is about to turn into a long-distance romance.”

Zara sighed, tracing circles on the back of his hand. “It’ll be hard, but I believe in us.”

James squeezed her hand. “Me too.” He leaned forward, his voice softer. “Zara, no matter where we are, or how busy life gets, I’ll always find my way back to you.”

She smiled, her heart swelling. “And I’ll always be here, cheering you on.”

Their food arrived—a classic burger and fries for James, a grilled chicken salad for Zara. They laughed, shared bites, and talked about everything—their dreams, their future, and the little moments that made their love special.

After finishing their meal, James took care of the bill and led Zara outside. The night air was crisp, the stars twinkling above them.

“Where to next?” Zara asked, leaning against the car.

“Cinema” James replied

He opened the car door for her once more, a small but sweet gesture. As he drove toward the cinema, one thought played in both their minds—whatever the future held, they were in it together.

They arrived at Starlight Cinema, a popular drive-in movie theater where couples and friends gathered under the open sky to watch the latest films. The lot was buzzing with energy, cars parked side by side, the scent of buttery popcorn filling the air.

James parked in a perfect spot, reclining the seats slightly for comfort. He reached for a blanket in the backseat, draping it over both of them.

“What are we watching?” Zara asked as she unwrapped a straw for her soda.

James handed her a bucket of popcorn. “Some romantic drama. Figured we could be cliché tonight.”

Zara smirked, resting her head on his shoulder. “I like cliché.”

As the movie started, James glanced at her, his fingers lightly tracing circles on the back of her hand. The soft glow of the screen illuminated her face, making her look even more beautiful.

Halfway through the movie, Zara turned to him, whispering, “This is so beautiful.”

James pressed a kiss to her temple. “Yeah, just like you babe.”

As the movie ended, they walked over to a wooden bench near the cinema, settling beneath the vast night sky. A gentle breeze rustled through the trees, carrying the distant hum of laughter and conversation from other moviegoers.

Zara leaned back, gazing up at the stars scattered across the dark canvas above. “It’s amazing,” she murmured.

James stretched his arm along the back of the bench, turning to watch her instead. “Yeah… it really is.”

She glanced at him, catching the way his eyes lingered on her. A small smile played on her lips. “Yeah.”

James chuckled, shrugging. “Nature is so amazing.”

They sat in comfortable silence, taking in the soft glow of the streetlights, the distant headlights of passing cars, and the serene magic of the night. After that they move to the car setting to leave the cinema.

James's drove her home, the streets quiet and peaceful. When he pulled into her driveway, he turned to her with a soft smile.

“I had a great time tonight,” he said.

Zara leaned in, brushing her lips against his cheek. “Me too.”

He got out and walked around to open her door. As she stepped out, she turned back to him. “Text me when you get home?”

James nodded. “I’ll babe.”

She gave him one last smile before heading inside, her heart full, her mind replaying every moment of the night.

As James drove away, he couldn’t stop grinning. This wasn’t just another high school romance. This was something real.