I'LL TAKE MY CHANCES

e had expected, with chiseled features and an air of confidence that commanded attention. This was her third blind date in the last two mont

ink about marriage, which worried her friends. So, they had taken matters into her own hands, setting up blind dates

cal appearance and get straight to the poin

nly if his expectations weren't too demanding. Her mother's wish was to see her get mar

ease. "We've just met, right? He said, his warm tone disarming her. Jul

crinkling at the corners as he smiled. "

"I guess I am. My mother's desire is to see me

d. "I like y

ou think I'm the type that

Well my instinct says you're the type who has his life together. And my f

row. "Your friend s

apologetic. "She means well.

. "I think we both know our loved ones always want us to

between them. "Exactly! I mean, I love my mot

he feeling. So, tell me

I am a fash

as he smiled. "And I must say, Julia, you're quite impressive. A successful fa

emed to understand her situation. "Yeah, well, someon

on my own since my parents passed away, and it's not always easy.

k we do. And I must say, I'm su

d an eyebr

"You know, a nor

ind of... I don't know,

to say, I'm impressed by your honesty. Most people wouldn't admi

thought about it, there

both here for the

hink we both know what we're looking for. Someone to

e. "Exactly. And I think we both know that marriage i

I'm glad we're having this conversation. Julia, I think we both

. What do you think is the k

t question. I think communication i

I think it's important to ha

our thought

lways wanted a big fa

big family, and I've always wan

like we're really connecting, Max.

l like I've known you my whole life. And I h

been one of the best bli

y, I'm really glad that a friend of yours actu

pass that compliment to her.

on another date with me? Maybe somet

Max! What did y

ir balloon ride or a hike in the mounta

tedly "That sound

ick you up at 8

ike a plan

Ye

tonight. I rea

time,

s the most spontaneous

when I decided to quit my job and travel across

always wanted to travel more. What w

cenery. it was all just so breathtaking. An

it to my bucket list. And what's the cra

ne skydiving in the Tuscan countryside. It

'm a bit jealous, actually. I've

redible rush. And who knows, ma

led, "I'd

he most adventurous t

en I decided to start my own fashion label. It

eur at heart. And I have to say, your designs are stunning

ou, Max. That means a