Chapter 83: Building Connections

Our new home quickly became a hub of activity and creativity. The neighborhood potluck had introduced us to several friendly neighbors, and we found ourselves frequently invited to gatherings and events. The sense of community was strong, and both Jason and I felt welcomed and supported. One crisp autumn evening, as we were enjoying a quiet dinner at home, Jason’s phone buzzed with a message. He glanced at it and smiled. “It’s Mike. He wants to know if we’re free for dinner this weekend,” Jason said, looking up at me with a glint of excitement in his eyes. “That sounds great! It’s been a while since we had a proper catch-up with him,” I replied, setting down my fork. “How about we invite him over here? We can show him the new place.” Jason nodded, typing out a quick response. “Perfect. He’s in. Saturday at 7?” “Works for me,” I said, feeling a twinge of excitement. I enjoyed Mike’s company and was looking forward to a relaxed evening with friends. As Saturday approached, Jason an