"Shh!" Justin held her shoulders gently and spoke in a calm, composed tone. "I didn't want you to overthink and be anxious until you met her. Just go to her and do what comes naturally in the moment. Not planning will let your true thoughts and feelings shine through, instead of you trying to overthink every word and action. This isn't a business meeting where you have to plan and act strategically. Besides, you've known for over a month that you'd be meeting her, so you must have already thought about it plenty. Has that truly helped?"
Natalie looked at him silently for a moment, processing his words. Realizing he was right, she shook her head to answer him.
He caressed her cheek gently and said, "Just be yourself, alright?"
Natalie nodded again, and together they headed inside, Justin holding her hand to comfort her nerves. With each step forward, Natalie could feel her heartbeat quickening, and she tightened her grip on Justin's hand.
