Hope
’s heart was racing when she looked into the mirror and watched Decan drive away. Actually, it had done so the whole damn morning. First dates were notoriously awkward, but that hadn’t been the case with him. What idiot would plan a first date going book hunting, she thought. But Decan seemed to have enjoyed himself. Not only had he said it, he’d made her feel that he’d wanted to be there the whole time. was confident they hadn’t been empty words.
Her hands shook as she tried to put her key in the ignition, and only now did she realise the adrenaline pumping through her body. She shivered, the nervous energy slowly fading. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, calming herself as she held it and counted to seven. Then she slowly exhaled, and repeated the exercise three times.
On the way home, she stopped at the store to grab her weekly grocery run, pausing to text Decan as promised.
I stopped at the store, so not home yet. I didn’t want you to worry.
I thought you might have forgotten .
Thank you for texting.
Are you home?
Just got to the gym.
Have fun :)
Would be if you tagged along.
You did ask very nicely.
Maybe another day.
So, if I remember my manners, there’s a higher chance you’ll say yes?
Of course.
Would you like to go out for dinner or lunch next week? It would brighten my day very much.
…
Pretty please. ??
I would like that very much.
When fits best for you?
Tuesday? I get off at 5.
So far away, but I’ll take it.
Any kind of food you absolutely hate?
No.
I’ll find us a nice place and text you the address .
I can’t wait. Now go have fun and don’t let me distract you.
Message me when you’re home safe.
I will.
When she looked away from her screen, her cheeks hurt from her goofy smile. She took in her surroundings, so caught up in the moment that she’d forgotten she was in a store. Everything but Decan had been irrelevant. She quickly pulled herself together and finished up her shopping. Once at home and the groceries carried inside, she texted him that she’d safely arrived between her own four walls.
set aside the phone to minimise distractions and unpacked her groceries. Once that was done, she turned on some music and did her usual weekend clean up. After feeling a bit more productive, picked up her phone and saw three missed calls from Laura. She smiled, knowing her best friend far too well and returned the call.
“Are you still with him? Because that’s the only excuse I will accept for not answering my calls,” Laura whisper-yelled.
“I’m at home.”
“You were supposed to call the second you left him!”
“I’m sorry.”
“I don’t want to hear your lame excuses. I want to hear the juicy details!”
laughed, collapsing onto the couch. “It was really good.”
“So he was fine with the whole book hunting thing? ”
Laura had thought it was a horrible idea, but it had been too late to change plans. Besides, was glad she hadn’t now. She spilled the whole story, how sweet he’d been and how easy it had been to talk to him and how he had made her feel valid the whole time.
“And how was it with… well, the whole wheelchair thing?”
“What about it?”
“You’re good with that?”
“No, it’s a nightmare,” quipped. “That’s why I agreed to see him again on Tuesday.” couldn’t help the sarcasm. Honestly, she couldn’t care less about Decan’s disability. No, that was wrong. She did care, but she’d never reject him over it.
“Sorry,” Laura mumbled, knowing she’d messed up.
sighed and ran her hand over her face. “It doesn’t bother me.”
“Okay, I just… I don’t know… wanted to be sure you knew—”
“What I’m getting myself into? I’m well aware.”
“I didn’t mean to upset you.”
“I know you didn’t, but I didn’t have to go out with him. Not even call him. I made that choice. I am an adult.”
“Where are you two going on Tuesday?” Laura asked, attempting to steer the conversation onto a lighter path.
“He said he would let me know once he found a place.”
Further redirecting the conversation, Laura started talking about work, asking to share the latest gossip about her boss: rumour had it he was having an affair.
By the time they hung up, it was time for dinner. While she’ d been gossiping, Decan had texted her, saying he was home safely and sent her the address for Tuesday. It was for a fancy Brazilian Restaurant in the Galleria Area. She happily let him know that she approved, and couldn’t wait to see him again.