Thirty-Nine
thirty-nine
STAY - RIHANNA FEAT. MIKKY EKKO
CALLIE - JULY 19, 2013
D espite the distance and our hectic schedules, Owen and I have continued to talk every day. I’m still in disbelief over the fact that he bought a crib for my daughter, put it together, and refused to let me pay him back for it. There’s something so sincere about the way he cares for me. I feel like I don’t deserve it.
I am still so mortified over my behavior that night and the fact that I tried to give him a blowjob as a thank you for everything he’s done for me. I’ve apologized to him about it on multiple occasions and he has been so sweet about it, assuring me he just didn’t want to rush it. And he didn’t want me to think that he expected things like that from me.
Tonight, Owen is taking me out for our first official date and I couldn’t be more excited. We haven’t put a label on things but I know I’m not interested in being with anyone else.
With Sara at Adam’s for the weekend, I can’t help but wonder if Adam is going to pull some shit just because he knows I have a date tonight. Even though he has a girlfriend of his own to worry about, I wouldn’t put it past him.
As I get ready, my mind races with thoughts of Owen. I’m filled with anticipation as I ponder what tonight has in store. I rummage through my closet, trying to find the perfect outfit. Something classy but also a bit sexy. Normally, I wouldn’t put this much pressure on myself when getting ready for a date but I want tonight to be perfect.
After struggling to fit into numerous dresses that no longer accommodate my expanding belly, the panic sets in. I grab my phone, frantically calling Brooke.
She senses my distress right away when I give her a shaky hello.
“None of my fucking clothes fit!“ I exclaim, my voice filled with frustration and anxiety. “I can’t go on my first date with Owen looking like a whale!”
A soft chuckle escapes my best friend. “Excuse me? A whale? Don’t you dare talk about my bestie like that. And even if you were, you’d be the cutest whale in existence! Like Baby Beluga!”
I manage a smile, though my nerves are still bubbling to the surface. “Thanks, Brooke… I’m just having a total meltdown right now. I want things to go right tonight. It’s really important to me.”
“I know, honey,” she says, her laughter light but genuine. “Don’t stress. We’re going to find you something perfect. Have I ever steered you wrong?”
True to her word, Brooke arrives a short time later with an armful of sundresses. We lay them out on my bed, and I try them on one by one. After a few misses, I slip into a simple white sundress with black and red flowers. It flatters my body’s new shape without feeling too restrictive. And it makes my tits look amazing. So that’s a definite win, right ?
My best friend smiles at me. “That’s the one! You look beautiful, Callie.”
I glance at my reflection in the mirror, feeling a surge of confidence. “Thank you, Brooke. You’re a lifesaver.”
“Anytime, girl. I suggest putting a handkerchief in your purse before you leave.”
“Who the fuck carries handkerchiefs anymore?” I ask, confused.
“I’m just saying you’re going to have that poor man drooling. Take him something to clean up with,” she suggests with a wink. I immediately burst into laughter as she walks out the door.
I hope she’s right. I’ve been growing increasingly self-conscious, and I want to look my best for our date.
With my outfit sorted, I add a touch of makeup, just enough to highlight my features, and pull my hair into a loose braid that drapes over my right shoulder. I glance at the clock and realize I need to get going or I’m going to be late meeting Owen in Iowa City for our date.
When I arrive at the seafood restaurant we agreed on, I take a moment to steady my nerves.
This is it.
I step out of the car and walk towards the entrance, smoothing my dress one last time. When I see Owen waiting outside, my heart skips a beat. He’s sporting a light gray V-neck shirt that exposes a bit of his chest hair. I’m not a fan of facial or body hair, but here I am, trying to avoid jumping the bones of the man in front of me, who also has a full beard.
I’m certain I’ve never been so attracted to a man before. His deep brown eyes lock onto mine, and for a moment, it feels like the world stops turning.
“Hello, beautiful,” he says, his voice warm and inviting.
I reply, feeling breathless, “Hey, you.”
“You look great.”
“So do you,” he says, stepping closer and leaning in to give me a soft kiss on the cheek. His familiar eucalyptus and citrus scent fills my senses, and makes me second guess not bringing a handkerchief.
Owen takes my hand, and we head into the restaurant. As the hostess leads us to our table, I take a moment to soak it all in. The ambiance is perfect, and the company is exceptional. Owen reaches across the table, taking my hand in his. “I’ve been looking forward to this all week,” he says, his dark eyes meeting mine.
“Me too,” I reply, feeling our connection deepen. His touch sends a warm, comforting sensation through me, and I can’t help but squeeze my thighs together a bit.
The hostess hands us our menus, and I can’t help but chuckle. “So, any recommendations for a seafood restaurant in the middle of Iowa?” I tease, raising an eyebrow.
Owen laughs. “I know, right? But trust me, their lobster mac and cheese is amazing.”
“Alright, I’ll take your word for it,” I say, grinning.
After placing our orders, I take a moment to survey the surroundings. The restaurant is cozy and inviting, with warm lighting that casts a soft glow over everything. There’s a gentle hum of conversation around us, creating a pleasant background noise. Owen weaves his fingers with mine, and the simple gesture fills me with a deep sense of comfort.
The conversation flows easily, filled with laughter and light teasing. Owen’s stories are so funny, they make me laugh until my sides hurt. He has a way of making me feel completely at ease, like we’ve known each other forever.
As our food arrives, I’m struck by how delicious everything looks. The lobster mac and cheese is rich and seasoned. The explosion of flavor with each bite leads me to moan in appreciation. Owen grins at me, clearly amused by my reaction.
“Told you it was good,” he says, winking.
“This might be the best thing I’ve ever tasted,” I reply, taking another bite. “It’s better than sex!”
“I wouldn’t go that far.”
“I would,” I insist.
“It seems like you’re not experiencing the proper type of sexual activity,” he remarks, his smile widening.
It’s been a long time since I’ve felt this relaxed and happy. Something about being with Owen feels right. We share stories from our childhoods, dreams for the future, and everything in between. I feel increasingly connected to him, certain of a special bond between us.
“So, if you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?” Owen asks, leaning forward with genuine interest.
“London,” I say without hesitation. “I’ve wanted to go since I read the first book in the Harry Potter series.”
“I never really got into those. I think I was a senior in high school when they came out,” he says.
I tuck my lips inward and bite back a giggle that’s trying to escape. “I’m pretty sure I was eight…,” I say, unable to hide my laugh any longer.
“I forget that you’re nine years younger than me.”
“It must be because I’m so mature for my age,” I reply sarcastically.
Owen chuckles, shaking his head. “You definitely keep me on my toes. But seriously, London sounds amazing. We should go someday.”
I laugh, feeling a flutter of excitement at the thought. “That would be incredible. What about you? Where would you go?”
“Jamaica,” he replies with a smile. “I’ve been before, and it’s beautiful. The beaches, the culture, the music. I’d love to go back.”
I smirk, remembering the story he told me about his cousin getting into trouble there. “Hopefully, your cousin doesn’t get us into any sketchy situations while we’re out.”
Owen chuckles, shaking his head. “Yeah, I’ll leave him at home this time.”
We continue to share our dreams and aspirations, the conversation flowing effortlessly. I feel a deep connection with him, and I’m grateful for this moment.
“Callie, I need you to know how much you mean to me,” he says quietly, his eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that makes my heart race. “Talking these last few months has been incredible, and finally meeting you has been even better. I’m so glad we’re more than just friends now.”
My chest tightens with emotion. “I feel the same way, Owen. You’ve brought so much joy into my life, and I’m so glad you didn’t keep me in the friend zone.”
He smiles, squeezing my hand gently. “Me too.”
As we finish our meal, we step outside into the crisp night air. The walk to our vehicles is filled with charged silence. Owen stops suddenly, cups my face in his hands, and kisses me with an intensity that sends shivers down my spine. His kiss is hungry and passionate, and I respond with equal fervor. When we break apart, we are both breathing hard.
“I don’t want this night to end,” I confess.
Owen smiles, his dark eyes pouring into mine. “Would you like to come see my apartment?” he inquires.
I stare at him for a moment in stunned silence. “What about your three-date rule?”
“Oh, that still applies. Coming back to my place doesn’t mean I expect sex.”
“Fair point. ”
“I don’t give away my cinnamon that easily,” he says.
“Your what?!”
“My cinnamon,” he shrugs.
I cannot help but laugh. This man is ridiculous. But I am here for it. “Sounds tasty,” I say with a wink.
“Easy there, tiger.”
“Oh, come on, it’s not my fault. Don’t expect me not to get worked up when you kiss me like that," I tease innocently.
“You’re right,” he says, leaning in to kiss my cheek softly, his warm breath tickling my ear. “Besides, something tells me you’re more of a ‘Kitty’ than a tiger.”
Oh, my God.