Chapter Eighteen
first date jitters
I must have dozed off, because as my eyes open, I see Sarah covered up on the couch across from me, and Logan leaning over me, gently shaking my leg.
“Hey, Charlie.” he whispers. And I sit up looking around.
“What time is it?” I ask, suddenly panicking that I slept here all night.
“It’s almost 1 in the morning.”
I swing my legs over the front of the couch, and rub my eyes. I don't even remember falling asleep.
I look around for Pudding, hoping he didn't trash her house while we slept, and find him curled up with Sarah.
Logan follows my gaze, and smiles, “He’s ok. He didn't even budge when I walked in.”
Great guard dog.
I look at Logan and see that he’s still fully dressed.
“How long have you been here?” I ask.
“I just got home. I set my food in the fridge, and saw you both asleep and the menu playing on repeat for Pride and Prejudice. Did she make you watch that?”
I think about agreeing, but part of me wants him to know that we share the same favorite movie.
“No, it was my idea.” I say, my eyes meeting his.
I watch something flash in his eyes, and his smile fades.
He stands up, and offers me his hand.
“Come on, I should get you home.” he says, and I don’t argue. It’s late, and I want my bed.
I wake Pudding up, and Sarah mumbles her goodbyes.
We walk to his truck, and like the last time, he opens my door for me, shutting it once I’m in.
Once we’re on the road, the silence is killing me. I ask him, “Did you have a good night?”
He smiles, but it's a tense smile.
“It was ok. My meeting didn't go like I planned, and then I already told the guys I’d go out with them, even though I didn't want to.”
“Why did you then?”
“Because I don't like going back on my word.” he says, then looks at me.
His eyes make my knees feel weak, only I’m sitting down.
He smiles, then looks away, “How’d you end up hanging out with my sister?”
“Oh. I ran into her at the coffee shop, and she invited me over to watch a movie.”
He nods once, but doesnt say anything else. His entire behavior is different from the last time I was in this truck with him.
I take a breath, and turn in my seat, so my body is facing him.
“Is something wrong?” I ask him.
He turns his head slightly, his eyes catching mine for a second.
“Why?”
I stare at him, trying to gauge if he has any idea that he’s acting different, or if he just really doesn't notice.
“You’re acting..different, since the last time I saw you.”
I watch him shift in his seat slightly, one hand on the steering wheel, the other against his temple.
After a moment, he says, “I just have some things on my mind, that's all.”
I watch his Adam's apple bob as he swallows, and I can tell it's something he doesn't want to talk about.
But I ask anyway.
“Do you want to talk about it? I’m a good listener.”
His shoulders sag a little, and I watch him let out a breath, then he turns to look at me with a soft smile on his lips.
“Not tonight.” is all he says.
I nod, taking that as my que to stop prying. He’ll talk when he wants to. Or he won't. It’s none of my business.
“Ok.” I tell him, and we ride the rest of the way to my apartment in silence.
Logan walks me to my door, because even if he is in a mood, he’s still a gentleman.
I unlock it, and turn to face him.
He looks like he wants to say something, but stops himself.
“Good night, Charlie.”
He turns and walks away, and I hate that he’s being weird with me.
We had a good time in Sage Valley. I don't understand what happened.
Unless it's because we had a good time? Either way, I know he’ll talk if he wants to.
Pudding and I stumble to my bed. I am so tired. I think the emotions from the last few days are finally catching up to me, and it’s draining all my energy.
Pudding jumps onto the bed, does a spin, then flops down and is snoring within seconds.
I wish I could fall asleep that fast.
I toss and turn, unable to fall back asleep even though exhaustion is suffocating me right now.
I lay on my back, and grab my phone, checking the time.
Before I even get a chance to see the time, I notice there’s a text from Logan. I pull it up, butterflies scrambling everywhere at just the sight of his name on my phone.
Do you want to get dinner? -Logan
OH.
Dinner? Is he asking me out?
I reply quickly.
I’ll say yes if you tell me why you’re acting so strange. -Charlie
I hit send, and smile to myself.
A second later, bubbles appear showing me he’s typing. My stomach flutters in anticipation. But then the bubbles stop. And then start again.
Come to dinner and I’ll tell you. -Logan
I roll my eyes, but smile. Of course he won't make it easy for me.
Fine. When? -Charlie
Tomorrow night. I’ll pick you up at 7. -Logan
Butterflies swarm throughout my whole body, and I instantly feel nervous.
Is this a date? Or just dinner as friends.
Is this a date, Logan? -Charlie
The screen bubbles again, but only for a second.
Yes. Go to sleep. -Logan
I set my phone down, and try to close my eyes, but now my nerves are getting the best of me. I feel wide awake. What do I wear? Where is he taking me? All kinds of first date jitters are coming up, and then suddenly I remember I haven't been on a first date since my first date with Sam.
What if I mess it up?
I jump out of bed, even though I know I’ll regret not sleeping tomorrow. I’ll just get a double shot of espresso, it’ll be fine.
I go to my closet, and stand there trying to mentally put together an outfit before I start grabbing random things.
It’s starting to cool down outside, so something with a light sweater.
But should I wear a dress? Or pants? He didn't say where he was taking me, so I’m not sure how I should dress.
Better to play it safe I guess, so I go with pants.
I grab my high waisted jeans, a loose fitting t-shirt that I’ll tuck in, and a cozy sweater. I’ve never really been one to dress up for things, I prefer to be comfortable. But I’ll try to dress this up with some jewelry and curl my hair.
I lay out one more outfit, just in case, which is brownish pants that kind of bloom outwards, and a sage green knit tank top.
Satisfied with my options, I check the time and see that it's almost 3 in the morning.
I’m going to feel like shit tomorrow.