Chapter 25
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
RAVEN
“ I ’ll be back no later than eleven o’clock,” I inform Kat as I double-check to make sure I have all the essentials in my purse.
“Don’t worry. I have everything covered here,” Kat assures me as she grabs my hands, halting my nervous fidgeting.
I spent way too long getting ready for this date.
Just figuring out an outfit was hectic enough.
My entire wardrobe is currently strewn about my room.
I settled on a cute pair of skinny jeans that hug my curves in all the right places, a loose but flattering white tank top, and a pair of flats.
My makeup is simple as well, and I left my hair down in its natural waves.
Sighing, I give my friend a half-smile. “Seriously. Thank you for this.”
“Don’t mention it, babe,” she brushes me off.
“But I want?—”
I’m interrupted when I get a text from Jed, letting me know that he’s here. Kat sees the text as well and pats my arm. “Go have fun.”
“Okay.” I relax my shoulders and call out, “Be good for Kat, Noah!”
He comes running into the entryway. “Can I make popcorn?” Noah’s eyes almost bug out of his head. “Woah, Mom! You look really pretty.”
I wrap him in a hug and kiss the top of his head. “Thanks, little king.”
He looks up at me curiously. “Where are you going again?”
“Umm. Out…With a friend.”
Noah tilts his head. “What friend?”
“Uhhh…”
Kat comes to my rescue. “Hey, Noah! How about we watch a movie while we eat popcorn?”
“Yes!” Noah lets go of me and runs into the kitchen.
Kat leads me to the door and practically shoves me outside.
My jaw becomes unhinged when I see what is waiting for me in my driveway.
Jed is leaning against a motorcycle, wearing a brown leather jacket, medium wash Levis, and a plain red tee.
He’s texting on his phone, so he doesn’t notice my approach.
Yes, he looks attractive, but am I expected to get on the bike? I’ve always wanted to ride a motorcycle, but not with someone I barely know.
When I’m finally within a few feet, Jed tears his attention away from his screen. His perusal of my outfit doesn’t make my heart go pitter-patter like I want it to.
“You look amazing,” he compliments.
“Thanks.” I tuck a piece of hair behind my ear.
He leans to look behind me. “Where’s your son? What’s his name again? Nolan? I’d love to meet him.”
Kat and I discussed what I would do when I decided to start dating, and the first thing I said was that the men I date wouldn’t meet Noah until I was sure about them. And I’m sticking to that now.
“Umm…Are we taking this out?” I question and point to the motorcycle, distracting Jed from his inquiry.
“Yeah!” he answers excitedly and hands me a helmet to put on.
“Oh. Thanks. It’s just that I’ve never…”
“Ridden a motorcycle before?” he finishes for me.
“Yeah,” I confirm.
“You have nothing to be afraid of. I know what I’m doing. I’ve been riding for years. We’ll be perfectly safe. It’s not like there’s traffic here in Mystic River,” Jed points out.
Unease spreads from my gut and up my chest. “True. But still. I think…”
Jed stands up, takes the helmet from my sweaty hands, and places it on my head. “I got you. Just hop on after me.”
Proving he has done this before, he easily slips onto his bike and starts it. My heart takes off in a sprint. Jed is oblivious to my current state as he takes hold of my hand and guides me onto the seat behind him. He revs the engine, turns around, and we take off.
The rush of wind around my body mixed with the discomfort inside does nothing to ease my fears.
What have I gotten myself into?
“And he said, ‘Why the hell would I care? It’s not my cow.’ So, I said back…” Jed cuts himself off as he takes another bite of his spaghetti.
I think this will go in the record books as the worst date ever.
We rode to the next town over for dinner at this Italian restaurant.
When we arrived, every part of my body was cold, especially my arms and feet.
I don’t know how my purse didn’t just blow away, and my hair was a rat’s nest. I tried combing it out with my fingers, but that did little to tame the mane.
Then, when I told Jed what I was ordering, he asked if I was sure that’s what I wanted…
This man isn’t getting a second date. That’s for damn sure.
At our table, my seat is positioned perfectly under a vent, and the air conditioning is on full blast. I’m pretty sure my goosebumps have goosebumps.
Jed continues to talk, even with food in his mouth, and I nibble here and there at my chicken alfredo. It’s not that I don’t like farm animals. I think cows are adorable. But for the last forty-five minutes, Jed has ranted nonstop about his frustrations with his vet.
I’m all for getting things out and venting. But since this is our first date, this doesn’t feel like a good get-to-know-you topic.
Discreetly, I slip my hand into my purse, fishing for my phone. When I feel the silicone case, I drag my hand out and keep my phone and hand in my lap.
Me: Get me out of here!
Kat: That bad?
Me: Probably worse.
Kat: Need me to call?
Me: Yes, please!
Jed just keeps on going and somehow is almost done with his plate. “He tried saying that I still owe him the full two-fifty?—”
My phone vibrates in my lap. “One sec.” I hold up a finger, interrupting his riveting tale. “Hello?”
“On a scale of one to dumpster fire, how awful is this date?” Kat whispers.
Gasping, I exclaim animatedly, “Is Noah okay?”
“Oh, so it’s a triple forest fire.”
Injecting worry in my tone, I reply, “I’ll be right there. Thanks for letting me know.” I end the call and face Jed. “I’m so sorry, but I need to go. Noah just threw up everywhere and is running a fever.”
Jed shakes his head. “Kids are resilient. I’m sure he’ll be okay.”
Is he…is he not going to take me home?
“I need to go home now,” I state sternly.
“But I wanted to take you to see this new horror movie. It has great reviews.”
I ignore his plea and repeat myself, “I need to go home now.”
He looks up at the ceiling and sighs. When he looks at me, his whole attitude has shifted. “Fine.” He quickly gets the check and pays. I absently watch as he signs the receipt, but don’t realize until we’re out the door that he didn’t even leave a tip.
Asshole, indeed.