15. Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Fifteen
Addie
“ D oes she have a hot coworker she can hook me up with?” Regina asks.
“Maybe you shouldn’t ask to be set up until we know her quality of men. Isla’s radar is usually better than mine, but most blind dates are shit shows, and we both know it.”
“You’re such a Negative Nancy.”
Lunch breaks are always better when Regina joins me. Even when she smack talks me the entire time. I’ve finally settled fully into my new job and begun making friends. The sun is shining and it’s an unusually warm day for the beginning of March. We grabbed food from a food truck close to the office and set up our lunch picnic at the park overlooking a pond.
“Negative is a strong word. I just know better than to get my hopes up.” I shrug as I look over the pond, watching the ducks splash in the water. Though, Shaun has given me no reason to believe I shouldn’t get my hopes up.
“Did he say where he was taking you?”
“He didn’t, but I’m pleasantly surprised that he took the initiative to plan a date all by himself. He asked what kind of food I like, and I told him I don’t discriminate against any of the food categories.” I take a bite of my sandwich, and then tack on, “He did tell me the dress code is a bit dressier. So, I’m kind of excited to play dress up.” We’ve been texting for a couple days now, and by all accounts, he seems like a total gentleman.
She shimmies as she says, “Oh là là! Sounds like you’ve got a winner on your hands.”
I watch the cars pass and let myself get a little bit excited. Maybe this will get Sam out of my system for good. Shaun seems like a good one, and Isla already likes him. This time, I’m making the decision with my head instead of my heart.
My red dress is hugging all of the right places as I spin in the mirror for the thousandth time. I haven’t felt this good about myself in a while. Getting my stride at work has me back in my element. The self-deprecating comments that usually flood my brain have slowed, except for when I spend too much time alone and wallow in my singleness and lack of accomplishments.
“Let me see you!” Isla says as she lets herself into my room. “Wow, you look hot as fuck. If this doesn’t work out, I am sure every other man in my office will want to date you after they hear about you from Shaun.” She walks to my bed and jumps up to sit on the edge.
“Well, at least one of us is optimistic. What shoes do you think I should pick? Is he tall or short? Can I wear the strappy black heels, or should I stick with flats?” Grabbing my favorite perfume, I spritz some across my chest. Inhaling its jasmine and vanilla scent helps me settle my nerves. For all of two seconds. Half of me wants to be excited, but the other half wants to keep from getting ahead of myself.
“He’s a giant; you could wear six-inch stripper heels and still be an inch or so shorter.”
Does height really matter in the grand scheme of things? No. I would much rather have someone who is kind and caring than a six-foot-six douche canoe. But height certainly doesn’t hurt. If he’s nice and six-foot-six, call my momma and the preacher because I’ve found the one.
Swiping the black strappy heels from my closet, I close the clasp around my ankle and turn around.
“Isla?” Huh. She was just here. I need final thoughts on the outfit. We are cutting it down to the wire and I am never late. Ever. Well, so long as I'm not busy with work and at least not when I can control it.
I stand and smooth the wrinkles out of my dress. My hair is in loose waves down the back, perfectly complementing the color of the dress.
The doorbell rings and I feel my heart do a little pitter-patter. Damn, I should have had a little drink before heading out to take the edge off.
Isla must be a mind reader because she’s hauled ass back upstairs, cup in hand. “Here, it’s a double shot of tequila to take the edge off.”
Laughing at her choice of cup, which is a mug, I swallow the whole thing in one gulp. Moments like these make me glad I haven’t moved out quite yet. The apartments in my budget are, well, awful so far. I’ve never had an apartment to myself. So, I’m wanting to make sure I find the right one that I can make my own.
“Cheese and rice, that burns. A mug? Really?”
“It was the closest thing I could find. I could see Shaun’s car coming up the driveway, and I had to act fast.” Isla reaches up and smooths some of my flyaways down. Though I traded my natural curls for curling iron curls, a few bits of frizz still pop up.
I laugh a little as the burn of the alcohol makes my nerves settle, but hearing the voices between Cal and Shaun downstairs puts a little hustle in my step. This feels like my high school prom. Only, my best friend and her future husband are my parents sending me off. I swear, if Cal tells him anything about having me home at a decent hour, I will stab his foot with my stiletto.
My mind must be wandering a little too fast because once I hit the last stair, I miss it by just a hair. My heels cause me to fall forward instead of backward, making me fall face first…right into my date’s crotch. Fucking awesome. His hands grab my shoulders, stopping the impact from knocking him on his ass.
“A little soon for you to be in that region, don’t you think?” Isla says.
Shaun helps me to my feet, while Cal and Isla try to muffle the laughter. And by try , I mean there is about 3 percent of trying involved. I stand and smooth out my dress, feeling thankful that I at least didn’t flash everyone.
I’m never taking a shot of tequila for a date ever again, and I’m wearing flats until the day I die.
“Well, I guess we won’t be needing any of the icebreakers I thought of on the car ride, eh?” Shaun says and I can’t help but laugh. At least he has a sense of humor.
“No, it looks like my lack of coordination saw its time to shine. Nice to meet you. I’m Addie. Obviously.” I stick my hand out and his wraps around mine. It feels warm and soft.
“Obviously, I am Shaun.” We both chuckle.
“Well, now that I have made this as awkward as possible, I think we will be on our way.” I hitch my thumb over my shoulder to point to the door.
The ride over to the restaurant goes smoothly, and I manage to avoid embarrassing myself again. Conversation is filled with basic questions, asking what we do for a living, if we like it, where we went to school, and all of the basic boring stuff.
I admit, I am not the most aware of my surroundings. So, kidnapping me would be way too easy. Instead, we pull into an all too familiar parking lot, and I feel my stomach bottom out. Flambé. The fanciest and highest quality restaurant in town. It makes sense that Shaun chose here for a first date. Maybe I will get lucky and he won't be here. I mean, he works in the kitchen. Why would he ever be out at the front?
But fate is not on my side. Shaun walks me up to the door and opens it like the gentleman he is, placing his hand on my lower back as he guides me through the door. And up at the front stand Linsey and Sam. Of course.
“Allie, it’s nice to see you again.” Of course, she would pull the I don’t remember your name bullshit. She knows my name and I know it.
Sam’s heated stare lands on me. Specifically, where Shaun’s hand is still on my lower back. His eyes snap to mine, and I can’t look away even if I want to.
“It’s Addie,” Sam replies.
Shaun chimes in, “We have a reservation for two under Henderson.”
“Yes, I see your name here. If you will follow me—” Linsey starts, but is interrupted by Sam.
“I’ve got this. Follow my way.” Sam’s eyes linger on mine just long enough for me to notice before he turns and leads the way.
The dim lighting of the restaurant sets for a very romantic atmosphere. The tables are spread with black tablecloths and fancy wrapped napkins. Even the floor is fancy—black floors with red glitter to replicate the look of a flame. The vibes alone here are immaculate. Even with all the ambiance, our makeshift hostess is ruining every romantic vibe that has ever existed with his sourpuss attitude.
“Here is your table. Can I get you something to drink while you wait for your waiter?”
“I wasn’t aware you had so many roles here, Sam.”
“One of our hostesses is running late, and we are overstaffed in the kitchen. So, I volunteered to help until she could get here. Don’t worry, I’ll be back in the kitchen and out of sight soon.”
Thank God. Though, he’s fun to look at. Especially in dress pants and a button-down shirt. Dare I say, he cleans up well.
Doing my best not to ogle, I say, “How thoughtful of you. I’ll take a dry red wine, whatever you think is best.” My tone is as dry as the wine I am about to drink. I can’t help it. Something about this man drives me bonkers. His eyes meet mine and I find myself unable to look away. Again.
“Do you guys know each other?” Shaun’s comment brings me back to the present. How the fuck did I forget he was here for a second? Damn, I suck as a date.
Blinking a couple times, I look back to my date. “Yes, he is Cal’s brother. Isla and I have been taking his cooking class.”
“Oh, well, nice to meet you. I’m Shaun.” He extends his hand and Sam, slower than a fucking snail caught in spilled molasses, raises his hand and shakes it. Judging by my date’s face, I'm guessing that Sam’s handshake is on the aggressive side.
“I’ll be back with your drinks.” Sam turns on his heels and stomps his way across the dim restaurant.
Fucking egotistical males. Everything is a pissing contest.
Shaun shifts in his seat, as if he’s feeling a bit uncomfortable. That makes two of us.
“It’s none of my business, but did you ever date that guy?”
“Sam? No. I’ve only known him for a few months, actually.” My mind flashes to the kitchen that is all too close, and how Sam’s lips were millimeters away from mine only a week ago. More often than I would ever care to admit, I’ve found myself thinking about what would have happened if Linsey hadn’t interrupted. But that wasn’t a real date. So, I feel like I’m not lying to Shaun. Clearly, we were just friends.
With that, he just shakes his head and lets it go. “So, what do you do for fun?”
I almost forgot how much I hate first dates. The whole thing feels like an interview. I know it’s not, and how else do you get to know someone than asking questions? But it’s just… Ugh.
“Um, I enjoy hiking and I like to bake—mostly cinnamon rolls, bread, and cookies. Stuff like that. What about yourself?”
“I like hiking, too. There are quite a few trails around us. We will have to go sometime.”
“I’d like that. What made you move to the area?” Isla had told me he hasn’t been in the area super long. At the very least, we have that in common.
“My grandparents used to live a couple towns over from here. So, I was familiar enough with the area. My last job didn’t quite pan out the way I had hoped. I started applying elsewhere, and this was my best offer.” A story similar to mine. Maybe I am not the only one in their late twenties still trying to get their shit together.
Dinner goes by without any more interruptions from grumpy pants, since our waiter took over. The conversation moves from interview to more fun topics, like the dumbest things we’ve ever done. He is kind and he makes me laugh. The fact that he is actually six-foot-five is just a super sweet icing on the cake. I almost feel a bit of hope. Except, I can’t help but notice how my eyes keep scanning the crowd throughout the meal, searching for another glance at Sam. What is wrong with me?
After we finish dinner, he drives me home and walks me to the front door. The cool air brings on a chill to my exposed arms and legs. I should have worn a coat, but that would have ruined my outfit. Sometimes, being cold is a sacrifice you have to make.
We reach the front porch, and I turn to face him. He’s going to kiss me, right? Should I kiss him? Is kissing on the first date still a no-no? Stupid rule, that one is. Part of me wants him to kiss me, so I can prove to myself that we have chemistry and that this was a good thing. He’s nice and all, but I won’t settle for anything less than Fourth of July fireworks.
“I had a really good time and would like to do this again sometime,” Shaun says.
“I did, too. Thank you for not being a terrible blind date.” At that, we both chuckle.
The laughs die off, and he leans in. First kisses are the scariest for me. Like, what if I bump his nose? I already fell into his crotch. I can’t be an idiot twice tonight. His eyes close and I meet him halfway. His lips are soft, and he doesn’t try to stick his tongue down my throat. Overall, this is nice. But there’s just one problem.
There are no fireworks. No crazy connection. Butterflies don’t fill my body. When I almost kissed Sam, my body came alive, my pulse raced, and I wanted it. This isn’t that, and I can’t help but to wonder if it’s because Shaun isn’t Sam?
Why am I like this?
Maybe I am just putting too much pressure on the moment. I tend to write off the nice guys, and this is probably me resetting to my factory settings.
When he pulls away, I put a big smile on my face. “Thanks again. Text me when you get home.”
He leans back in to kiss my cheek. “You can count on it.”
When I walk in, I close the door and press my back against the door. My eyes close and I try to sort through my thoughts.
“That bad, huh?” Cal asks.
My body jumps at his sudden arrival. He must have been in the living room and I didn’t notice.
Plastering on a fake smile, I say, “Not at all, actually. He was great. Not a single red flag was waving.”
Isla comes racing down the stairs. “I thought I heard you. How’d it go? He’s great, right?” She lands at the base of the stairs with a thunk , skipping the last two and choosing to jump instead.
“It went good. As far as blind dates go, that went exceedingly well.”
With a sly grin, she wiggles her eyebrows. “Did he kiss you?”
“On that note, I’m out.” Cal points to the stairs.
“What, you don’t enjoy our girl talk?” Sarcasm fills my voice.
“I just have this really important thing.” He starts slowly walking backward, as if we will pounce him.
Isla tilts her head. “Huh, I don’t remember you saying you had anything to do tonight.”
“Just remembered,” Cal says, practically sprinting up the stairs, as far away from girl talk as he can get.
“Uh, huh. Sure,” I say.
Isla and I make our way to the kitchen and plop down on the barstools. The cold from the chair sends a chill up my spine.
“So, it went good? If you’re not going to tell me about the kiss, I can just ask him Monday.” She is relentless, but her excitement makes me want to be more excited. Maybe I can just try harder and get out of my own head.
“It went well. He was really nice, and he wasn’t weird at all. Color me pleasantly surprised.”
She drops her jaw and scrunches her brow. “I don’t know whether to be excited or hurt that you thought I would set you up with a creeper.” Her hands land on her hips, sass on full display.
“Creepers have a way of closeting the weirdness until left alone.”
“Yeah, yeah.” She waves off my wariness. “Are you guys going to go out again?”
“I think so.” Usually, I am more honest with her. And to myself.
The date was fine, but the chemistry just isn’t there. I can’t stand the thought of letting her down, or letting her know I might have a smidge of a super stupid crush on her soon-to-be brother-in-law. Knowing her feelings about him, I keep it to myself. Maybe sparks will come with Shaun if I give it more time. I’ve written men off too easy in the past. So, maybe this time I should just try.
Seriously, for once in my life, can I just like the right and easy thing?