Chapter 3 Cecilia
CECILIA
I’m still in disbelief that my dad suggested Leo should take me to the charity event.
I get my dad’s reasoning. He’s trying to make sure I was safe and hated the idea of me dating.
After dinner, I hugged my dad and Leo, then went home, smiling wide.
I hoped that Leo doesn’t find a date. I wanted to be the one to go with him to the event, even if it’s only as friends.
To prevent Uncle Leo from finding a date, I decided to sign up on the Holidates app, too, and see if I can convince him to be my holidate. My best friend, Nina, used the app before and found a date for a National Donut Day event, and said it was the most fun date she’s had in a while.
I sat up in bed, leaning against the headboard, Oreo curled up next to me. I downloaded the app, then set up an account.
Cecilia M., 25
Silver Lake Falls, OR
Registered Nurse
Likes reading, dancing, swimming, going to the lake
Looking for a holidate for National Fire Pup Charity Event
I scrolled through the app and found Leo’s profile. His profile picture was of him in front of the fire station. I admired his strong features on his chiseled face, his broad shoulders, and muscular arms. I knew this picture didn’t do him justice. He was even better looking in person.
For a few minutes, I debated whether I should message Leo or not, but thinking about other women hitting on him on this app and having an opportunity to go on a date with him had me pursing my lips and becoming jealous.
Fuck it. I typed up a message and sent it to him, hoping not to embarrass myself.
CECILIA
Hi, Uncle Leo! Since dinner, I’ve been thinking…I think I’d like to go with you to the charity event instead of finding a random date. What do you think? No pressure. It was just an idea. If you choose to find a date, no worries.
I wasn’t sure if he’d respond tonight. He was still with my dad when I left the house an hour ago.
My phone pinged, notifying me of a message.
LEO
Hi, Cece! Surprised to see you on this app. I don’t really want to find a random date, either, and just signed up on this app to appease your father. If you don’t mind going with an old man like me, then I’d love to take you.
The corners of my lips tugged up to a wide smile.
CECILIA
You’re not old! You’re still handsome and fit.
LEO
You’re very sweet. If I haven’t told you, you grew up to be a very beautiful woman.
What was I doing? Flirting with my dad’s best friend, that’s what. Butterflies fluttered in my stomach.
CECILIA
Thank you.
My cheeks heated up, blushing.
LEO
Of course, sweet girl. I’ll talk to you soon. Good night, Cece.
CECILIA
Good night, Uncle Leo.
I squealed, waking up Oreo, who was staring at me like I was crazy.
“Sorry, girl. I can’t believe I was flirting with Uncle Leo,” I said, my cheeks hurting from smiling so wide. I’ll need to tell Nina. She won’t believe it.
I dialed her number, not wasting time to tell my best friend about it.
“Hey Cece,” she answered the phone.
“Hey, Nina, guess what?” My voice was filled with excitement.
“What’s going on? Why do you sound so giddy?” Nina asked.
“It’s Uncle Leo—”
“I knew it had to be because of him.” She giggled.
“Okay, so I went to my dad’s house to make him dinner. I didn’t expect Uncle Leo to be there. I overheard them talking—”
“Overheard?” she teased.
“Fine, eavesdropped.” I chuckled. “So, anyway. I heard them talking about the Charity Event for National Fire Pup Day, and Dad asked him if he’s going to bring a date.”
“And? Is he?”
“Yes, me!” I squealed.
“Oh my God, Cece! Really?” she asked, a mix of shock and excitement in her tone.
“Yes! My dad suggested it, too. He told Uncle Leo that if he doesn’t find a date and I don’t find a date, then Uncle Leo should take me.”
“Wow! That’s amazing. I know you’ve been crushing on him for so long,” Nina said.
“Also, Uncle Leo went on the Holidates app, so I did, too, and we flirted a bit. This date isn’t supposed to be romantic, but I’m going to try to make a move anyway,” I told her.
“I’m happy for you! Now we need to find the perfect dress for the event.” The excitement in my best friend’s voice comforted me. It showed how much she supported me, no matter how ridiculous I sounded.
I know that going after my dad’s best friend as a love interest and partner wasn’t conventional, and people would say that I should be with a man who is my age, but I don’t give a fuck. It’s my life and I’ll date who I want to date.
“The event’s in three weeks, so we have time to get a dress. I’m off tomorrow if you want go shopping,” I offered.
“Sounds good. Eee! I’m so excited for you!”
I laughed.
“I’ll see you tomorrow, Nina. Good night,” I told her.
“See you tomorrow. Good night, Cece,” Nina said, then we hung up the call.
It’s been a week since Leo and I secured our holidate. We haven’t seen each other since dinner at my father’s house or texted each other since confirming our holidate, but that’s all going to change. If I want him to notice me, I should do something about it. I pulled out my phone and texted him.
CECILIA
Hi, Uncle Leo! How are you?
LEO
Hi, Cece. I’m doing well. How about you?
CECILIA
I’m doing well, too. I was wondering if you’re busy today. I wasn’t sure if you were working or not.
LEO
I’m actually off today and don’t have plans. What’s up?
It’s now or never. I wanted to hang out with Leo before our holidate without my dad around.
CECILIA
I’m off today, too. I’m planning to go to the dog park with Oreo in thirty minutes. Do you and Skip want to join us?
I watched the three dots on the bottom of our text conversation, eagerly waiting for his response.
LEO
Sure, that sounds fun. I’ll see you soon.
I squealed like a teenager getting the attention from her crush. It really felt like it, except I’m no longer a teenager.
I changed into workout pants, a tank top, and zip up hoodie, then put the harness and leash on Oreo before heading to the dog park.
I pulled into the parking lot, finding Leo’s truck already here.
Looking toward the large grassy area, I saw the familiar silhouette of a tall, muscular man and large dark brown dog. Leo and Skip.
Butterflies fluttered in my stomach, anxiety washing over my body as I got closer to seeing Leo.
Oreo was practically dragging me toward them.
She was so excited to meet another dog. Skip barked and started running in our direction.
Leo spun around, our eyes locking. His blue eyes were brilliant, twinkling under the sunlight; his lips curving up, flashing a sexy smile.
“Hi, Uncle Leo,” I greeted, closing the distance between us.
He opened up his arms and I didn’t hesitate to go into them, being wrapped up in his embrace.
“Hi, Cece,” he said, squeezing his arms around me, my head pressed against his hard chest, my arms snaked around his waist.
His warm and spicy scent of cinnamon and musk filled my nose, intoxicating me. His embrace was comforting, and I felt so safe with him. His hug lingered a bit longer than usual before he released his hold and stepped back. I could still feel his warmth surrounding me.
“Hope you didn’t wait long,” I said, looking up at him. Leo was a foot taller than me, making me look so small standing beside him.
His hair was dark, peppered with grays throughout. It was styled messy on top, as if he just woke up, although it was already afternoon. He wore a black t-shirt that hugged his biceps and chest, with gray joggers that looked so good on him, sitting low on his hips.
“No, we just got here a few minutes before you two did. Looks like our pups have a liking to each other,” Leo said, chuckling.
Skip and Oreo were very playful with one another, their tails wagging as they jumped and ran around.
“It sure does.” The corners of my lips pulled up to a wide smile.
The dog park was pretty empty except for us being there. It was a good opportunity to talk to Leo, get to know him, and flirt with him. We sat down at a nearby bench, watching our pups playing in the enclosed, fenced area.
“How’s the planning for the charity event?” I asked, turning my body slightly to face him, my hands rested on my lap. He followed suit and faced me.
“It’s pretty much done. We hired an event planner to take care of what was needed, and she did everything.”
“Glad to hear,” I said. Hearing that he was working closely with another woman made me jealous. Why should I be jealous when Leo wasn’t mine to begin with? “Hope she’s not charging too much.”
“Not much at all. Luckily, she’s the wife of one of my guys at the fire house.” Leo gave a small smile.
“Even better,” I blurted out, my cheeks warming up. I was relieved that the event planner was married. I knew that Leo wouldn’t ever have an affair with a married woman, especially when his own wife cheated on him.
“Uncle Leo,” I started. “Are you sure that you want to go to the charity event together? I don’t want you to feel uncomfortable.”
He placed his hand on mine, gently squeezing it as a surge of electricity buzzed up my arm.
“I couldn’t be more sure. I think it would be fun.” He kept his hand on mine a little bit longer and pulled away, his touch still lingering on my skin. “Your dad even encouraged us to go together. It seemed he preferred it that way.”
“Yeah, it did. I was surprised Dad mentioned it.” I shrugged. “Even if he didn’t suggest it, I think it would be fun to go with you. I don’t know what people would say, though, when they see us together.” I gave a lopsided smile. “I don’t want to ruin your reputation.”
He chuckled; his gaze met mine.
“I honestly don’t care what people will say. I’ll be with the most beautiful woman at the event. If anything, men and women will be jealous,” he said, his eyes swirling with desire.
We sat silently, staring into each other’s eyes, a sizzle in the air between us.
“Well, then. I’ll make sure to look extra special for you that night.” My cheeks heated up, blushing, as I tried flirting with him.
“I can’t wait.” He grinned.
Me too.