Chapter 14 #2
“Hi, Lara?” he said as he walked toward me, all six feet and two inches of him looking devastatingly handsome.
I looked at him in surprise. He was much better looking than his photos, and his warm smile made me feel super happy.
He made me feel like he was excited to see me.
And that was something I hadn’t felt from a guy in a while.
“Yes, Luke?” I smiled at him and his big brown eyes glanced into mine with such a caring look that I felt a part of me relax in a carefree way.
“That’s me.” He reached his hand out, then looked at me, shook his head, and gave me a small smile. “Would it be awkward if I hugged you?” He made a little face, but still leaned in to hug me. I hugged him back, enjoying the warmth of his body next to mine. “Or rather, can I hug you?”
“Not awkward, and sure.” I laughed as he released me and he gave me a bashful grin.
“I suppose I should have asked you and then waited for your answer first.” He shook his head in a self-deprecating way and I just smiled. “Would you like a drink? Tea, coffee, hot chocolate?” He waved his arms around. “Anything you want?”
“Anything I want?” I leaned and tilted my head to the side. “What if I want a lemon drop with gold flakes?”
“Then I’m in trouble.” He grinned back at me and we both laughed. I was surprised by how at ease I felt with him. “Maybe a lemonade with brown sugar that we pretend is gold?”
“That could work, I suppose.” I smiled back at him.
“Thanks for meeting me here before the movie, by the way. I know I changed the plans slightly and I feel bad, but I thought dinner might be better after the movie.” He grinned bashfully. “If you still want to hang out with me by then.”
“Haha, no worries. I’m flexible,” I said. “I’m excited to see the movie.”
“I hope you enjoy it. I realize that maybe it’s not the best first date.” He made a face. “Sorry. I guess I’m not a good dater.”
“It’s fine.” I laughed. “I’m not a good dater either, so I guess we’re in good company.”
“I guess I got lucky, then.” He gave me a lopsided smile and once again his brown eyes looked into mine warmly.
“Oh?”
“To find someone I’m so compatible with,” he said and then ran his hands through his dark locks. “Now, let’s get you a drink.”
“Sure, thanks.” I nodded and followed him to the line. I stared up at the menu and looked at my options.
“Know what you want? I recommend their vanilla lattes,” he said after a minute or so.
“Sure, I’ll try that.” I smiled at him.
“Want to share a blueberry muffin as well?” he asked with a hopeful smile, and I just grinned as I nodded.
He placed the order and we walked over to the table in the corner that he’d saved for us.
“I hope this is okay,” he said as he waited for me to sit.
“Sorry, I don’t know why I’m so nervous.
Actually, I do.” He grinned at me. “When I saw your profile online I was shocked to find someone as cool as you, and now meeting you in person has me wondering if I’m in a dream or something. ”
“Really, why?” I asked him in surprise as I sat down and sipped on my vanilla latte, which was indeed delicious.
“Because you’re even prettier in person, but more than that. You have a really sweet aura about you. Does that sound weird?” He made a face. “Do I sound like some crazy hippie New Age person?”
“No, that sounds nice. Thank you. I think you have a cool aura yourself.” I grinned at him, and he laughed.
“So, Lara, tell me about you.” He leaned forward.
“What do you want to know?” I smiled at him, feeling really and truly happy for the first time in what seemed like forever.
“Cats or dogs?”
“Dogs—definitely dogs.”
“Me too.” He grinned. “Tea or coffee?”
“Coffee, baby.” I laughed.
“Sweet or savory?”
“Ooh. That’s a hard one. Depends on the day, but I like both, a lot.” I laughed again.
“Cupcakes or cookies?”
“Cupcakes. You?”
“Cookies.” He grinned. “I’m an enigma.”
“Oh?”
“My favorite cookie is oatmeal raisin.” He laughed. “My sister says I’m a weirdo.”
“Oatmeal raisin cookies aren’t bad.” I grinned. “My favorite cupcakes are red velvet.”
“I love red velvet cupcakes,” he said and then he groaned. “Actually, I can’t lie. I hate them. Just give me chocolate cupcakes without the food coloring.”
“Haha,” I laughed. “Not the same.”
“I beg to differ.” He grinned, his teeth white and shiny and slightly crooked, which gave him an even more endearing look.
“Sure, you do.” I winked at him. “Any more questions?”
“Favorite movie?”
“Ooh, good one. Let me think. Um, I think it would have to be Casablanca.”
“Oh, wow.” He looked at me with an impressed expression. “I have to go with The Godfather. Favorite TV show?”
“Honestly?” I laughed. “I absolutely love The King of Queens, because I think Kevin James is hilarious. You?”
“Breaking Bad, all day, every day.” He grinned. “With The Walking Dead a close second.”
“Aww, I haven’t watched those shows yet,” I said. “I need to, though.”
“Maybe we can do a Breaking Bad marathon,” he suggested. “I’d love to watch it all the way through again.”
“Yeah, that would be cool,” I agreed. “I’ve heard good things about it.”
“Awesome.” He broke off a piece of the muffin and continued chewing. “So there’s this art exhibit coming to town next week featuring some Impressionist pieces from Monet, Manet, Degas, and some others from some private collection. I was wondering if you’d be interested in going with me?”
“Are you asking me on a second date?” I asked, surprised.
“I know. I know. I should play it cooler.” He laughed as he stared at me. “And I know you barely know me and this date has barely started, but I just wanted you to know that I’m definitely interested in seeing you again.”
“Thank you. I think I’d like that.” I nodded and took a piece of the muffin. “Now, tell me more about this movie that we’re going to see. You’ve got me all curious.”
“I can’t tell you too much or I’ll spoil it.” He grinned. “But I can tell you that what you think is happening is not what’s really happening or what’s going to happen.”
“Hmm, really?” I was thoughtful. “How so?”
“I can’t tell you more.” He laughed. “You’ll just have to see.”
“Argh. I hate surprises.” I laughed and then froze as I heard my phone beeping. I ignored the sound and tried to quiet the thought that perhaps it was Parker texting me. I was not going to think about him. I wanted him off of my mind.
“Is that your phone?” Luke asked me curiously. “I don’t mind if you check your messages.”
“No, it’s fine. I’m sure it’s nothing important.” I smiled at him, ignoring the slight turning in my stomach.
“If you’re sure,” he said as he took another bite of the muffin. “Maybe your friends are texting you to make sure you’re still alive. Or maybe they’re trying to give you an out. Which I suppose is a good sign for me because you’re not answering the phone and accepting it.”
“This is a good date. I don’t need to flee.” I grinned and then frowned slightly as I heard my phone beeping again.
“Check it.” He laughed. “Obviously whoever is trying to text you is concerned and needs an update.”
“Haha, yeah, maybe,” I said, my stomach churning as I picked up my phone.
I put in my password and looked at my messages.
There was a message from Mila and several from Parker.
I took a deep breath and opened up the messages.
“Lara, I’m so sorry about what happened this afternoon.
Please forgive me. Have a nice date. I’m sure he’ll love you.
You’re an awesome gal. Please call me when you get back from your date so I know everything is okay.
” I stared at the screen, my heart once again feeling low.
I felt a burning pain and anger at Parker as I stared at his messages.
Why couldn’t he just leave me alone? Why did he have to torment me so?
I looked up at Luke, who was staring at me curiously, and I gave him a weak smile.
“It’s my friend Mila making sure the date is going well.
” I looked back down at my phone and deleted the messages from Parker.
I wasn’t going to respond. And I sure as hell wasn’t going to call him later.
He could piss off. I was done with him. I wasn’t playing his games any longer.
I didn’t need any more heartache and I didn’t want to waste my time anymore.
“So tell me more about this movie, then,” I said to Luke as I put my phone back into my bag.
“What exactly did your friend work on?” I leaned forward and pushed Parker to the back of my mind.
I was going to focus on Luke now. He seemed nice and cute and he was interested in me, which was a great thing.
I needed someone who wanted to see me and hang out with me, not someone who wanted to play games with my heart.