She waved her hand in the air dismissively. “Yeah, you know the whole idea that the guy has to do some big elaborate set-up to ask a girl to the prom. Now they expect that shit for everything.”
I glanced over at her. “So I take you’re not one of those girls?”
“Hell no. You know me better than that. That’s stupid Internet sensation shit. I want something genuine.”
“Are you saying I should run from this girl then?”
Her mouth pinched together as her head tipped from side to side. “Not necessarily. But, if she really isn’t about something simple like coffee for a first date, that could mean she’s pretty high-maintenance.”
I thought about Christine the last two times I saw her and nothing about her screamed high-maintenance. No designer bag, no long, manicured nails. Every time I saw her she’d been wearing jeans and a simple sweater. Something else must be the issue.
“I don’t think she’s high-maintenance.” I crossed my arms on top of the table. “Maybe she’s really not interested.”
“Nah.” Dylan reached for his drink the moment the waiter set it down. “Once you walked up front to sing to her and I realized who she was, I kept my eye on her the rest of the night.”
Three heads turned in unison to stare at Dylan. Kylee was the first one to find her voice. “You did what?”
“I watched her. I was curious what kind of woman had our boy’s attention.”
Miles chuckled. “I gotta say, Dylan, I’m impressed. You usually don’t even know what day it is and now you’re people watching for Aiden?”
“Yep.”
“Okay. So, what did you see that makes you think she’s interested?”
He leaned back in the seat and rested his arms along the back of it. “She watched you all night, man. Not once did she take her eyes off you. Not to look at any of us or the crowd around her. Even when her friend tried to get her attention, she kept her focus on you.”
Kylee’s eyes were wide. “I had no idea you could be so observant.”
“I can when I want to be.”
The server came back with our food. “Anything else?”
I shook my head, more curious about our conversation than the food sitting in front of me. “No, I think we’re good for now.”
“Let me know if you need anything.” He walked away and I turned my attention back to the issue at hand.
“Okay, so if we don’t think she’s high-maintenance and that she is interested, then I don’t get what she means by when I have a plan, call her.”
“Maybe she was nervous,” Kylee offered. “Maybe it had nothing to do with you or your date choice. Have you talked to her about anything besides going out?”
I threw my hands up in the air at the ridiculousness of the conversation. “No, I thought that was what first dates were for.”
Kylee picked up her fork and pointed it at me. “I think you need to talk to her. I’d be willing to bet it’s not the place but the date in general that’s freaking her out. She placed her chopsticks into the food. Miles and Dylan were already shoveling food into their mouths. But suddenly I wasn’t hungry.
I grabbed my phone off the table. This would either be the dumbest idea or not, but I had to try.
I opened up my text messages and chose the number Christine had given me earlier tonight.
Me: Hey. It’s Aiden. Was wondering something.
I set the phone to the side and picked up my chopsticks, forcing myself to pick up some of the spicy noodles I wanted so much when we arrived. Insane how one conversation could derail any plans you had. I lifted the chopsticks to my lips when my phone lit up beside me. I dropped them and grabbed for it.
Christine. Okay. What are you curious about?
My fingers flew over the keys.
Me: Were you really looking for something more elaborate for a first date or were you trying to let me down without actually telling me no.
This time I expected an answer pretty quick, but the phone sat silently in my hand. I was about to set it down when it lit up again.
Christine: I don’t need something special
My shoulders dropped. All of this was turning into one big mindfuck.
Me: Next time you can just say no. It’ll save us all some time.
I put my phone down and reached for the chopsticks. Not remotely hungry, but no way would I let some girl I just met ruin my night out with friends. The heat hit my tongue instantly. God how much I could’ve used a shot of vodka. My phone lit up again with Christine’s name. I almost ignored it, but the masochist that I was picked it up.
Christine: I don’t want to say no.
Me: I’m confused.
Christine: I’m nervous. Not really the best with relationships.
Me: Then hang out with me. No pressure. We can just get to know each other.
A few beats passed.
Christine: Okay
My heart leapt in my chest.
Christine: BTW. I loved your new song tonight.
Kylee elbowed me in the ribs. “What did she say?” I ignored her and messaged Christine back.
Me: Thanks. I had good inspiration. Thursday?
Christine: I have class until four, but I’m in after that.
Me: See you Thursday.
Christine: Looking forward to it.
I set my phone down and found three sets of eyes on me. Kylee elbowed me again. “So, what’s the deal?”
“We’re going out on Thursday.”
Kylee winked and went back to her food.
Now I just needed a plan. Something simple but fun.
Damn, I was in trouble.
4
My hands shook as I walked through the parking lot and to the building number she’d given me. I’d left the house early, completely forgetting how long it would take me to drive to campus from my apartment. Which left me fifteen minutes early. Plus, I didn’t really know what to think of Christine finally agreeing to go out with me. She said she was nervous. What was she nervous about?
I didn’t want our picnic to be the only thing on the agenda for the night. I wanted to get to know her. Everything about her intrigued me. Hopefully, this was the first of many nights.
I took the stairs two at a time up to her door. I lifted my hand to knock but stopped, sucking in a long, heavy breath. From what I’d learned from Gina, she’d been burnt enough times and wouldn’t be ready to hand her heart over again so easily. I had a lot to prove. What we did during our date didn’t matter as much. How I treated her did.
I understood her reluctance. But that reluctance also made me nervous as hell to knock on the door. I didn’t want to fuck up and be another page in her diary about men who suck. Hell, I had my own version of that book. Usually each page started with, they wanted to use me for whatever it might be they wanted at the time.
With as much courage I could muster for the night, I lifted my hand and rapped my knuckles on her front door.
It opened almost immediately, but it wasn’t Christine behind it.
Gina stepped forward and leaned against the doorjamb.
“I take it she called?”
“No, I sent her a text. She agreed to me to meet her here after her class.”
Gina glanced behind at the clock on the counter. “Makes sense. She should be back in the next five minutes or so.”
My brow creased. “I thought she’d be done already.”
Had this been a way to get out of our date? Be so late coming back from class that I’d give up and go home? My head started to get the best of me.
Gina poked a finger into my chest. “You can shut that thought off right now. I can see the wheels turning in your head.” She stepped back, letting me into the small two-bedroom apartment. “She probably got trapped. Her professor loves to talk, usually running at twenty to thirty minutes past the end of class.”
My mouth dropped open. “Twenty to thirty minutes? And no one leaves?”
Gina made her way to the small kitchen on
the one side of the room, while I paced around looking at the photos and posters that hung on the walls. “Nope. A few did the first day and he made it a point to call them out for it when they were leaving. Apparently, the professors know he does this and give some leeway if you have a class after his.”
“That’s screwed up.”
“Yep.” Gina grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge. “Want one?”
I shook my head. “No, thanks.”
She twisted off the cap and lifted the bottle to her lips. “Gotta say, I loved the set the other night. Music was perfect.”
I stopped in my tracks and turned to face her. “You liked it?”
“Yeah.” She shrugged. “Especially the one you sang to Christine.”
“I asked her to have coffee or dinner with me, but she told me no and to let her know when I thought of something better.”
Gina smiled and nodded. “She had a pretty big test the next day, plus a project she had to put the finishing touches on. She barely made it to the show. Probably didn’t want to let you down by saying yes.”
The sound of the door opening had us both turning in its direction. She padded into the room, hiking her bag higher onto her shoulder.
“I thought the professor would never let us out.”
Christine walked right to the small kitchen, seemingly oblivious to the fact I stood in the middle of her apartment.
Gina nodded in my direction. “I think you have company.”
Christine froze and slowly spun around to face me, her eyes wide.
“Aiden.” Her hand flew to her chest. “Sorry, I didn’t realize you were here.”
Christine turned her head to glare at her roommate.
“Not a big deal. I’m early and only got here a few minutes ago.”
“My professor held us over time. Would you mind waiting a few more minutes while I get changed?”
“Nope. Take your time.”
The corner of her lips curled up. “Okay, I’ll be right back.”
She darted around me as she made her way to the bedroom. I couldn’t tell if she was nervous or flustered from getting out of class late.
Gina shook her head. “I’ll be back. Better to let her get it out of her system now before you guys head out.”
Gina set the water bottle down on the counter and followed the same path Christine had taken to the bedrooms.
A slight buzz in my pocket caught my attention. I walked over to the couch, pulling out my phone before taking a seat.
Jackson: Whacha doing?
Of all people sending me a text right now, it had to be him. My best friend since childhood. No way would I ignore him, even as I waited for someone who I thought could end up being very important to me.
Me: Not bad. Waiting to head out on a date.
His reply was immediate.
Jackson: About time you found someone
Me: I didn’t say I found anyone.
Jackson: Yes, but you also never really date. What does she look like?
It wasn’t until senior year and we’d been accepted to two different schools, that we knew any plans we’d made about becoming a band would be put on hold for four years, or maybe even indefinitely.
When I didn’t answer him fast enough, the small little bubbles appeared right before another text came through.
Jackson: Ignoring me?
Me: No, just waiting for you to stop long enough so I can answer.
Jackson: I’m waiting then
Me: I met her at one of our shows, but that’s all I’m telling you until after our date. Don’t want to jinx anything.
Jackson: Fair enough, but you better fill me in soon.
I set my phone down on my lap and leaned against the back of the couch, waiting for Christine and Gina to reappear. The sounds of their muffled voice hit my ears.
I had a pretty good feeling about tonight. I’d figured out simple, but not boring like coffee or dinner. Whatever held her back and I didn’t want to put any more pressure on her.
A few more minutes passed until the door open and Christine stepped out into the living room.
Shit, she looked as gorgeous as she did the first night I saw her in the middle of the crowd.
I practically hopped to my feet and walked over to where she’d stopped a few steps away from me.
“Fuck, I don’t have a single word to describe how you look tonight. Like a freaking angel.”
A pink tint raced up her cheeks. “Ready?”
“More than you know.”
Christine went right to the front door, but as I moved to follow her, a hand landed on my arm.
I glanced over my shoulder to see that Gina had come back into the room.
“Don’t screw this up. She’s been hurt a lot over the last couple of years.”
“I won’t.”
Christine was already out the door and halfway to the lot by the time I’d stepped outside. She glanced around the parking, one hand twirling through pieces of her hair. I walked forward and hit the unlock button on the keys, letting the sound grab her attention. She jumped and her head snapped in the direction of my Jeep.
“Want to tell me why you’re nervous?” I said, walking up and reaching around her for the door handle.
“I’m not nervous.”
“I stepped in front of her and placed a finger under her chin. “I think you are, but I promise, we’re going to have fun tonight.”
A sheepish smile lifted the corner of her mouth. “I know. It’s just been a while since I’ve been on a date with anyone.”
I opened the door and gestured inside. “I can’t figure out why. Any man would be lucky as hell to be on a date with you.”
The nerves slowly melted away as she walked right up to me, almost backing me into the car parked next to mine. “So, does that mean you’re lucky to be going out with me tonight?”
“Luckiest man in the world.”
She moved back toward my car. “Then let’s go.” She winked and climbed into the car.
The sass, the charm, the shyness. The combination and quick change held me captive. It was everything I expected. Something that made her so genuine. So many girls on campus with her looks were arrogant as hell. Thought every guy should hang on each and every one of their words, bow at their feet, or just generally wait on them hand and foot. No fucking thank you. I wanted to meet someone I could wine and dine who would appreciate it, not expect it at every turn.
I moved around the front of the car and climbed inside. It had taken me days after we made plans to figure out the perfect date idea. And I refused to ask my friends for help. Who knew what they would have come up with.
She was quiet the entire drive off campus, watching out the window, the leaves starting to change color all around us. Something I’d only grown used to over the last couple years. For me, back home we never really had fall.
“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?”
She turned to look over at me. “It is. I just don’t usually take time to appreciate it.”
I slowed to a stop at a red light. “Why not?”
She shrugged. “I guess when you grow up with it every year, it doesn’t seem as impressive.”
The light changed and I merged right toward the highway. “I think I know what you mean. I don’t always see the appeal of getting up at the ass crack of dawn just to watch the sunrise over the water. It looks the same every time I see it.”
“I guess you grew up near a lake or the beach.”
“The beach, actually.”
Her eyes drifted to the highway sign as we passed it. “Where are we going?”
“I may not appreciate sunrise at the beach, but I love the peace of the beach in the fall.”
“We’re going to the beach?” The disbelief was clear in her voice.
“That was my plan, unless you had a problem with it.”
“No.” She shook her head. “It just wasn’t what I was expecting.”
“What were you expecting?”
She giggled. “Honestly? The typical college guy date of dinner and a movie. Something not too expensive, but with no imagination.”
That made me take pause. “So a more expensive place would be better?” Maybe she wasn’t the woman I thought she was.
Her head snapped around in my direction. “What? No. I couldn’t care less what they spend. I want someone to put some thought into a date. There’s many things you can do for free and they’re unique.”
“I guess a picnic on the beach to watch the sunset counts?”
Her smile grew even brighter. “Absolutely.”
We’d almost reached the exit when Christine turned slightly in her seat to face me.
“Can I tell you something?”
I flipped on the blinker to get off the highway. “Sure.”
“Last night I had a dream about tonight.”
“Was it a good or a bad dream?”
She covered her eyes, peeking out between two of her fingers. “A little embarrassing.”
“And how is that?” I asked, navigating through the streets to my favorite spot.
“You took me to karaoke.”
I parked along the side of the road, right in front of the beach access. “And that’s a bad thing?”
She reached for the door handle and laughed. “It is when I don’t sing like you.”
“I’m sure it was great.”
She shook her head and I could see the light pink tint to her cheeks. “Absolutely not. I’m the farthest thing from a good singer. But you, on the other hand, have an amazing voice.”
“Thank you.” I got out of the car and went to the back where I had everything stored and ready for our picnic. “I guess that means I shouldn’t take you to karaoke.”
“Only if you don’t make me sing. I’ll happily listen to you sing anytime.”
“Sounds good to me.” I tugged the bag with the blanket up and over my shoulder, then grabbed the cooler. We started walking to the beach access entrance. “Gina made it sound like you’ve been to a few of our shows.”
“Even at the risk of sounding stalker like, we’ve actually been to all of them.”
First and Always: The Forever Duet Page 3
