by Gia Riley
“Okay,” I say with a huff.
“Are you seriously going to hold out on me? I’ll give you another shot here. Go ahead, Hallie. Tell me every sultry detail and I know there were many.”
“Can we just get another beer and talk about it later. I don’t even know where he went. He just walked away. Maybe I pissed him off and he’s sick of my indecisive ass already.” I decide alcohol is my best bet right now.
“Hallie, stop comparing every guy that comes along to douchebag Mike. Just because you and him lasted a whopping two weeks and he did you incredibly wrong, doesn’t mean every guy will pull the same shit.”
“And what about you? Where is your man tonight?” I ask trying to steer this conversation in a different direction.
“For your information I am meeting up with Tanner any minute,” he says while looking around.
“So you decided to give him another shot, then?” Tanner may or may not have cheated on Alex while he went on a celebratory trip with his parents after graduation. Since there is no proof and Tanner swears he didn’t cheat, Alex has been going back and forth about taking him back. I know he cares about him a lot, maybe even loves him. That is one word Alex doesn’t toss around lightly so I know how hurt he has been feeling.
“I told him we can hang out tonight and see how it goes. Test the waters. Holy shit, Hallie.”
“Holy shit, what?” I’m busy looking around when I hear a familiar, sexy voice come over the sound system. The band is starting with one of my favorite country songs. Hey Pretty Girl by Kip Moore starts up as I grab my cranberry vodka and take a sip. See what I did there? I ordered something fruity. Okay, there still isn’t fruit on the rim but there is fruit juice in it! Turning around to watch, I nearly choke on my drink as I realize the smooth, raspy voice is coming from my Ryan.
“Holy shit Alex, he can sing.” I can’t come up with anything else coherent. It’s a good thing I ordered something stronger than beer. My stomach nosedives down to my toes as I listen to him sing to the room and work the strings of his guitar like a seasoned pro. I don’t miss the subtle looks he sends my way during key points of the song. I haven’t felt wanted like this is a very long time, if ever.
If I ever had any doubts about saying yes to his date before, they are completely gone. I see in his eyes he is one hundred percent sincere about his feelings. I’m nervous to put myself back out there but I’m so lost in his voice I know I’d never say no to him. We have crossed paths several times in the last few days for a reason. I feel like I owe it to the universe to accept.
The rest of Ryan’s set goes off without a hitch. Before I know it the bartender is announcing last call and the night is coming to a close. I sit on my bar stool staring off into space while Alex talks with Tanner next to me. They really are a sexy couple and hopefully they can put the cheating scandal to rest and move on. Tossing the skinny, red straw from my drink on the bar, I suck down the rest of my drink.
“Hey pretty girl.” I feel his hot breath on my neck as he comes up behind me and drapes his arm around my shoulders.
“Yes.”
“Yes what? Did I miss something?” he asks with a smile on his handsome face that tells me he understands exactly what I’m trying to say to him.
“Yes I will go on a date with you, Ryan.”
Obviously I’m assuming the offer still stands after the display on the stage during his set. That doesn’t make me any less nervous though. With the alcohol coursing through my body, I feel confident in the moment.
Hesitating, Ryan asks, “what made you say yes?”
This is the first time I see any hint of nervousness in his expression. He has been the confident one.
“I knew I was going to say yes before you even walked away from me.” I duck my head and fold the napkin the bartender placed my drink on. “I just couldn’t get the words to come out of my mouth”.
“I thought we weren’t playing games with each other, Hallie.”
Understanding that my methods really weren’t the best, I decide to admit defeat and simply say, “no more games. I promise.” And I mean that, I don’t want to be scared of getting hurt every time a new guy comes along. I owe it to myself to stop being afraid and be open to the idea of a real relationship where my heart is available.
“Look at me, Hallie.” I slowly find some courage to look up into his eyes.
“You, my pretty girl, are forgiven.” My bashful smile returns along with the rapid pulse I feel throughout every inch of my sensitized body. Ryan’s confidence is both intimidating and soothing at the same time.
Ryan smiles and asks, “like your song?”
“Is that my song now? When were you planning on mentioning you perform here? I had no idea and I come here all the time.”
“Of course it is. This was actually my first gig here. I didn’t even know you were coming here tonight, I got lucky,” he says with a flirtatious wiggle of his eyebrows.
I can’t help but crack up at his expression.
“Hopefully not your last gig here either. It’s hot watching you sing up there. I feel like you’re singing just to me.”
“I’ll sing to you anytime you want, babe.”
“Thanks.” I’m blushing again so I look away.
“We better get going - they’re closing up. Did you drive?”
“No. I came with Alex.”
“Let me take you home then.”
“Okay.” You don’t have to ask me twice!
He takes my hand making my heart race all over again. I turn around to let Alex know I have a ride but he needs no explanation. With a smile and a hint of curiosity, he mouths the words, have fun. He must have a good feeling about Ryan since normally I’d be getting the third degree about letting a random guy take me home. He’s also holding Tanner’s hand so I can only assume they are back on.
We don’t say much on the ride to my place other than me telling him where to turn. Words aren’t really needed though. The alcohol and late night are both catching up with me as I feel my eyes start to get heavy.
“Are you falling asleep on me over there?” Ryan teases.
“Sorry, I’m awake.”
“Don’t apologize. You can sleep. I’m glad you feel safe.”
I never thought about feeling safe but I can see why he would say that. Surprisingly, I do feel safe when I’m around him. Hopefully the nerves take a hike soon too. I don’t want to miss a minute with him so I decide to bring up our impending date instead of drifting off to sleep.
“Thanks. So when is this epic date taking place?” I say as I shift myself in my seat to face him.
“Epic, huh? That’s a lot of pressure.”
“Yep. If tonight was any indication, you’re capable of epic. The way you sang up on the stage and made me feel tonight was a definite first,” I say with a nod of my head.
He raises his eyebrows letting me know he’s intrigued by my observation. “Good to know. You busy tomorrow?”
“No. Just have a few errands to run in the morning.”
“Tomorrow it is then. I better start planning. I’ll pick you up at six. Hand me your phone,” he says as we pull into a parking space in front of my house.
I have to laugh as I pass it to him. He doesn’t even know my phone number. This makes me slightly anxious as I realize he really knows so little about me other than the beer I drink and what I do for a living. I push the thoughts to the back of my mind and decide to embrace whatever this is between us.
“There you go. We have each other’s numbers now. I’ll walk you to your door.”
“Such a gentleman,” I banter.
“Always.” We reach my door as he gives me a hug and kisses me softly above my temple. Waiting until I am safely inside, he smiles shyly at me and says, “sweet dreams, pretty girl.”
“Night, Ryan.”
I close the door, lock it and realize maybe I can do the boyfriend/relationship thing after all. The sexual tension buzzing in the air has me anxious to see hi
m again already. He also has the potential to change my life by providing me with the kind of stable relationship I have always been wishing for. Not to mention he has manners! Jackpot!
I HAVE NO IDEA WHERE we’re going on our date. I don’t even know what to wear. Guys can’t do that to women. We are complex creatures who thrive on details, and yet here I sit without a clue. I’ve spent most of my day prepping for tonight. I shaved twice, just in case I missed something the first time, painted my toes and finger nails a deep red only to decide that it looked trampy and changed them to a light shade of pink, moisturized, and am searching for something to wear.
After sitting here and staring into my closet I decide I can either ask Alex or call Ryan. I thoroughly debate back in forth with myself over which option to choose. Alex won’t be much help since he has no idea where we’re going either. This leaves Ryan as my only option. My nerves are getting the best of me and the thought of calling him makes me rethink my decision. I decide to take the coward’s way out and text him. It’s 2014; this is a perfectly acceptable form of communication in this day and age. Finally convincing myself, I type out my message and press send.
Hallie: Hey Ryan. Not sure what to wear tonight?? Where are we going? :)
Ryan: Hey back. Clothes…if you want. No hints. ;)
Hallie: Very funny. Is casual okay??
Ryan: Casual is fine. Still not getting any hints.
Hallie: It was worth a shot. See you at 6 then?
Ryan: Definitely.
Still sitting in front of my closet, I decide to stop over-thinking things as I pick out a pair of dark skinny jeans, and a coral colored sleeveless top that pops against my dark hair and eyes. My gold wedge sandals and my favorite gold bangle bracelets are the perfect complement to my ensemble. I decide on soft waves in my shoulder length hair and a dewy sun kissed look for my makeup. Just as I’m finishing up, I hear the doorbell ring, sending a message to my brain that this is actually happening whether I’m ready or not.
Grabbing my purse and tossing in some gum, I shut the lights off in my room and make my way to the front door. Several deep breaths later, I find a deliciously dressed man waiting for me on the other side. He made scrubs look hot so seeing him in street clothes continues to blow my mind. He looked great at the bar, but looks even hotter now. His black button down with the sleeves rolled up his forearms shows off his tan and screams sexy. A few buttons are undone in the front forcing my imagination to run wild. Jeans distressed in all the right places cover his lower half reminding me how much I would love to strip that shirt off his body and lick my way up every inch of his abs. Eventually my eyes make their way to Ryan’s, but not before I realize I was caught gawking…again.
“Hey pretty girl, like what you see?”
Shit. Guilty as charged. I try to casually down play my not so subtle attempt of checking him out with a simple, “yes.”
“I’m glad. You look beautiful.”
“I like when you call me that.”
“Beautiful?” he questions.
Staring down towards the ground I kick at the gravel and tell him, “No. Pretty girl. You do it a lot. I like it.”
He tips my chin back up and says, “I’m glad since I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon. Are you ready to go?”
“Yes. Just let me lock up.”
I know I have the cheesiest smile on my face as he places his hand on the small of my back and guides me toward his car. Usually I would laugh at this situation and tell the girl to get a grip, but now I get it. Sometimes you just need to experience the cliché to fully understand the enormity of the gesture. He politely opens and closes my door for me like the gentleman that he is. Pulling away from the curb, he places one hand on the wheel and the other on my thigh moving it only to shift gears. We ride in comfortable silence for a few minutes before I can’t take it any longer. He knows it’s killing me not having a clue where we’re going. So I decide to ask. No games right?
“So, where are we going?” I ask in a tone that doesn’t resemble my own. Clearly his touch is affecting me.
“I like your laugh.”
“Umm. Thanks?” I say as I scrunch my nose up in confusion.
“You’re doing it again, Hallie.”
“What do you mean? I’m just sitting here.”
He glances at me briefly not wanting to take his eyes off the road for too long and smiles.
“You’re overthinking things. I said I like your laugh.” Why he felt the need to exaggerate those two words, I have no idea. My hearing is just fine.
“Hmm. Still doesn’t help but thanks for the compliment anyway.” I shift in my seat and smile.
“I like your eyes.” Two can play this game, buddy. Satisfied by my comment, I laugh.
He looks over at me again and the intensity of his stare makes me wonder if I said something wrong. My smile slowly fades as I hold his gaze. Just as I start to doubt myself, his lips press together and morph into a charming smirk. All I can think about is how they would feel against my own.
“Thanks babe. We’re here,” he says with amusement in his voice.
Looking around, I search for a restaurant or some indication of where we’re headed. Judging by where we are, we’re going shopping. Outlets are lined up on each side of the highway with a pet shop right in front of us. He senses me trying to figure things out and chuckles as he watches me.
“You want to get a dog?” Chewing on my thumb nail, I say the only obvious thing that comes to mind with both hesitation and confusion lacing my voice. My response has him breaking out into a full blown belly laugh as he shakes his head saying how cute I am. I’m still not catching on to something.
“I already have a dog. A lab, her name’s Lola. You’ll meet her soon.”
“Okaaay.”
“Turn around,” he says, still smiling.
I turn around and then I see the sign. I had no idea this place was even back here. Apparently we are heading to a comedy club and I feel like such an ass for my comment about liking his eyes. He complimented my laugh for obvious reasons…he is taking me to The Laugh Factory. So much for beating him at his own game.
“The Laugh Factory. Well, now it makes sense.”
“Don’t worry, I’m glad my eyes turn you on. You can tell me what else you like any time you want.” He steps out of the car to come around and open my door as I mentally smack myself in the head with embarrassment. I’m not off to the best start.
We walk into the club hand in hand and I can’t help but feel like a giddy middle school girl who is holding hands with her boyfriend for the first time. Ryan definitely makes me feel wanted. While I’m not used to this feeling, I know I want more of it.
Sitting at a table near the stage makes me a little uneasy. Don’t they tend to pick on the people close to the stage? I don’t know how I feel about being the butt of someone’s joke or put on the spot. Trying my best to relax, I remind myself to stay present in the moment. My excessive need to analyze everything will just have to wait.
We order two beers; mine a Miller Light, of course. Classy beer. Let’s hope the alcohol loosens me up. Last thing I need is him thinking I have a stick up my ass, when in reality I’m just nervous. The last guy I went on a date with dumped me after three dates for the red headed slut next door. He was one of those guys who told me everything I thought I wanted to hear. Not only was I pretty, funny, and perfect girlfriend material, he also told me it would bother him to see me with someone else. I assumed this meant we were an exclusive couple. Much to my surprise, that rule didn’t apply to himself. While I was supposed to be a one man kind of girl, he was allowed to have his pick of the crop. If all of that wasn’t shitty enough, I was supposed to figure out all of this on my own. No explanation was given other than seeing the proof right before my eyes as I walked around campus. Being burned like that sucks ass. There’s no other way to put it. Speaking of red headed sluts, they happen to be my favorite shot. Maybe I should order one of those to shake this funk.
“What are you thinking about right now? You looked like you were concentrating,” Ryan says as he drinks his beer and rests his arms casually on the table. Either he isn’t experiencing the same level of first date jitters as I am, or he just hides it well.
“Red headed sluts.”
Choking on his beer, Ryan replies with wide eyes, “wasn’t expecting that. You want to explain that one?”
Deciding to keep the ex-asshole under wraps, I answer with a simple “I like the shots. They actually taste good, unlike most liquor.”
“Hallie, you aren’t like most girls are you?”
“I’d like to think I’m one of a kind. Why?”
“You definitely are one of a kind. It’s refreshing. What else do you like? So far we established my eyes and red headed sluts. What else makes you happy?”
You do. Since I don’t want to scare him, I will keep that little tidbit to myself and focus on subjects less intense.
“I like the color pink….sports…I played softball for six years. I was a cheerleader in elementary and middle school. Go Tigers!” I say as I pretend to shake my invisible pom poms in the air, earning a smile from Ryan. “In college, I played intramural volleyball. My serve is deadly,” I deadpan with my eyes narrowed in a defensive don’t mess with me vibe. “Rings pops and Swedish fish are my favorite candies. Cadbury milk chocolate can solve any problem. I’m probably one of the few women who doesn’t like to go shopping all the time. Just for the record that doesn’t apply to online shopping. I am a seasoned pro at that!” I exclaim with confidence and a quick nod of my head. “Cruises are my favorite vacations. There’s something so exciting about waking up in a new place every day, plus it’s fun to meet new people on the same journey. What other vacation can you go on with the same couple thousand people and all end up with a unique experience? I’m rambling, sorry. Your turn.”
“No, I love hearing about things you like. You get a determined look in your eyes. It’s cute. Tell me about your family,” he says with honest interest.
“Well, my mom and dad are awesome. I couldn’t think of two better parents to be blessed with. I have my dad’s sense of humor for sure. He and I have always been close. I was his sidekick and a bit of a tomboy growing up. My sister is five years older than me and works in fashion. She’s the shopper of the family, definitely a fashionista. We aren’t super close and are opposites in pretty much everything we do which kind of sucks. How about you? Tell me about your family. I need to know more about the mysterious Ryan Andrews. I don’t even know how old you are.”
