Solving Us

by Susan Renee

  Standing up from my table, I gather my muffin wrapper and Frappuccino cup and throw them away before starting my walk home.

  You’re beautiful when you blush Olivia.

  His words play over and over again in my head. Had I just imagined that entire conversation? Was it just me, or did he seem more than interested in me? I frown momentarily remembering my early morning flashback. My past always makes me insecure around guys, and this was no exception, really; but for the moment I can’t help but smile at the thought that, though the morning may have had a rocky start, it is quite possible that my day is going to turn around. I text Abby immediately about what just happened, but I know she is too busy at work to reply and then is traveling out of town for the weekend. Hopefully, I will catch her at some point before she leaves to tell her all the details!

  I wait an hour before I send a text to Finn with my address for tomorrow’s date. I don’t want to come across as too eager. In reality, it was all I could do to not text him while he was sitting there at the table with me. I thought at least an hour was a safe bet and am startled by his immediate response. He must’ve been waiting for my text.

  Will pick you up at noon. Excited to spend the day with you!

  I send a quick reply:

  Me: Ditto! C U tomorrow. Have a good evening :)

  Finn: I hope it’s a fast evening so I can see you sooner!

  His text makes me blush and smile…. and smile even bigger. I feel like a giddy little school girl who was just approached by her school girl crush. My phone beeps one more time, alerting me to another text message.

  Finn: I’m imagining you blushing because you’re beautiful when you blush!

  I’m not sure which reaction I am most aware of first, the growing smile on my face, or the warmth that spikes through my body, but either way I am a very happy girl for the rest of the afternoon thanks to “Hot Runner Guy” and what seems to be a mutual attraction. I have to find something to productively occupy my time before tomorrow comes! I am still hoping to get to talk to Abby, but in the meantime, I leave my camera at home and decide to take advantage of the gorgeous day by walking through town to do a little shopping. I want to look perfect for my date, and a new outfit will help.

  3

  The intercom bell goes off near my front door at precisely noon. The apartment manager at the front desk calls up to let me know that Finn is in the building and is heading up, since I had already added his name to our security list. It dawned on me that I didn’t have a last name for Finn when I added him to my list, so I made a mental note to ask him what his last name is. Nothing hugely important, I suppose; but I guess if I’m going to date the guy, I should know his full name, right?

  Whoa, slow down, Liv.

  It’s one date!

  Don’t get your hopes up!

  I am alone in the apartment since Abby left for the remainder of the weekend to spend a few nights in New York City with her latest boyfriend, Trent. I never did get ahold of her, except for a quick text to tell her I had a date. I don’t mind, though, as it gives me more freedom to be with Finn, should the first date go well, and not feel like I’m ignoring Abby. I allow Finn to knock on the door and wait the appropriate amount of time before opening it. I never want to come across as desperate, but I am very eager to see him in a more personal environment. I have no idea what he has planned, other than we will be spending the day on the water.

  I open the door and look up to see Finn standing casually in the hallway outside of my apartment. My breath hitches as I take in the sight of him. He is dressed in faded worn jeans that look like they were made specifically for his body. The way they hang off of his hips and hug his legs perfectly is nothing short of ridiculously sexy. There is a rip near the knee on the left leg that gives him that sexy bad-boy look that I am drawn to immediately. Although a loose fitted black V-neck t-shirt covers his chest, I can still very much make out the shape of his pecs underneath. His aviator sunglasses are the perfect accessory hanging from the V of his shirt. There isn’t much left to my imagination, but my imagination is certainly running wild. I can’t believe I’m about to spend the day with this guy; moreover, I can’t believe this guy wants to spend the day with me.

  “Hey, Finn,” I say smiling at him. I don’t want to make too much eye contact because I fear the heat in my cheeks will never leave.

  “Olivia,” he gasps in a deep breath. He takes a moment to gaze at me with this appreciative and excited look in his eye. He looks like he is happy to be seeing me after months of not seeing each other, but it has really only been a little over twenty-four hours. On my shopping trip yesterday, I purchased a new pair of capris jeans that were slightly ripped on each thigh and paired them with a navy blue cotton t-shirt with cap sleeves. I chose my old UGG brown wrap sandals since they were comfortable for walking. I didn’t accessorize much, since I knew I would have a camera around my neck, so I went with a small pair of silver dangle earrings and my ring, the ring I never take off. I pulled half of my long brown hair back into a ponytail but left the back down in an effort to hide the scars on my neck. I know they aren’t that visible, but I would much rather relax and enjoy the day with Finn than be forced to talk about things I don’t want to talk about. Not yet anyway, but maybe someday.

  “You look beautiful, Olivia. It’s great to see you again.”

  “Thank you,” I say. “Come on in for a second; I need to grab my keys. I left them on my desk.”

  Finn walks into my apartment and looks around. “This is a great place and with a pretty nice view too.” He seems impressed. The apartment I share with my roommate, Abby, is a two bedroom, one bath apartment. Guests walk through our door into our living room that is spacious enough for us to have a couch, loveseat, bookshelves, coffee table, and television armoire. It is more for storing our DVDs since the flat screen TV is mounted to the wall. Because Abby scored a corner apartment, there are two side-by-side large windows that present a view of the neighboring quad where I frequently roam to people watch. Our kitchen leads into our dining area, which includes a French door entrance onto our patio with a view! It’s a beautiful view of the Charles River, and because we’re up high enough in the building, on a good day, we can see right out into the sound.

  “Yeah we really like it, and we couldn’t beat the price. Abby agreed to help the manager decorate their penthouse apartments for business clients pro bono, so in exchange, we get this apartment for a steal!”

  “That’s good business.” Finn’s eyebrows raise up for a moment, and he chuckles. I think he is impressed. I wonder where he lives.

  “Yeah, I guess, that and the manager knows Abby’s parents,” I smirk.

  “Ah, yeah that always helps.”

  “Let me just grab my keys, and I’m ready to go.” I run back to the desk in my bedroom and grab my keys that I had thrown there after my run this morning. It was nice to get some exercise to use up some of this pent up energy. I also pick up my camera bag. I meet Finn back at the bar to our kitchen. Abby and I eat many of our meals here together, instead of the dining room table, to catch up on each other’s day.

  “Ready!”

  “Great!” Finn smiles. He reaches out his hand to take my camera bag so I won’t have to carry it, ever the gentleman, and then takes my right hand with his left. He holds my hand all the way down to the ground floor and outside the building, letting go only to open the door. It’s good that we make small talk on the way to his car. I welcome the much-needed distraction to keep my legs from shaking. Finn’s car is parked along the street outside and around the corner.

  “Your chariot awaits, my lady,” Finn announces swiftly opening my door for me.

  “Thank you, kind sir,” I try to hide my huge smile as I sit down in his car and look around quickly. Holy smokes! I am sitting in a sleek black Corvette Stingray with dark tan and black interior. This car is made for a man. As Finn rounds the front of the car to get in on his side, I can’t help but watch him. Holy hell, he is sex
on legs. I shouldn’t even be thinking of sex with Finn, as there is no reason for me to think we will ever make it that far, but a girl can dream.

  “A ‘Vette huh? It’s a beautiful car. It fits you,” I tell him as I watch him get in and start the car.

  “Yeah, she’s my baby, and I only get to drive her when the weather is great. Can’t drive her all year long because our winters are so brutal, so on a day like today,” he says looking over at me while sucking in a deep breath. “I like to take full advantage.” Finn’s eyes begin to wander up and down my body, and for the moment, I let him because he shows no evidence that he doesn’t like the view. He makes me feel pretty. Hell, he’s even told me a few times that I’m beautiful, not that that means anything.

  “I have something for you before we leave.” Finn reaches behind me and pulls a gift bag from the floor of the back seat.

  Oh my gosh, he bought me a gift?

  He hands it to me and quietly explains, “I thought you might be able to put this to good use today, and I’m assuming you don’t have one yet since, um, they only just hit the shelves a week ago, and you were probably busy moving.”

  I frown in confusion, not understanding what Finn would buy for me, or why he feels the need in the twenty-four hours that we’ve known each other, to get me anything at all. I mean coffee, maybe, or a bouquet of flowers. Nevertheless, I am not going to be rude, so I excitedly open the gift bag. I pull out the tissue paper sitting on top and gasp in shock at what is sitting on my lap. I whip my face towards Finn who is anxiously awaiting my reaction. My eyes widen in surprise.

  “Seriously?” I exclaim. “A Canon Zoom EF-S lens?” I am all smiles, but I’m not sure of the appropriate reaction.

  This sucker had to have cost him a fortune!

  “Well, I noticed the camera you were using the other day and thought you might be able to put this new lens to good use today while we’re out on the water. From what I’ve researched, it’s fantastic for landscapes, people, nature, and wildlife. You said those are the things you like to photograph, so I figured you’ll make great use of it.”

  “I….I’m not sure what to say, Finn. It’s too much. I know you spent too much; I mean, this is our first date. You….you barely know me.” I feel guilty for the amount of money I know he spent. Whether he can afford it or not, I guess, doesn’t matter; but still, I feel guilty. I am happy and excited yes, but I feel guilty, nonetheless.

  “I want you to have it, Olivia. It will allow you to do so much more with your camera, and I know that your work brings you joy - and I like seeing you happy.” Finn looks down and inhales a breath of what appears to be courage before he looks at me and says, “I don’t make a habit of showering women with extravagant gifts. Please don’t think I’m trying to impress you with money or something, but there’s something about you. You’re a beautiful girl with a beautiful smile, and knowing that I put that smile on your face today makes me very happy in return. Well, that and you said our first date, which implies that there will be at least a second and third.” He smiles nervously. His nervous smile is so damn cute.

  “I don’t know what to say. I mean, I’m not a girl who needs extravagant things.” I say shaking my head as if I gave him a bad first impression. “I mean, are you sure about this?” I know what I want to do. I want to kiss him. I want to reach up with both of my hands and pull his face to my lips. I want to taste him and forget about our date. I could just sit here with him all day, our lips connected, my hands on his chest. Holding his hand earlier was so comforting. I haven’t felt that way in over seven years. I wanted to revel in it.

  Facing me from his seat, Finn reaches his hand out and pushes the stray hair that has fallen out of my ponytail away from my face. It’s a nice excuse for him to touch me, and I wish he wouldn’t stop. I try very hard not to tip my head in the direction of his hand. I’m sure as his fingers glide past my face he can feel the heat in my cheeks.

  “I’m sure.” He smiles. “Just say ‘Thank You’, Olivia. That’s all you have to say,” he says peering into my eyes. I want to shrink back just a little bit because I feel like he is peering into my soul, like he can see me and all my insecurities. However he does it, I feel completely at ease with Finn. I reach my hand over to his leg and rest my hand on his thigh. He stiffens slightly at my touch, but then I feel him relax.

  “Thank you, Finn. Thank you very much for this. I...I can’t wait to use it!” I frown slightly. “Umm…just where are we going today anyway?”

  “It’s a surprise,” he says, smirking. He lowers his hand to hold mine on his thigh. He slides on his aviator sunglasses and pulls out onto the street. Holding his hand is giving me major butterflies. The energy between us is almost palpable. I look out my window, expelling a few deep breaths to control the flutters in my stomach.

  This really nice guy asked me out.

  He bought me a gift.

  He was thinking of me. ME.

  He’s so hot.

  How is this happening to me?

  Please Olivia don’t fuck this up.

  Not knowing how long we’ll be in the car, I decide to use the time to playfully learn as much as I can about this hot runner guy named Finn.

  “Well, since this is our first date, and we don’t really know each other that well, I need to get to know you. I mean, I don’t date just anyone who asks, so I need to make sure you meet my standards and all.” I’m smirking at him.

  Finn turns his head to see my expression and releases a quiet chuckle. “Ask away, Olivia.”

  “Hmmm, chocolate or vanilla?” I ask.

  “Twist if I have a choice. Chocolate if I don’t.”

  “Coke or Pepsi?”

  “Diet Coke or beer.” He shrugs smirking. I laugh.

  “Beyoncé or Carly Rae Jepson?” I ask narrowing my eyes.

  His eyebrows furrow, and he purses his lips, I think a little embarrassed. “Who’s Carly Rae Jepson?”

  I laugh heartily at that one given the irony of how we met, how he gave me his number, and told me to call him. “Guess that answers my question. How about this one: who’s singing the song on the radio right now.” I recognize it as one of my favorites.

  “Not a Bad Thing by Mr. Justin Timberlake.” Finn looks over at me with raised eyebrows. I’m immediately impressed, though I don’t know why. I smile in response and chuckle.

  “Ah, very good, very good. I’m impressed. How about favorite food?”

  He thinks about it for a moment before he says, “Cheeseburgers.”

  “Oh good pick! I love a good cheeseburger”

  “Yeah? I’ve made a mean burger in my day. Perhaps you’ll get to experience my culinary prowess sometime.”

  I don’t think I could ever turn that offer down.

  “Perhaps.” I can feel my face flushing.

  “My turn,” he says.

  “Okay, shoot.”

  He thinks for a minute before asking, “Star Wars or Star Trek?”

  “The force is always with me. Next question.” That gets me a chuckle and a positive nod.

  “Favorite Book?”

  “Right now or like of all time?” I ask. I have to be able to answer correctly.

  Finn shrugs. “Both, I guess, if they’re different.”

  “They are. My favorite book right now is called Happenstance by Jamie McGuire, but my favorite of all time is Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.”

  His head snaps towards me as if he’s shocked by that answer. “Really?”

  “Yeah. Really. I’m a Potterhead just like everyone else in my generation. Aren’t you?”

  He nods his head slowly but deflects my question by asking another.

  “Favorite color?”

  “Blue,” I say quickly.

  “Favorite vacation spot?”

  “Umm, well I haven’t been to that many places, but I would love to see Ireland one day. I hear it’s beautiful there.”

  “It is. Stunning,” Finn mutters. He looks over at me on
ce more. I can’t see his expression through his sunglasses, but he gives me a sheepish grin and turns his focus once more to the road.

  I take a minute to look outside my window while enjoying the drive. I don’t realize I’m humming along to “Play It Again” by Luke Bryan on the radio, until Finn looks over at me and smiles.

  “You have a beautiful voice. You like Luke Bryan? Why doesn’t that surprise me?”

  I roll my eyes from behind my sunglasses and smile, thankful that Finn can’t see them. “Umm, yeah I guess, but I don’t swoon over him or anything like lots of girls do. He was just sort of popular among my circle of friends in college.”

  “Well, sing away. I like listening to you.” He looks amused which embarrasses me slightly.

  Ten minutes later, we are parking at the New England Aquarium and walking to the wharf near the Boston Harbor. I can see a huge blue and white catamaran that is emblazoned with Boston Harbor Cruises on the side. I look over at Finn who is smiling like a little boy on Christmas morning. He is so excited that I am obviously sincerely surprised to be here.

  “We’re going on a cruise?” I ask him.

  “Not just a cruise, a whale watching cruise!” He exclaims squeezing my hand as we walk to the dock to board the vessel. “Boston Harbor Cruises are the best cruises in the country to be guaranteed a wonderful whale watching experience! I thought maybe you could use that new lens on those big beauties in the water!”

  “WHALE WATCHING??! Are you serious Finn? Oh my God! I’ve never been in my entire life!” I cannot stop smiling. I also can’t contain myself anymore. A small kiss wouldn’t hurt anything, right? I tug on his arm to get him to stop walking or at least slow down. When Finn turns to look at me, I quickly reach up on my tiptoes, grab his left bicep, and plant a quick peck on his left cheek.