I just laughed as we drove, enjoying how comfortable I was with him. He pulled into a parking spot on the street and came around to open my door.
“I hope you’re hungry. This is my favorite Italian place in the area, mostly because their portions are huge so I actually get full.” We smiled at each other as the hostess asked for our reservation and sat us at a table near the front window.
“This is perfect! I love people watching.” I didn’t realize how rude that sounded, as if I needed a distraction from him, until it came out of my mouth. He didn’t seem to notice as he read over the menu.
“Me too, it’s so interesting to me thinking about where people are going and what their story is.” He actually got it, huh. We might actually have things in common.
“I told you some of my story I think it’s your turn now.”
He was about to reply when the waiter came to get our order. I watched him, waiting for him to reply. There was no way I was going to let him off the hook. After the waiter left, I raised an eyebrow and waited.
“Fine. Do you want my story or the one people have made up over the years?” He seemed to have dropped the macho man façade and looked sincere. I was confused at what he meant.
“I want to know you, the real you, whoever that is.”
He sighed and leaned back into his seat. “I haven’t had to tell a girl I went out with about myself before. My reputation precedes me unfortunately. It’s refreshing that you could actually get to know me.”
I nodded trying to encourage him to continue.
“I was born in Hawaii, on Oahu, that’s where most of my family still lives. My dad got a job offer here that he couldn’t pass up. I miss it sometimes, but I’ve had opportunities here I would never get back there. I got a few offers from schools for football scholarships already.”
I was shocked he seemed so modest about something so huge.
“I got the reputation as a ladies’ man because I like to take girls out. I don’t even kiss all of them, but evidently girls like to exaggerate and what kind of guy would I be to call them out on it.” He laughed lightly then dropped his eyes and got serious. “I’m just looking for the right girl, someone I have things in common with and likes me for me—not my name or letterman jacket.”
He finally looked up at me after he finished.
“So Mike Thomas is a misunderstood softy searching for love?”
He laughed a little and shrugged. “When you say it like that I guess I sound lame.”
“No that’s not what I meant. It’s just that at school you’re this macho tough guy that flirts with every female, but really you’re genuine. Obviously, since you are out here with me trying to restore my faith in men.”
“You don’t have to tell me everything that happened, but when we talked about it in class you seemed so sad. I couldn’t stand to see you like that. I know we just met but you’re different, Aubrey. You don’t act like the other girls and I couldn’t handle the thought of you hurting. You may not love me yet, but I have to show you that not all guys are jerks.”
He winked at me and I could tell he was telling the truth.
“You’re different too. I don’t know any other guy that would go through all this effort without something more being on the line. I appreciate it, Mike.”
Our food came and we ate in silence for a few minutes. As we were finishing up the waiter asked if we had saved room for dessert, and before I could even think about it Mike declined.
“I have somewhere I want to take you.” That was all he said as he paid and we made our way back to his car.
“Where are we going now?” I knew we were headed toward the pier but I couldn’t guess what we were going to be doing there.
“I’m going to get super cheesy, promise not to judge and just go with it?”
“Of course.” I was growing suspicious as we passed the pier continuing toward the back bay. He parked and walked me around a few buildings to a boardwalk along the water.
“First we have to get ice cream from the best place in California. Then we are going for a ride.” He nodded behind me and I turned to see a small Farris wheel on the boardwalk. I turned back with a huge smile.
“This is the best date ever!”
“You’re easily impressed. Come on what’s your favorite flavor?”
“Cookies and cream, please.” He smiled back at me and went to get our dessert.
“I got tickets already so we can get in line.” We waited for the wheel to drop off the only other couple on the ride then it was our turn.
“Special treatment? Did you reserve this just for us?”
He smirked and gave a wink. “Will it impress you if I say yes?”
Sitting next to him with the view of the ocean and my favorite ice cream was pretty ideal. Feeling more comfortable with him then I ever did with Derek I scooted closer and lowered my head to his shoulder. He put a hand on my leg and looked forward. We rode like that until it stopped, which was twice as long as the couple before us, either Mike bought extra tickets or the operator liked us. He helped me off the cart and held onto my hand even as we started walking back to the car. I didn’t want to interrupt whatever was happening with us by talking so I focused on how perfect the night was and how easy it was to be with Mike. I know he said this wasn’t a real date, but it sure felt like one and I was beginning to wonder if maybe I wanted it to be real. Maybe I wasn’t as damaged as I thought I was.
Before I knew it we were back at my condo standing outside the door. I wasn’t sure what to do. I haven’t been like this around a guy since middle school, unsure and awkward.
“I had a really good time, Aubrey. Thanks for letting me take you out. Hopefully now you know how you deserve to be treated.” His smile seemed so familiar now as I took him in one last time.
“It was perfect. Thank you, Mike.”
I leaned in and gave him a quick peck on the cheek before opening the door. I turned and saw him standing there smiling even bigger to himself. “Goodnight.”
I watched him walk back to the elevator before closing the door.
Brandon was sitting on the couch watching a show when I walked in. “How did it go? Did you have fun?”
“Yeah I really did. He’s really fun and very sweet.” I headed into my room thinking back over the night. I wonder if tonight meant anything to him . . . he said it was a fake date but it felt pretty real to me. Before I could drive myself crazy analyzing every second of the date I got ready for bed and fell asleep seconds after crawling in.
Chapter 13
My phone started buzzing on the hard table beside my bed, waking me from a deep, and dreamless, sleep. I picked it and heard talking before I said anything. “Get your butt out of bed! We are going shopping for dresses this morning. We’ll be by to get you in ten. Bye!”
Mckayla had an entire conversation with me without me saying one word. Impressive. I hurried into my bathroom and showered off in record time. I put on minimal make up and threw my hair into a top knot. Thinking of having to try on dresses all day I grabbed my good bra and a comfy heather grey shirt and jeans. I had a minute to spare before my phone buzzed with a text telling me they were downstairs. I yelled bye to Brandon not knowing if he was even awake and hurried out.
Talia was driving her jeep with Alexis in the front seat and Mckayla in the back.
“Good Morning!” They were all so perky for the early hour then I noticed the Starbucks cups in the holders and grinned.
I used the back tire to jump into the back seat and saw Mckayla holding out a cup for me. I smiled to thank her and faced forward. “Morning ladies! Where are we headed?”
Alexis turned to me. “A mall. Doesn’t matter, what matters is how your date went last night! We want the details!”
I took a sip of my drink to draw out their waiting time and laughed when they started begging. “It was really fun. Mike was the perfect gentleman. He took me to an Italian restaurant then to the boardwalk for ice cream and we ro
de the Ferris wheel. It was simple but perfect.”
“Wait. He didn’t make a move or anything?” Talia turned around as she was driving. Alexis grabbed the wheel scolding her then turned back to me.
“Mike took you out to eat then for a romantic, but horribly cheesy, moonlit ride. That doesn’t sound like him at all.”
“I promise you guys, all he did was hold my hand on the way back to the car. I gave him a peck goodnight but that was all that happened. We just talked a lot. We have a lot in common actually.”
“I thought he was all about hooking up and that was it. Who knew he could be a romantic?” Alexis looked like she was reassessing everything she knew about men at that moment.
Mckayla finally spoke up. “Well it was one night, you’re not interested in him right? He’s not the type to have one girlfriend and I don’t want you to get hurt.”
“I think we could be good friends. I just barely got here and even though last night helped, I’m still not ready after everything that happened.”
“You know we don’t really know what happened to you in Chicago. Do you want to tell us? If you’re not ready you don’t have to I just think it would help if you talked about it.”
“Maybe later, I don’t want to ruin this shopping trip. Which reminds me, none of us have dates yet why are we shopping for dresses already?”
There was a collective gasps from the three of them. Mckayla looked at me as if she was looking at a child that wasn’t able to understand anything.
“First, we need to get our dresses before the good ones are gone and we don’t want other girls getting ours. If we go first and spread the word of what we got no one will copy us, it’s an unwritten rule at our school. Second, we don’t need dates. We have each other, but if we decide to ask guys we should be prepared to tell them our color so they can coordinate.”
“That makes sense I guess. Hypothetically then, who’s going to ask whom to the formal?” There was a silence in the car for a few seconds. “None of you have any idea who you want to go with?”
“Not exactly, we just aren’t committed to our choices.” Nice try, Alexis.
“This isn’t a marriage proposal guys! Who does everyone want to go with?”
Talia was the first to speak. “I’ll probably go with one of the guys from the men’s volleyball team. There aren’t many guys tall enough for me to wear heels around.” She laughed but I knew that was a real concern for her.
“That’s a good idea, maybe I’ll ask one of them too.” Alexis was taking the easy way out too. I looked at Mckayla to see if she was going to confess who she wanted to go with. She looked at me and hesitantly spoke up.
“I think I want to ask Sean Elliot.” I could barely hear here over the wind and I was right next to her I knew the other two had no chance. I nudged her to speak up. She repeated herself louder and sat back waiting for their reaction.
“You should! You have loved him for over a year and he’s smitten by you!” Mckayla’s jaw dropped from Talia’s words.
“You guys knew? I thought I hid it!”
They laughed and Alexis turned around. “Yeah right, honey. No one in their right mind spends that much time working on a stupid biology project unless you love your partner or are actually interested in aquatic ecosystems, which you are not. Not to mention that dreamy look you get whenever you see him. I think it’s precious and you should definitely ask him! We will help you come up with an idea!”
Talia pulled into the parking lot of the mall as we were discussing cute ideas for asking the guys to the dance. We got out and were walking in as Talia stopped mid-step.
“Hey! Aubrey never said who she wants to ask!”
“Yeah you can’t make all of us tell and expect us to let you stay quiet. I confessed my secret crush, now it’s your turn.”
“It wasn’t secret evidently.” She didn’t think that was as funny as I did. “I want to ask Luke, but he probably has a date already. Plus, I’m the new girl who would want to go with me?”
Alexis put her hands on her hips exuding attitude. “Every guy wants to go with you. They wanted to be picked by the pretty new girl. Also, I asked Luke at practice this morning and he doesn’t have a date. So you are asking him, end of story.”
“Ok Ms. Sassy pants! Let’s find dresses and we will worry about that later.” Luckily she let it go for now and we headed to the formal dress section of Bloomingdale’s.
Talia led the way—this was her world—and began handing each of us dresses to try on.
“We don’t have to find the dress here or even today, so no pressure.” The rest of us looked at each other and sighed. This wasn’t a wedding dress, I’m sure we could all find great dresses with one stop. A girl could dream.
With our arms heavy with dozens of options we took over the back half of the fitting rooms. Talia told us to show every single one we tried on, but after much negotiation settled for only ones we really liked. I set up my dresses in a large fitting room trying to decide where to start. I picked a silver baby doll dress that did nothing to flatter me, but I heard the girls gasping so I opened my door.
Talia stepped out wearing a cream floor-length dress with a high, lace neckline overlaying the fitted bodice and had another see-through lace panel at mid-thigh and again at the hemline. It had a bohemian, hippy vibe that was perfect for her and it fit her like a glove showing off her curves.
“I love that!”
“It’s so perfect!”
“You look like a 60s goddess! With beach waves and a headband you would be done!”
We all agreed, even Talia, that she had found her dress. We each went back into our rooms to try another round of dresses. This time I picked a back column gown and again was unimpressed.
When we came back out Talia was back in her clothes and sitting on a couch ready to critique. Only she would be able to spot the perfect dress on the first try. Mckayla was beaming in a strapless gown the color of sunshine. The sweetheart neckline flattered her small chest and the beaded waistband emphasized her tiny waist. The color popped on her and looked great with her tan and blond hair.
“Mckayla, you look amazing! I mean it!”
Talia sat analyzing it before nodding. “Yeah, that’s the one! Sean will melt when he sees you!”
“Well you two are done at least.” Alexis winked at me. “Looks like it’s just you and me, Aubrey. Go try another one.”
I picked a unique black and white geometric print next, but it was shapeless and fit more like a tent. I heard the other doors open so I peeked out and saw Alexis in a beautiful teal cap sleeve gown. I stepped out and watched Mckayla and Talia study her silently for a moment. Finally Mckayla spoke.
“It’s perfect!”
“I agree, the color is amazing with your tan and stands out against your hair. I’m concerned about the neckline though, it might not pass the inspectors.”
She was right the modest cap sleeves were offset with a plunging v-neckline that met at the empire waist.
“Yeah I noticed that but I thought I could just alter it to close a little higher. Plus you guys haven’t noticed this yet.” She stuck out her right leg and a slit appeared up to her thigh showing off her slim, toned leg.
“Oh secretly sexy, love it!”
“That did it, it was made for you!” Talia was the deciding voice so it was just me that needed a dress now.
I turned back into my room and stood staring at my section wishing one would speak to me. I saw a bit of emerald tulle and pushed aside the dresses to show a flawless gown I hadn’t noticed before. I slipped it on and looked in the mirror. The deep jewel tone brought out the auburn color of my hair and complimented my fair skin. It had a sweetheart neckline, but a layer of tulle stretched across from the left creating a sheer one shoulder strap that connected again in the back. I twisted back and forth a few times admiring how the fabric flowed around me. Confident this was my dress I opened the door. The girls looked back at me stunned.
“Aubrey t
hat dress was made for you!” Mckayla stood up to feel the fabric.
Talia sat with narrowed eyes even as Alexis stood. “It fits you perfectly! I’m so jealous now.” She turned me so I was facing the mirror and pointed out of the fitted silhouette hugged my curves then flowed out at my knees.
Finally, Talia spoke. “With the one shoulder sleeve you’ll have to wear your hair up or pinned to one side. I see Old Hollywood glamor for you!”
Realizing that everyone approved I smiled and allowed myself to get excited for my first dance with them.
☀☀☀
After buying our dresses it was decided lunch was next. We sat down at a café still high from our shopping spree. I was reading the menu when I heard them collectively gasp. I looked up and saw the three of them looking in the same direction. I followed their gaze and saw Gage walking away from us down the hall of the mall. Not understanding what the big deal was I tried to get their attention.
“Why is that gasp worthy? It’s just a guy walking around the mall, not the most extraordinary thing to happen today.”
Talia was still watching him leave, so Alexis answered, “Gage Vincent isn’t the type to hang out at the mall. He’s way too antisocial. What on earth would he be doing here?”
Her rhetorical question was actually answered by Mckayla. “Maybe he does have a soul. I guess he has to get his black jeans and shirts from somewhere.”
“You guys are ridiculous! He’s just a guy. An arrogant jerk, but still a guy. I still don’t know what his story is. Are you guys ever going to tell me?”
Talia finally joined our conversation. “He’s been to juvy, and rehab . . . twice. He was arrested on campus freshman year in front of the whole school. No one knows what for though. Stupid minor laws.”
“That’s it? That could be for anything, late parking tickets or a fight. It doesn’t mean he’s a felon.”
“The police wouldn’t arrest you at school for a minor offense, Aubrey. It had to be something big.”
No wonder the guy was so rude at the beach, everyone assumed the worst about him. Not that he did much to contradict his reputation. I couldn’t help thinking about him as we ate lunch and moved on to different topics. I wanted to know more about him, the truth rather than the rumors that went around.
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