He drives me home in silence. Again, it’s comfortable, but the air is definitely charged with something different now. I catch him sneaking glances at me, and for the first time since we met, I’m glad it’s a short 7-minute drive to my house. I’m all out of sorts trying to process this. Him.
When we arrive, I quickly open my passenger door. “See you tomorrow night, Andy. Thanks for the ride.” I need to get inside to digest what just happened. There are too many thoughts, too many feelings all threatening to burst out of me and I won’t be able to bear it if I let them all out now, in front of him. I need to write this down. I need to sleep, and wake up, and make sure I didn’t dream it all.
I wince at the sound of his truck door opening then closing, and as I’m about to grab the front door handle, he reaches for myshoulder and turns me around for the second time tonight, with the same gentleness he’s treated me with since day one.
He smiles. Slowly, the dimple comes out to taunt me. His stare moves from my eyes to my nose, to my lips, and then his right hand is on my cheek.
He takes a deep, slow breath. “This isn’t a game, Lainey."
I am positively reeling right now.
He called me by my nickname. The one only my friends and family use. I have never loved that nickname as much as I love it coming out of Andy’s mouth. I stare at his lips as he keeps talking because I need to see his words to make sure I’m not just hearing what I want so desperately to hear.
"I like you. I want to spend time with you. Outside of work and the 7-minute drive to your house.” His voice is low and rumbly. “I want to pick you up tomorrow night and take you on a date you’ll never forget.” His thumb brushes across my lower lip. “I want to end it with a kiss that leaves you out of breath. And then I want a second date, and a third, and so on.”
His other hand goes to my waist and I brace myself by placing my hands on his biceps, our forearms touching.
He takes another deep breath before he continues. “I want to make you feel the way you make me feel. Do you know how you make me feel, Lainey?” I shake my head, certain that my knees would give out were we not holding on to one another so tightly now.
“You make me feel lightheaded just from being near you, restless when I can’t hear your voice, desperate for the next time I'll make you laugh, and completely crazy because I’ve never felt this way about anyone before. There’s more, but I want to tell you slowly. I don’t want to scare you by saying too much.”
I’m floating. My feet have left the ground. Either that or this is a dream. I have definitely died and gone to heaven. Maybe all of the above.
Andy places a kiss on the tip of my nose and when he speaks again, his voice is almost a whisper. “I’ll see you at six tomorrow, Elaina. Goodnight.”
And just like that, his sweet touches are gone, and the skin that was once on fire is now ice cold, missing his hands.How the heck am I supposed to make it until tomorrow?
five
. . .
I’m losingmy damn mind. I’ve showered and shaved my legs because I’m wearing a dress. I went with the dark green one that hits a few inches above my knees with a modest neckline and cap sleeves. I added loose waves to my hair, put on some light makeup and I’m fully dressed now. I even put heels on. My dad knocks lightly on my door;I know it's him by the two quick taps followed by a pause then the third knock.
“Come in, Dad.” I try to smile at him, but I’m afraid it comes off more like a grimace.
“Hey Lainey girl. How you doin’? Ready for your date?” He has his hands in his pockets, leaning in the doorway, seemingly afraid to come in because he no doubt heard me throwing things around twenty minutes ago when I was trying on everything I own.
“I’m nervous, Dad. I’ve never felt nervous for a date before.” My palms are sweaty already.
Oh God, this is going to be a disaster!
“Oh, sweetheart. That’s normal. Are you nervous because you don’t really want to go or because you really like him?”
It should be weird to talk to my dad and not my mom about this, right? But it’s not. He’s just so cool about this stuff, but still a protective father through and through.
“I really like him, Dad. He’s so nice to me, and I’ve never liked a boy this way before. I just like being around him, he makes me feel safe and important and I’m not worried he won’t like me anymore. I know he likes me because he told me. And I believe him. And we’re friends, you know? We talk about everything. It’s just that… is seven minutes each way in the car and a few weeks of serving tables side by side really enough time to know if there might be something special between us?” Dad just watches me pace around the room, processing my feelings out loud as I do. “I think I’m nervous because… I don’t know… I just hope we keep liking each other after tonight.” I’m biting my lip, wondering if I’ve said too much when my dad’s grin takes over his whole face.
“Lainey girl, that’s exactly the right kind of nervous to be. And if he’s being honest with you, just be honest with him. You can’t go wrong if you just keep communicating with each other. Okay?” He walks over and gives me one of his very best bear hugs. I’m entirely wrapped up in him as he kisses the top of my head. The doorbell rings and he slowly pulls away. “Let’s go say hi to your date.”
When we get downstairs, my mom has already opened the door, and she’s making small-talk with Andy. My dad walks over and they share a handshake. Andy looks downright illegal in his dark blue suit, white shirt, and blue tie. He doesn’t really seem to notice me and just gives me a quick nod as he continues to exchange pleasantries with my parents.
“Sir. How’re you doing tonight?” Andy’s voice is surprisingly even for someone greeting my 6’3” father. Though I suppose they have met before, and maybe Andy isn’t nervous at all.Maybe this is no big deal to him because he goes on dates all the time.
That must be why he didn’t seem to have any reaction to seeing me in a dress. In fact, he’s hardly looked at me. But I can't take my eyes off of him. Andy in his Betty's uniform? Adorable. Andy in a well-fitted T-shirt and jeans? Mouthwatering. Andy in a suit? Practically X-rated.
I don’t hear the conversation the three of them are having. I’m too caught up watching Andy’s lips move. When he finally looks at me, appearing to have asked a question, I snap out of it. I think he asked me if I’m ready. He tucks my hand into the crook of his elbow and guides me out the door. I wave to my parents and we’re on our way.
Once the front door is closed, just as we step off the front porch, Andy leans down and whispers in my ear. “Lainey, you look—youarestunning.” I guess he noticed after all.
