“Hey Gemma,” he says easily, gesturing a hand at his own chest. “Spencer,” his introduction is so simple and straightforward, I’m left with the concept that he’s not about playing games, and that he’s genuinely nice. Weird thing to get from a fucking introduction, but I’m learning to trust my instincts, so I’m hearing my gut out on this one. Strangely, my gut tells me I feel comfortable with him already.
“Hey.” A small smile brushes my lips and I walk into his open arms, allowing him to wrap me in a hug. He feels different. Taller. Lankier. Not as muscly as the arms and torso I’m used to being wrapped up in, but still solid, and all man. My arms fit well around his chest and abdomen, and I don’t feel that awkward need to pull away that I always get at Hollywood parties when strangers are touching me. This feels…promising. Comfortable. I can work with this.
When we pull back after a few seconds, his eyes rove my frame, and he looks like he appreciates what he sees. The feeling that creates within me is new, and I hold on to it for an extra minute or two. My stomach feels like it’s fluttering, floating above the rest of the vital organs in that cavity. Being appreciated as a woman isn’t something I’ve experienced a lot, but apparently I’m liking it.
I don’t feel stupid for wearing jeans way tighter than my usual, ones that Alex said accentuate my figure. Nor do I feel ridiculous for wearing a girly shirt that dips a lot lower than the old tees I normally sport. Not that I have a lot to show off in thechestal region, but what I do have is definitely on display, at least a little bit.
“You look…fantastic,” he tells me, now that his eyes are back on mine again.
My head dips from the compliment, unused to the attention and I whisper, “So do you.” It’s not a lie. His dark blue shirt is simple, but it looks great on him, and so do those jeans.
“So are you a big bowler?” He’s turned to face the lane for a second as he gestures to the screen, the bench and the entire setup behind him.
A nervous chuckle escapes me, and I shake my head a little too quickly. “Unless we’re counting Mario Kart, I’m not particularly good with any sport. Bowling isn’t an exception, sadly.”
He grins at my response and grabs my hand, leading me to the bench by the keyboard where we can punch in our names and start the game. “I’m far from an athlete myself, but bowling is aclassic, like an arcade game or the original Mario Party. I bet you’re not giving yourself enough credit here.” I could get used to that easy smile on his face, and the confidence he imbues within me every time he opens his mouth.
We sit side by side, entering our names in the system and getting the game ready to go, and I may or may not get goosebumps from his proximity and the occasional brush of his arm or hand as we do. This is promising.
My own hopes might be soaring right about now. My hopes for getting over my best friend. For moving on. For forgetting I wasted half my life pining for him.
Spencer walks me to the counter to get my shoes before we start, and after grabbing two pairs of utterly ridiculous clown-looking things and sharing a few laughs over them, a quick pit stop at the little food counter to get some fried, greasy eats that will surely not go down well (adding digestion issues to a firstdate can’t be smart, but who am I to say no to cheese sticks and chili cheese fries?), I’m actually feeling comfortable enough to forget we’ve just met as we make our way back to lane seven.
Two pretty shitty games later and I’m having a surprisingly great night. When Spencer excuses himself to the restroom thanks to all the root beer he’s been downing, I take the chance to shoot Alex a text. She was right. He’s nice, sweet, funnyandgood-looking. I see what she meant.
Me
You did good, girl.
Alexandra the Great
TOLD YOU BITCH
Why did you make me wait so long for this date?
…
Nvm
Don’t answer that.
I’m glad you introduced us though. Thanks girl.
Have a great time, beautiful. Do everything I’d do and then some. You deserve some fun.
btw, I have it from a very reliable source that he’s absolutely packin so I’ll expect a big ass fruit basket by Monday at the latest.
Or maybe something more adventurous. Let’s see how inspired you’re feeling after tonight.
You’re welcome.
At that, a snort-laugh breaks out and I thank my lucky stars that Spencer wasn’t here to hear it, the night’s been going so well. Right as I go to put my phone back in my pocket, it vibrates with another text.
The Kid
Oh oh oh
You know what’s coming
