“You just moved here?” I was excited. That meant he lived here. He wasn't just driving through or here for the weekend.
“Yes. Just a couple of days ago.” He placed his hand on my upper arm, giving it a gentle squeeze. “But I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Yeah, yeah, definitely,” I said, nodding quickly. “Sounds great.”
Jacob walked off and I watched him leave. My eyes were locked on him the entire time as he made his way to the street corner, before disappearing from view behind the massive church that stood nearby. I nearly forgot to breathe.
“Alicia, maybe you should take a picture of him. It’ll last longer,” Tommy said, as he grabbed my wrist and tugged on it. “Come on, let’s go. The Monster Gym is no longer under attack by the blue team. We don’t have to stay around here.”
I felt frozen in place, mystified by the charming man who had just unexpectedly asked me out on a date. Or at least a semi-date.
“Come on,” Tommy pleaded, still pulling on my wrist. “I have things to do.”
“Okay, okay. First I can't get you to leave, and now I can't leave fast enough.” I shook my head at him. “You’re ridiculous.”
Finally, I got my feet to move and I followed Tommy back to the fountain. He took his place on the wall, just catching Monsters and laughing with some other kids his age who were also playing the game. I could have played with them, but didn’t. I wanted to wait until tomorrow to play with Jacob. So, instead, I walked around, exploring the park and letting my mind wander.
My interaction with Jacob had given me a burst of energy. The burned-out feeling that I had experienced that morning in my bedroom had all but vanished and was replaced with a tingling excitement. There was something new on the horizon and even if it was just a silly meet up with a cute guy, it was infinitely better than applying for jobs I’d never get.
For the first time all week, I felt hopeful. There was something tangible to look forward to. Jacob had no idea the gift he had just given me.
I led Athena into the grass a little ways away from the fountain and we walked in a giant circle around a massive old oak tree. I was giggling to myself like a little girl with an uncontrollable goofy smile plastered across my face. I’m certain if someone had seen me, they’d have thought I’d lost my mind. But what did I care? My self-esteem was through the roof. A cute guy came out of nowhere and asked me out. After the constant rejection in the job market, I was suddenly worthwhile again. I felt beautiful, even with my tangled hair and threadbare t-shirt. It didn’t matter. I had a date.
Chapter 3
The sun shone brightly and birds chirped as I walked Athena towards the park. I had made sure I looked good today, so my confidence was high. I could do this. It wasn't really a date. It was just meeting a cute guy.
A really cute guy.
My initial confidence faded as I stepped onto the path that led into the park. First dates, even if they weren't really dates, were not my forte. I always managed to say something far too nerdy. I liked computers and science, and I had more than one date never call me back because I started talking about programming or computer languages better than they did.
I ran my fingers through my hair and then over my summer dress, making sure that everything was in order. It was too late to make a different first impression with Jacob, but I figured I could polish up my third impression the best I could. My heart beat quickly, and I drew in a slow breath to calm myself down.
Nearing the fountain, I noticed that there were a handful of people standing around it, just like the day before. They were all looking at their phones and swiping their screens, obviously playing the game. My eyes scanned over the small crowd and landed on the man I was there to meet. He was seated on the edge of the fountain, with the water behind him. His elbows were on his knees and his fingers were interlocked. He was wearing a white button-down shirt with gray slacks and dark brown shoes. It was nerdy, but attractive nerdy. As soon as he noticed me, his face brightened with a smile.
Okay, Alicia. Don’t act weird, just relax and have fun, I told myself as I approached him.
“Hi there,” he said, standing up to give me a casual hug.
I wrapped my arms around him, and the intoxicating scent of his cologne entered my nose. It was clean and crisp and reminded me of summer evenings.
“How are you
?” I asked, as I released him from the hug and took a step back.
“Fantastic,” he replied. He pulled off his sunglasses and slipped one of the earpieces into the neck of his shirt. His light blue eyes locked with mine, causing my knees to go weak. There were depths to those eyes that I knew I could get lost in, if I let myself.
Athena leaned in and sniffed him, and this time seemed genuinely excited to see him.
“This is a pleasant surprise. I honestly wasn’t sure if you were going to come meet me this morning.” He ran a hand through his short hair and for a moment I wondered if he was as nervous as I was.
I cocked my head to the side and flashed a playful smile. “What do you mean?”
“You obviously aren’t too into playing Monster GO.” Jacob shrugged. “Yesterday, it seemed pretty clear that your brother is the one who really likes to play.”
“You’re right about that,” I agreed slowly. I tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. “But maybe playing the game wasn’t the only reason I wanted to show up today.”
His smile grew wide. “Maybe playing the game wasn’t the only reason I invited you.”