Soar
“Yeah. It’s quiet and no one bothers me.”
“Have you always been this anti-social?”
“No.” He followed behind me, holding the door as it closed so it wouldn’t slam.
I knew I wasn’t getting more of an answer.
We seated ourselves at a little booth with cushions that should have been replaced years before. Toby was definitely right about being dressed just fine. I probably looked over dressed, and I couldn’t imagine how Toby felt.
“The burgers are good here?”
“Some of the best.”
“Okay, so I guess that’s what I should get.”
“You’re not a vegetarian, are you?” he asked, like he wanted to know whether I had an aversion to puppies and kittens.
“No.” Hadn’t I already told him I was okay with the cuisine choice? Maybe he expected me to order a veggie burger or something.
“Okay, good.”
“Would it matter if I was?” His expression piqued my interest enough that I had to ask.
“No. It would have surprised me though.”
“Why’s that?”
The waiter came over to take our order so I didn’t get my answer right away.
“Two burgers, and you want fries, right?” He turned to me.
“Yes.”
“And two orders of fries. Would you like anything to drink? I want a Coke.”
“Just a water, please.”
The waiter nodded, jotted down the order and walked away.
“You still have to answer.” I took out a couple of napkins from the plastic dispenser. The table hadn’t been cleaned well, and I couldn’t stand looking at the little puddle of ketchup next to my elbow any longer.
“I do?” He grinned. “It just would have meant I was wrong about you. You seem like a red meat eating girl.”
“There’s a particular look to girls who eat meat?”
“No. You just strike me as someone who likes to eat the good things in life.”
I glanced down at my body. “Should I take that as a compliment or a statement about my weight?”
He looked shocked. “A compliment!”
“Okay.” I smiled. “Just checking.”
“So tell me about your cousin. Is he cool to live with?”
“Most of the time. He’s a few years older than me, so we didn’t hang out as kids or anything.”
“And he’s away right now?”
The waiter dropped off our drinks.
“For the next few weeks.” I opened my straw and put it in my cup. I was insanely thirsty and took a long sip. “I guess you were listening to our conversation the other night.”
“Did I ever pretend I wasn’t?” He sipped his Coke.
“No. I just hope you asked me out for the right reasons.”
“As compared to the wrong ones?”
“You weren’t just trying to be nice, right? Because you knew I was worried about a guy from work bothering me.”
“I asked you out because I wanted to. Just like I want to be with you now.” He reached over and took my hand. It was the first physical contact we’d had so far that night. “But you’re right to be wary of Eric.”
“I am?”
“Yeah. And if you’d feel safer, you’re always welcome to stay at my place.”
“Excuse me?” I nearly spit out my water.
“Oh. I didn’t mean it that way.” He looked absolutely horrified by the shock that was probably on my face.
“Then how did you mean it?” I pulled my hand back. Was he really going to be that forward?
“I just mean that if you’re scared to stay alone, I have a guest room.”
“I’m not scared to stay alone. I just didn’t want to go out with him.”
“It’s okay to be afraid of things.”
“I’m not staying over at your place.” I looked him straight in the eye as I spoke. “I’m not scared, but is there a reason I should be? What did you mean by I’m right to be wary about Eric?”
“I just know him, and he’s a dangerous guy.” He looked away slightly.
“Why do I get the sense that you’re hiding something from me?” I knew his reluctance to meet my eye wasn’t random.
“Because I am.” He didn’t blink. “I don’t want to lie to you. I like you too much to do that.”
“Then why would I want to stay in your ‘guest room?’” I used air quotes. “If you’re keeping things from me, how can I trust you?”
“I don’t know, but you should.”
Our meals were placed in front of us, and I dug into the juicy burger. Medium rare. My favorite.
We concentrated on our food and didn’t talk much. I declined dessert, and before long we got up to leave.
He held open the door, and we walked out into the slightly cool night. “Have you thought any more about staying over?”
“What would have changed my mind?”
“A good meal has been known to clear someone’s head.”
I laughed. “How about I agree to come over and hang out.”
“I’m not asking you so I can get you into bed. I really am trying to look out for you.”
“Do you not want me to come over?” I half teased him and half asked out of fear of rejection. Where had all my confidence gone?
“Of course I do.” He took my hand. “I’m messing this all up, aren’t I?”
“Kinda.”
“I’m not trying to push you at all. I’d love to have you come over to hang out, but I have absolutely no expectations for anything else.”
“How about coffee?”
“What about it?”
“Can we have some at your apartment? You do own a coffee maker, don’t you?”
He chuckled. “Of course, I own a coffee maker.”
“Just checking.”
He held my hand as we walked down the street.
I pulled out my phone and texted Remy.
I’m going back to Toby’s place.
Our unofficial rule from first semester was that you always text to say you were going to a guy’s place. That way, if you went missing, they’d know the first place to look. It isn’t the most foolproof method, but it’s something.
Ok. I’m calling if I don’t hear from you by midnight.
Thanks.
“Who are you texting?” Toby glanced over.
“A friend.” No need to tell him who.