Page 27 of Worth the Risk

“Yeah?”

“Yep.” She pops the cherry from the whip cream on her milkshake into her mouth. “James asked me to go on a date this weekend.”

“Oh wow, that’s great.” The way my hands clench into fists says otherwise. “What day?”

“Saturday.” Her eyes finally meet mine with a small smile on her face. “We’re going to the movies.” Our food gets delivered to the table and of course it’s by Vanessa who isn’t even our waitress today. She places Emi’s food in front of her and I don’t miss the small smirk on her face before she turns to me with a mischievous smile on her face.

“Can I get you anything else?” Vanessa keeps her gaze on me but I keep mine on Emilia, whose eyes are throwing daggers at Vanessa. Is that jealousy? “Ahem.” Vanessa clears her throat causing me to look at her.

“No, that's all.” Vanessa purses her lips, storming off because she didn’t get the attention she wanted. “Anyways, the movies, that’s good.”

“Yeah.” She sticks a fry into her mouth. Whatever emotion she was feeling just a minute ago, wiped away as she does a little happy dance in her seat. My girl loves her fries. Woah. Not my girl. “I suggested apple picking but apparently there’s some new movie he wants to see.” She says with a shrug.

What? She told him what she wanted to do and he completely ignored her? Why wouldn’t he want to make her happy? My mind swirls through these questions for the rest of the night.

Chapter 17

Emilia

It’s Saturday evening and Rosie is helping me get ready for my date with James. It’s officially autumn in New England and the weather got the notice. The sun is shining but clouds are scattered through the sky, the air is fresh and crisp, the perfect day for apple picking. Unfortunately James was set on going to see this new action movie. James is a nice guy but this date sounds less and less appealing by the minute.

Liam texted me this morning letting me know that if anything felt off I could text him at any minute and he’d come to the rescue. I sigh, knowing it’s not a good sign of me putting my feelings aside for Liam, I want to text him and I haven’t even left for the date yet. I’ve really tried over the past month to push Liam to the back of my mind but every week he does something to make my heart soar. From constantly bringing me my favorite ice cream, taking me out to dinner every week and always making sure I have a ride, it’s been hard to not hope for more with him.

Since James and I are just going to the movies I don’t bother get really dressed up. I throw on some black yoga pants with my high-top converse, a white tee shirt with a chunky emerald green cardigan on top. I finish putting on my basic makeup when James texts me that he’s here.

“Don’t look so excited.” Rosie teases as my face frowns at James' text.

“I’m trying to be excited, okay.”

“We can fake an emergency. I’m an incredible actress.” I can’t help but laugh at my best friend. Of course that would be her advice.

“He’s a nice guy. I’m sure it’ll be fine.”

“Mhmm.” Rosie hums. I know she has something to say about this date but honestly I can’t take that right now or I will have her faking that emergency. James is a good guy, we’re friends and even if this doesn’t go anywhere at least I’m putting myself out there. I grab my small purse, shoving my phone and wallet in it. “Have fun.” Rosie waves as I head out the door.

“Thanks. I’ll text you.” I wave back at her and then close the door. I take a deep breath before heading out the lobby of the apartment and into the parking lot.

The date with James is going just as I thought, fine. When I got in his car, which he didn’t open the door for me by the way, he was playing some rock music. The music was fine but he never asked me what I want to listen to and I can’t help compare that to how Liam always has me pick the music and has never let me touch the door handle. He asked me a few questions while driving like if I was excited about the movie and if I wanted popcorn. I lied and said I was excited but I didn’t lie about wanting popcorn. Movie theatre popcorn is elite.

While I love going to the movies I have decided they don’t make great first date spots. Since you have to be quiet the whole time you don’t really get to know the person. The movie has been playing for a while and honestly? I’m bored out of my mind. I like some action movies namely anything done by Marvel, but whatever this is has way too many explosions and not enough plot to keep my interest. James tries to be subtle and does the yawn and stretch of his arms, putting one around me. I stiffen at the contact which he doesn’t seem to notice and keeps it there for the next half of the movie.

Finally the movie ends and James drives me home. Originally I was expecting he’d want to get food after the movie so I didn’t eat before and that small bag of popcorn isn’t tying me over. After tonight though, I’d rather eat at home anyways so I stay quiet while he talks about the film the whole way home. I nod in agreement, mhms and yeahs whenever appropriate. When we pull up at my apartment James surprisingly gets out of the car but doesn’t make his way to my side so I pull open the door and walk around to meet him on the other side.

“Well, thank you.” I give him a halfhearted smile.

“My pleasure.” He gives me a full grin back, his hands stuffed in his pockets.

“Um. Well good night.” I wave and turn to walk to the front of my building.

“Wait, Emilia.” He grabs my wrist, giving it a light tug, but not quite spinning me around. I turn to face him and stiffen when I see he’s leaning in. Shit. Before I know it he presses his lips to mine. I don’t move for a few seconds, feeling frozen in place but then I decide to throw caution to the wind, leaning into the kiss to see if maybe there’s some chemistry. Unfortunately, there’s none and the way his tongue is trying to force entry into my mouth isn’t helping his case. I pull back slightly and thankfully he does the same. He smiles at me before releasing my arm. “Good night, Emilia.”

I give him another halfhearted smile before turning and heading into my building. I walk into the apartment, sighing as I hang up my purse on the hooks we have in the small entryway. Rosie, who is plopped on the couch eating chips and watching reality tv shows, turning her head when I click the door shut.

“Hey.” Rosie turns her whole body around now, there’s a slight grimace on my face that I can’t seem wipe off my face.

“Not good?” I shake my head.

“I’ll tell you in a second. I’m going to put on sweats.” I dip into my room and pull on a sweat set. It’s a bright blue color and a little big on me but it’s one of the comfiest things I own, apart from Liam’s clothes. As I pull the hoodie over my head my phone vibrates and I groan, thinking James is already texting me. However, I’m pleasantly surprised when I see the text message from Liam, I can’t help but smile to myself.

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