Page 20 of Hailey Goes to College

“There’s a new restaurant that just opened downtown,” he says. “It’s got great reviews, and I thought it would be fun to check it out together.”

“That sounds perfect,” I say, already looking forward to it. “When?”

“How about Friday night?” he suggests. “I’ll pick you up from your dorm at seven.”

“Friday night it is,” I agree, my heart fluttering with anticipation. As we finish our drinks and head back to campus, I can’t help but feel giddy about Friday and my second first date with Ryan.

The week flies by, and before I know it, it’s Friday evening. Kelsey helps me pick out an outfit again—a black dress with textured tights she swears look nice together. It takes Kelsey and me an hour to do my hair and makeup. As I look in the mirror, I feel a mix of nerves and excitement.

When I open my door, Ryan is wearing dark jeans and a hunter green sweater that looks so soft I wonder if it’s the good cashmere. A far cry from the Cubs hat and jeans and t-shirt he usually wears. “Wow,” he breathes, and I bite my tongue from saying something embarrassing. “You look…I mean you’re always pretty.” He blows out a breath, and there’s a blush creeping up his neck, his ears red. “You look amazing.”

“Thanks.” I try for nonchalance but fear that I sound disingenuous. “You look good in green.” I wince at how dumb I sound.

“Good to know,” he laughs. “Ready?” He holds out his hand and I entwine my fingers with his.

“You kids have fun!” Kelsey calls. “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t.”

We give each other a look as the door closes behind us. “So that leaves us open to a whole world of opportunities,” I inform him.

“Exactly what I was hoping for.” He tugs my hand as we make our way down the hall.

We head to the restaurant, enjoying the unseasonably warm evening. We take Ryan’s car downtown and find a parking garage about a block down from the restaurant. The city is bustling with activity, and there’s a palpable energy in the air. It’s Friday night, possibly one of the last semi-warm ones before winter makes us all have to bundle up so they’re out enjoying it. When we arrive at the restaurant, it’s even more charming than I imagined. Twinkling lights adorn the entrance, and the interior is cozy and inviting. It’s the perfect Italian bistro.

Once inside we’re seated at a corner table, and as we peruse the menu, I’m struck by how easy it feels to be with Ryan. The conversation flows naturally, and we spend the evening talking about everything and nothing. The food is delicious, and the atmosphere is perfect. As we finish our meal, Ryan reaches across the table and takes my hand. “I’m really glad we did this, Hailey. I’ve missed spending time with you like this.”

“Me too,” I say, squeezing his hand. “We should keep doing this. I don’t have a car, so I need someone to drive me downtown so I don’t have to learn the bus schedule.”

“There it is. I knew there was a reason you were keeping me around.”

“Yeah, a free Uber driver.” I pull my hands back and give him a worried look. “Didn’t I make that clear when we started this?” I ask, aiming for serious and biting my cheeks to keep from laughing.

“Mmm…I think I’m getting mixed signals. I think it’s all the kissing.”

I wave my hand in the air between us. “Oh, that. That’s just kindness.”

He grabs my hand from the air and brings my fingers to his lips. “You are very nice,” he whispers, as he kisses my fingertips and I stop talking, stop breathing. The atmosphere changes and I contemplate the pros and cons of leaping across the table and kissing him.

He must be able to tell what I’m thinking as a predatory grin spreads across his face and he releases my hand, sitting back in his seat, stopping the waiter to ask for the check.

After he pays we decide to take a walk along the river. The city lights reflect off the water, creating a magical scene. We walk hand in hand, talking and laughing, and I feel a sense of contentment I haven’t felt in a long time. I’ve only been downtown a handful of times and have only seen the famous Chicago River on television and in photographs.

It feels so romantic as we stand together, Ryan behind me, holding me in his arms as we stare out at the river flowing, the city’s lights twinkling on the surface.

“Hailey,” his voice tickles my ear. “I’m really glad you came to the park that day.”

“Me too,” I whisper.

I disentangle myself so I can turn and face him, pushing my hands up his chest and around his neck. “I’m really happy you’re clumsy.”

He laughs, lowering his head until his forehead touches mine. “Wanna know a secret?”

“Always,” I breathe, and I hope the secret is something about kissing, though I already know he’s a good kisser, that isn’t a secret.

“I’m not really that clumsy,” he says before our lips meet. I think I’m going to float out of my body when an ear-splitting whistle forces us to pull apart.

I look over and a cop is walking toward a group of kids who are messing around, climbing up on the bridge railing and pretending like they’re going to jump into the water. “Get down!” he yells, “What’s wrong with you?”

The kids laugh and run away, bumping into people in their haste. Ryan breathes out a laugh as he tightens his hold around my waist. “Want to get out of here?”

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