Page 11 of On Broken Wings

“Why would he do that?” I rolled my eyes. “I don’t even think he really likes me. I’m just a challenge for him, that’s all.” I’d been telling myself this for the last few days. When I’d gotten home from school the other day, the first thing I did was call my brother. He’d once been really good friends with Nate’s brother, Brad. I wanted his opinion, but I didn’t get much. He seemed distracted, and like he really didn’t want to talk to me. I figured Nate couldn’t be too bad if Mason didn’t seem worried about me going out with him.

“He likes you. I’ve seen the way he watches you.” She sighed dreamily.

“Do you think all that stuff girls say about him is true?” I found the sweater I was looking for, and tossed it on the bed.

“You mean that he’s a player?” I heard a clicking sound and assumed she closed her door.

“I mean that he just wants sex,” I grumbled. “I don’t think I can do that. I mean, that’s why Darrin left. What if he only wants sex from me?”

“That’s all most guys want. They realize once they get to know you that they want more. Get him to want more,” she coaxed.

“He’s gonna have to want more. I don’t plan to sleep with him.” I shrugged. “Listen, I gotta go. He’s gonna be here soon, and I’m standing in my room in my underwear.”

“I’m sure he’d love that,” she teased. “Have fun, and call me tomorrow. I want deets.”

“I’ll call you tonight.” I laughed.

“If the night goes well you won’t. You’ll be sucking face with Nate.” She giggled. “Later.” The line went dead, and I tossed my phone on my bed.

Was she right? Would Nate try to kiss me tonight? I touched my fingers to my lips, and tried to imagine it. Darrin’s the only guy I’ve really dated, made out with, touched… he’s been the only one. I don’t have anything to compare him to. What would Nate be like? How would it feel to kiss him? Does he even want to kiss me? I turned to look at myself in the mirror in the corner of my room. I was pretty, I guess. I was petite and muscular from years of gymnastics. I didn’t have big boobs like the girls Nate seemed to like. My hair was plain, and my eyes a simple brown. There wasn’t anything really that stood out for me.

I shook my head trying to push the thoughts away as I slipped on my brown skirt. He’d have to take or leave it tonight. I wasn’t going to try and be someone I wasn’t.

oooooooo

“You look really pretty tonight.” Nate glanced at me as he pulled into a parking space.

“Thanks.” I tugged at my skirt. I’d forgone the tights that I usually wore with it, and opted for some knee boots instead. It wasn’t cold yet, so the short-sleeved sweater I’d paired with it was warm enough.

“I hope this is okay.” He motioned to the restaurant in front of us.

“Sure. It’s fine.” I fidgeted. I honestly didn’t care where we ate. I wasn’t hungry. My nerves were making sure of that. I was hoping that it would be something a little nicer than pizza though. Pie in the Sky was one of the best pizza joints in the city, but I’d have thought Nate would pick somewhere that might call for reservations.

“It’s not fine. I can see it all over your face.” Nate sighed. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.” I shook my head as I reached for the door handle.

Before I could get the door open, Nate reached across me, pulling it shut. “Don’t lie to me, Jenni. We spent all night Friday talking. I thought we were getting somewhere. What is it? Do you not like pizza?”

“I feel overdressed,” I murmured, “and Darrin used to bring me here all the time.”

“You look great, and Darrin’s a douche.” He stared right at me waiting for me to agree with him, I think. “We can go somewhere else if you want, but wouldn’t you rather have good memories of this place, than the ones you have with Darrin?”

“Good point.” I gave a quick nod. “Let’s do this.” I pushed at the car door, and this time he let me open it. When we got to the door of the restaurant, he held his hand out for me. I never believed in that feeling that you hear about getting from another person, but when my fingers touched his it was like an electric bolt shot up my arm. My entire body took notice that he was there, and for the first time since Nate started his pursuit, I felt something more than annoyance from him.

“What kinda pizza do you like?” Nate handed me a menu as we sat down.

“I’m fine with whatever you want.” I scanned the menu. The truth was, Darrin always ordered for us when we came here.

“Please tell me that you are not one of those girls who doesn’t eat when she goes on a date.” He glanced over the top of his menu.

“No, it’s not that.” I chewed on my lip, trying to decide how much I wanted to tell him. Talking about your ex is a big no-no when you’re on a first date.

“Jen.” He waited for me to look up. “Stop thinking so hard, and spit it out.”

“Darrin always ordered for us.” I rushed the words out as I attempted to hide behind my menu.

“Asshole,” he hissed. “That settles it.” He closed his menu and set it off to the side. “Order whatever you want. I’ll eat anything except pineapple and anchovies.”

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