Page 14 of Vince
Sydney
“He gotme to agree to a second date, and we haven’t even been on a first!” I repeat for the fourth time to Chloe while we hang out Friday morning. We’ve been binge-watching episodes ofThe Flash, as that’s Chloe’s favorite show and once we start, I’m sucked in right along with her.
“You’ve mentioned that,” she deadpans then adds, “I thought you were on a dating diet from men?”
“I was…” I groan. “But you’re visiting family, and Abby bailed on me. And… well, okay… when we almost got back to our apartment, I didn’t want my time with Vince to end,” I admit.
“I see…” she draws out, likely waiting for me to continue.
“Don’t use your psycho-babble on me, Clo…” I warn, knowing she’ll make me admit why I asked him out in the first place.
She pushes my shoulder and pretends to be offended. “I’m not doing that. But you have to admit. There’s something about this guy that hasyouof all people, asking him out.”
“What? I ask people out.”
“Um… no, you don’t. You never have to. Guys fawn all over you, and you’re usually the one to turn them down.”
I balk at her description in a tsk-like noise. “They don’t fawn all over me. Sure, I get hit on at the bar when they have their beer-goggles on, but it’s not like I get that much attention when I’m out and about.”
“Girl… are you believing that line of bullshit you’re spewing? You’re gorgeous and guysdoindeed notice you. I think you took this chance on Vince because he didn’t throw himself at you. From what you’ve told me, he seems decent. Just don’t let your past cloud your judgement with him.”
“I haven’t even gone on the date. Why are you saying that?”
“Oh, I don’t know –Ms. Dating Dieter.” She pauses to get my full attention. “You’ve had yourself a string of shitty dates, and I hope you give poor Vince a chance. I, for one, am dying to meet the guy you’re willing to hop off the wagon for.”
God, I love her, but she couldn’t be more wrong. “I’m not hopping off the wagon. I’m not addicted to dating… or being celibate for that matter. I was just done with dating the wrong guys.”
“Okay – we’re getting to the good part of this show… so I’ll shut up – but you may want to ask yourself,what makes him so special?”
What does make him so special?I ask myself a million times and when the episode ends, I have no freaking clue as to how the problem in the show I’d been dying to know about was solved. Shit. I’ll have to re-watch this episode another time while Chloe’s gone because there’s no way in hell I’m admitting my concentration is shit at the moment.
* * *
As much as I want to talk with Vince, I wait until Saturday afternoon to reach out. I don’t know his schedule and I certainly didn’t want to appear too eager either.
Me: Are you busy?
Vince: I’ve got time to talk.
Great. I’m likely interrupting him. But at the same time, my belly flips knowing he’s making the time to talk to me. Knowing I want to see him sooner than I’d admit to anyone, I quickly type and hit send before I can over think it.
Me: Would you like to grab dinner before the concert?
Before a response comes through, my phone rings and annoyance sets in because now is not the time for interruptions. But when I notice it’s him, all is forgiven.
“Hi.” His rough voice comes through the receiver and the flutter in my belly from before picks up the pace. “Thought it would be easier to just call. I’ve never been a big texter, when you can pick up the phone just as easy.”
“No problem.” His honesty is endearing.
“Do you want to grab dinner near campus, or in town – closer to the venue?”
“Let’s grab it near the venue—that way we won’t have to worry about traffic or anything. Even though Sunday should be good.”
“I can drive—unless you’d rather,” he offers and for some reason, it matters that he’s letting me choose.
“You can drive. I live in apartment 3B. It’s the first building on your right as you enter the complex. Upstairs and to the left.”
“Sounds good. Are you working tonight?”
