“It isn’t going to happen, so just drop it,” I snapped.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to sound pushy,” she said softly.
I exhaled loudly and leaned on the table, focusing on the stacks in front of me. “You aren’t pushy. I’m touchy about everything.” I didn’t know how to explain things to her.
“Well, I’m here. If you ever need anything, all you have to do is ask.”
I shoved away from the table and moved toward her. She took a couple of steps backward before standing firm.
“I did ask. I asked you to go out with me and you said no. I understand why now, and you’re right. He’s a jerk, and I’m a player just like he is, but I’ve never, ever, forced myself on a girl, and I’m not about to start now. I can’t promise you I won’t do anything dumb, but I’ll promise to be honest with you if you’ll do the same with me.”
She heard me loud and clear, I knew she did so I continued on. “So here is what I need to know, Nikki. Do you want to go out with me? Or are you saying no to me because you’re afraid?”
She looked like a cornered rabbit, and I felt horrible, but I wanted to know, once and for all.
“Why do you want to go out with me so badly? It doesn’t make any sense. I’m not the type of girl you’re used to being with.” She swallowed nervously.
“I want to date you because you’re the first person I’ve really noticed since my dad died. For the first time in a long time, I want to do something besides getting completely hammered. Is that so bad? It’s just a date. One date. If you like it we’ll have more, if you don’t, we won’t. I just want you to give me a chance before you decide I’m not worth it.”
She walked away from me over to the desk, running her finger across the smooth surface. “Will you let me pick the time and place?” she asked.
I grinned widely. “Girl, you can do whatever you want as long as you say yes.”
“Then yes. I’ll go out with you.” She smiled.
“Finally,” I said, looking toward the ceiling and mouthing a thank you. I glanced back at her and we both started laughing.
Chapter Six
I was still blissfully asleep at eight o’clock the next morning when my phone started buzzing. I reached out to silence it, but when I saw the number I answered right away.
“Hello?” I tried to make my voice sound normal despite not having used it today.
“Are you awake?” Nikki asked.
“Of course,” I replied.
“You said you would never lie to me remember?” She giggled.
“If I weren’t awake, how could I be talking to you?”
“I woke you up, didn’t I?”
“Yep, and I’m thinking you should do it every morning from now on.” I couldn’t stop grinning like a goof. “What’s up?”
“I’m calling in our date. You said I could plan the time and place. The time is in one hour, and I will text you the address. Can you make it?”
“I’ll be there.” I hopped out of bed and hurried to my closet to pull out some clothes. “What are we doing?”
“Can’t tell you. It’ll ruin the surprise.” She sounded excited.
“Okay. See you in a bit.” I hung up and grabbed a couple other items and headed for the shower, passing my mom in the hall.
“Where are you headed so early?” she asked.
“I have a date,” I replied with a wink.
“A date?” She smiled widely. “This early? On a Sunday? Must be a special girl.”
“I’m thinking maybe so. Is that okay with you? I didn’t ask. It was kind of spur of the moment.”
“Who is she?”
“Her name is Nikki Wagner. She’s a sweet girl. I guess she’s one of the cheerleaders.”
“Oh. A cheerleader,” she replied in voice that made it sound like I’d just hit the jackpot or something. “Is she pretty?”
“Very. I’m in a bit of a hurry, Mom,” I added knowing the clock was ticking and not wanting to be late.
“Go on, kiddo. Have some fun for a change.” She was humming to herself as she walked away.
Thirty-five minutes later, I was running out of the house as I scarfed down a piece of toast with some jelly for breakfast. I cursed the dirt road to the highway for the bad condition it was in, causing me to drive slower.
When I got to town, I rushed into the supermarket, over to the flower section. They didn’t have a whole lot to choose from, but there was a slender vase with three decent looking roses in it. There wasn’t time to hit up the florist, and I wasn’t sure if they were even open today. But I’d told Nikki I would bring her flowers when I first asked her out, and I intended to keep my word.