If You're Not Busy

Chapter 26 Official First Date !

A week had gone by since the passionate kiss at the airport. They had both been busy settling into school routines and work shifts. They had texted one another before going to sleep and facetimed on the odd occasion too. But Mariah was getting more and more agitated with herself because she couldn't find the courage to ask Tessa out on their first date. She talked to Shelby about it. "Mariah" It's not rocket science! All you have to do is ask her. I mean if your that scared then just text her a message and ask her out at the same time. Err ok said Mariah I'll try. Tessa meanwhile was wondering if Mariah was ever going to ask her out on a first date? We've been back in Boston a whole week already and I don't want to waste any more time said Tessa to herself. Mariah was pacing the floor of her room. I have to do this she was telling herself out loud. Do what ? said a voice on the other side of her door. She opened it to find Kevin standing there.

Do what? Kevin repeated. Oh, nothing said Mariah. "Mariah" your a terrible liar do you know that said Kevin. What's going on? You can talk to me about anything. Yes, I know said Mariah sharply. Ok, I'll back off said, Kevin. No! I'm sorry said, Mariah. I'm building up the courage to ask Tessa out on a first date. You've not asked her yet? said Kevin surprised. I thought you would have asked her by now? It's on the tip of my tongue when I see her on facetime said Mariah and then I bottled out again! I'm so frustrated with myself! I just want this to work. It will said Kevin you two sound like you were made for each other. Why don't you do it the way your sister said and just ask her in a text? "Sister" ? questioned Mariah Yeah! Shelby hinted said, Kevin. Oh yeah, Mariah laughed I forgot she is my sister now! It's taking me a while to get used to the idea of an instant family. You are happy you have one now though? Kevin asked Oh god yes! I was delighted and very lucky they said yes to the idea. Well, I'm sure they feel just as lucky said, Kevin. 

Right, I have to go and do some studying. So just pick up the dam phone and call Tessa and get this date organized. Kevin gave her a peck on the cheek and left her to it. She walked over and picked up her phone. Here goes nothing she thought as she dialled Tessa's number. I think I'm going to have to ask her ? thought Tessa. When we've spoken on facetime I can tell she wants to ask me, but it just won't come out of her mouth. Next time she calls that's it I'm asking her out. I can't wait another second! As Tessa grabbed her phone it started to ring and there was Mariah's name on the screen. Great timing though Tessa. Hi! Hi yourself! this is a nice surprise said, Tessa. I thought you'd be studying? Err yeah you're right said Mariah but I need to get something off my chest first of all. I've been thinking about it since our last kiss at the airport. Have you now?  mocked Tessa. Yes, I want us to go on our first proper date together said, Mariah. There that wasn't so hard, was it? said Tessa.

No, it wasn't said Mariah How did you know I was struggling to ask you? I could tell every time you called me and face timed me that there was something else you were not saying, I just wondered why you were so apprehensive? Do you want to change your mind? About what ? said Mariah very snappily. Asking me out of course! You can take it back if it's all too much said Tessa sadly. "Tessa," I told you I love you I'm not going back on that said Mariah I've just never asked anyone out before male or female It was a big deal for me. Ooh, I see said Tessa now it all makes sense. I was going to ask you out blurted out Tessa if you waited any longer! So let's start again. What day are we going on this date? asked Tessa. I looked at your schedule and you are free this weekend as am I. So I thought we could meet up again around eleven on Saturday morning seeing as we're both doing late shifts at the restaurants, which will give us a bit of a lie-in. Sounds great said Tessa I can't wait to see you. Me neither said Mariah see you soon as she blew Tessa a kiss down the phone before hanging up.

The days seemed to drag by before it reached Saturday. Tessa had been up early tidying her room just in case! She then had a shower and got herself ready to go see Mariah. We have the whole weekend she thought to herself. I wonder what Mariah has planned for us? I can't wait to see her and hold her in my arms again and kiss her! Mariah had sort of planned the day. She had decided to make up a picnic basket so that they could go to the park and later they could go out to eat? But Mariah was hoping to persuade Tessa to come back to her hall of residents and she'd planned on cooking for her. She would do her a lovely piece of salmon with some divine couscous to go with it. She had got out of bed early to prep it all and make the picnic. And then like Tessa she had given her room the spring clean treatment. And then headed for the shower as well because eleven O'clock was fast approaching. Once she was ready she got her coat and headed outside with her rucksack all packed up with the picnic stuff in. Tessa as usual was early and was at the spot they usually meet at. She hated being late for anything. She stared at the door she knew Mariah would be coming out of. Dead on eleven Mariah appeared through the door and had a broad smile on her face the minute she saw Tessa.