꧁ Cʀᴏᴏᴋs: Bᴇᴛʀᴀʏᴇᴅ ʙʏ Bʟᴏᴏᴅ ꧂

15. Lᴏᴠᴇ ᴀɴᴅ Lᴏɴɢɪɴɢ

Today was the big day: my date with Michael. The butterflies in my stomach were fluttering like crazy.

Lucille did my makeup and gave me some last minute advice, even though she already went through an entire handbook over dating tips yesterday. Rosemary styled my hair, and got me a blue headband to wear with the dress. They were also going out tonight, so we got ready together. Lucy was dressed in a black and silver jumpsuit, Rose in a pink sundress. It felt oddly special, being able to get all dressed up with them.

As they added the final touches, they turned the vanity chair around to reveal myself in the mirror. I've never seen myself all glammed up like this before, and honestly, it made me feel amazing. I looked gorgeous, needless to say.

I put on some perfume and the new jewelry before finishing it off with my heels. Lucy observed as I confidently walked back and forth in them.

"You're a pro, girl. You've got this under control."

"I'm just really nervous… what if-"

She put a finger over her mouth, gesturing for me to shush. "Nuh uh uh, no what ifs. You just go out there and be yourself, and whatever happens happens. You're gonna be fine."

I smiled wide, and we started to make our way out of the front door, careful not to catch my moms attention. The place they were having their date at wasn't far from mine, so we took the subway and in less than ten minutes we were already there.

As we approached the spot me and Michael planned to meet up at, a million thoughts began to rush through my mind. I tried to calm myself, I didn't want to be an obvious nervous wreck when I talked to him. The last thing I need is to be embarrassed in front of him. I took a few deep breaths, and headed up to the doors of the restaurant.

Lucille gave me a nudge on the shoulder, turning to head the other direction. "Good luck, Cynthia. We'll be a few blocks down if you need us."

Then, they were gone. It was all me now. I took one last deep inhale and exhale, and made my way in. Heel to toe.

The place was very nice, dare I say a little fancy. The wallpaper was a light blue with a few white patterns. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, and each table was adorned with a white tablecloth and a single candle. A live jazz band played in the background, creating a romantic and rather relaxing ambience. I see why he picked this place.

I glanced around the room, trying to find where he was. He was sitting at a corner booth, gesturing his hand for me to come sit down as we spotted each other.

He straightened up, fixing his white button down as I sat down across from him. "Wow, you look amazing, Cynthia."

I could feel the heat rushing to my cheeks already as I smiled. "Thank you so much; you also look stun, uh- the place, the restaurant, looks....stunning."

I swear his smile could light up a town. He combed his blonde hair back with his fingers, letting out a faint laugh. "I appreciate it, thanks for coming out tonight."

"Of course, what have you been up to?" I asked, trying to initiate some conversation so I didn't come off awkward.

"Just picking up more shifts at the cafe, hoping to save up some money; speaking of which, did you get the job?"

Well, fuck. I knew he was going to ask, and I hadn't come up with an excuse. What do I tell him?

"Uhm, I didn't, surprisingly."

"Really? They were like, super desperate to try to find employment."

I didn't know how to respond, so I didn't. He shrugged his shoulders, shaking his head. "I guess they're just being picky. Well, what else have you been up to?"