Seven Dates

Chapter Twenty-Five

"Ow, that's more than enough," I squeal as Ari tightens a blindfold around my head. "That thing definitely isn't coming off, that's for sure." I hear her snicker behind me.

"Well, it's supposed to be a blind date, so I'd hope it wouldn't come off," she jokes.

Her hands press against my shoulder blades, steering me into the dining room. When enter the room, I notice there's soft music in the background. It sounds like some sort of relaxing electro-jazz. I know it definitely isn't Leah's type of soundtrack. It's different, but I kind of like it.

I feel around blindly and my hands land on what feels like the back of a chair. I take a seat. I hear light footsteps approach and the sound of plates gently being set on the table.

"Hey. I'm Alex," I hear a voice say. It's higher pitched than I expected. I automatically picture him being small and kind of feminine. "Are chopsticks okay? It's chicken and fried rice."

"Yeah, that sounds nice, actually," I say, raising my eyebrows. I guess it makes sense that Leah would pick someone who had a lot in common with me, since she knows me best. I definitely have a soft spot for Asian food. "You made it yourself?"

"Mhm," Alex says. I feel warm fingers brush gently against mine as he hands me my chopsticks. Before I can feel my normal rush of conflicted emotion, Alex moves his hand away. The food smells insanely good.

I feel around with my free hand until I find the dish in front of me. Instead of a plate like I'd assumed it was, it feels like a small bowl. I bring a bite up to my mouth, softly blow on it, and taste it.

It's fantastic. I can taste soy sauce, brown sugar, and pepper right off the bat but I can't place any of the other ingredients. It's sweet, tangy, and a little bit spicy all at once. Alex is an incredible cook. I eagerly bring more up to my mouth.

"You like it," Alex chuckles. His chuckle is light sounding and instantly makes me grin. I try to slow down my eating spree so I don't look like such a pig. "It's okay, eat as much and as fast as you want. I love food, too. Plus I take it as a compliment," he laughs.

"Is the music okay or should I put something else on? I wasn't really sure what you liked," Alex admits. I shake my head. I hear the slight sound of his chopsticks lifting off the table.

"No, this is fine," I assure him, smiling. I feel around the table for a drink. A soft hand rests on mine and carefully moves my hand over to my glass. I feel my face redden, feeling like I must look pretty silly having to be directed around to things. Why did I have to be blindfolded for this, again? "Good food and chill music. I think you're off to a pretty nice start. Do you go to the same school as Leah and I?"

"No, sorry. I go to a private school in the other side of town. Camery Prep is the name of it. I met Leah through volunteering. I work at the shelter where she adopted Moonlight," Alex explains. "She's a really nice person. Even after she adopted Moonlight she stops by almost every week to drop off extra pet food, cleaners, and towels."

"She's always been like that," I smile. Leah really is a sweetheart to everyone. It's nice that she and Alex met that way. "You like working at the shelter? I've always wanted a pet but I'm allergic," I admit.

"Absolutely. I love animals but I also think I want to travel in the future so it doesn't make sense for me to actually own one," he responds. "Do you want to travel someday, Ash?"

"Would it be cheesy of me to say I'd like to go to Japan? I've always been interested in the Japanese culture," I say. "France and Italy would be really neat to see, too, for the artwork and especially the food."

"It's not cheesy at all. I'd love to see all of those places," he tells me.

"I'd love even to travel to some other areas of the United States. Maybe experience skiing for the first time, explore the inside of a cave, or even just go out to the mountains and spend a week or two in a cabin on a lake with a hot tub," he continues.

His voice is so soothing it makes me feel like my heart is full of warmth just listening to him talk. He's full of passion for things, and that makes me feel excited just being around him. He is very likable and it makes me feel a little conflicted.