Our Love Story

Chapter Twelve

"He WHAT?!" Ava yelled, her eyes wide and a piece of pizza hanging out of her mouth.

"Levi asked me out," I repeated, stirring my soda with the straw.

She finished swallowing the piece of pizza in her mouth before speaking again. "So, what did you say?" she asked, leaning forward in her seat in the booth.

"I told him that I would think about it."

It's been a couple days since Levi had asked me on a date after our lunch at Panera. I was so shocked he had asked me out that I kind of mumbled something along the lines of 'uh-i'll-think-about-it-haha-see-you-at-work,' before getting into my car and driving off. When I thought back on it, I felt kind of bad for the way I reacted and he probably was confused and took that as a no.

Which, if I am being honest, I'm not sure if I like him in that way. Yes, he's sweet and good-looking, but he's also my boss and my soon-to-be brother-in-law's best friend.

"Why didn't you say yes?" Ava asked me.

I shrugged. "I got nervous! Also, I don't even know if I like him that way." I sipped my soda, sighing. "Plus, we work together. If it doesn't work out, it'll be really awkward."

"That's true," Ava mumbled, picking at her pizza as Luka, who was finally on break, slid into the booth next to her, putting his arm around her shoulders.

"What are you two talking about?" he asked.

"Levi, the older, sexy man asked her out on a date and you know what she said? She said she would think about it!" Ava told him and he laughed.

"Nova, just be honest and do what you feel is right for you," Luka said to me.

"Thanks, Luka." I smiled.

Ava's face lit up like she just suddenly remembered something. "I just remembered!" she exclaimed. "Halloween is coming up. I was thinking we should throw a party at the guys' place. I thought it would be fun to get all dressed up and drink."

Luka nodded his head. "Sounds good. I already spoke to Everett about it and he said he's down for a party at the apartment. Nova, what do you think?"

I nodded my head. "It sounds cool, I'll definitely be going." Halloween is my favorite holiday. There's just something about dressing up as anything you want that just makes me feel so happy. Also, you get to see people show up as ridiculous costumes and watch them get shit faced which is also really funny.

After I finished eating, I had to head to work and said my goodbyes to Ava and Luka. Arriving at work, I internally prepared myself to face Levi in the kitchen. I wasn't sure how to act after I basically ran away from him after he asked me out.

Entering the kitchen, I spotted Levi chopping something at the prep station, his back to me. I walked over to the lockers for the employees and slipped on my apron. "Hey, Nova," I heard Levi say.

I turned my head slowly. "H-Hey," I greeted and cursed myself for stuttering. He didn't seem to mind or notice though as the kitchen doors swung open and another employee walked in. After that, we didn't have much time for conversation as the place got busy with hungry people.

By the end of the night, I was wiping down some tables out in the dining area, lost in thought, when I sensed someone walking up to me. I turned my head and saw that it was Levi.

"Hey," he said. "Could we talk?"

I nodded my head. "Sure. What is it?"

He leaned against the table and crossed his arms, looking at me. "So, about how I asked you on a date, I'm sorry if that was too sudden for you."