The Wrong One

Chapter 4

Sunday morning came early and I decided to check out Sarah's church. Even though she was still in Aspen with her dad, I decided to go alone. I chose the later service since I was up all night writing songs. It was still surreal to me that I signed with a record label and would be getting my own apartment here in the city. All my dreams were unfolding right in front of me and I couldn't even share with my dad. 

My dad, I knew he'd probably been up for hours, drinking coffee and getting his sermon ready. It was so hard for me to not talk to him. I didn't realize how much I missed him, until he didn't want me anymore. Of course I didn't know that for sure but he also hasn't tried to contact me. I tried to push that to the back of my mind as I got dressed. I was never allowed to wear jeans at my dads church, dresses or don't come. This church was different, they had more of a come as you are vibe.

When I got there, there were hundreds of people joining in the worship center. Huge lights and soft music filled the air. It was a bit overwhelming but everyone was so nice. The worship line up consisted of songs by Hillsong worship, Jeremy camp, and more. I never felt so close to God while singing these songs. Once the service was over I decided to call my dad. Straight to voicemail, I figured he would be getting ready to have lunch with my grandmother by now. I left a voicemail asking him to call me back when he could, not holding onto hope there.

Just as I got back to Sarah's my phone lit up with Jakes name. "Hello?" It took a minute before he answered me. "Hey Grace. So.. I was wondering.. well if you're not doing anything for dinner and you might be hungry later, we could grab a bite? I know a great Italian restaurant in the city." My heart literally fell into my butt, if that is even a thing. "Uh, sure. Yeah cool." I can't even form words around this man. "Cool, I'll pick you up at 7. Text me your address. See you tonight!" He hung up fast and I was thankful. I hadn't been on a date like ever. My father of course didn't want me to date until I was like 50. When I got back to Sarahs apartment she was sitting in the window seat reading a book. "Hey girl! Wait, why are you smiling like a little school girl?" I smiled and plopped down on the couch. "That Jake guy, asked me on a date tonight." Her jaw dropped as she pretended to faint. "Omg! are you serious?? You said yes right? Oh you better have said yes or I'm stealing him!"

We both were laughing hysterically while trying to find a decent outfit for me to wear. We had to move on to her closet because mine consisted of long dresses, leggings and pullovers. I was a pretty simple gal when it came to clothes. Sarah pulled out this rather short black dress with sequins on it and her eyes lit up. "Oh no, no way! Look how short it is. There's no way I'm wearing this." She rolled her eyes and tossed it at me. "Just try it on and see how it fits! Now!" I went into the bathroom and slid the thin dress on. My eyes froze in the mirror. Wow, I actually have a figure. It kind of intimidated me, the girl looking back at me. Just then Sarah started banging on the door. "Ok, ok. I'm coming out, promise not to laugh." I walked out of the bathroom and a smile started playing at the corners of her lips. "Damn girl you have an actual booty hiding under there!" she patted me on the butt and I nudged her arm. "Stop it! You think it really looks good? I don't know, maybe I should wear something less dressy. He didn't say where we were going." She rolled her eyes and brought me some black pumps. "Girl, you are wearing that dress! Now lets go fix your makeup and hair before it's too late."

Thirty minutes later I was throwing on a gray leather jacket and nervously waiting by the door. I caught a glimpse of myself in the hall mirror and didn't even recognize the girl staring back at me. I felt confident, sexy even. The doorbell rang and Sarah dove off the couch to answer it. "Go to the bathroom or something, you have to make a grand entrance!" I scoffed and Waited in my room. "Well hello there Jake, do come in." She gestured him in like a butler and I couldn't help but silently laugh to myself. "Well thank you my lady. Where is Grace?" Just then I took that as my cue to enter. I walked towards him and his jaw dropped. "Wow, Grace you look amazing. I mean beautiful, really beautiful." My face turned ten shades of red and I smoothed out my dress. Nervous habit. "Uh thanks. Yeah you too. I mean no, you don't look beautiful you. You look nice, handsome even." I looked down to avoid any more word vomit. A small laugh escaped his lips as he took my hand and walked me down to his car. It was an old black Camaro that had been very well taken care of. "Wow, this car is amazing." He stared at me for a minute with a smile before opening my door. "Yeah, she's alright." He winked at me and rushed over to his side. "So, where are we going?" I was dying to know where he was taking me all day. "You don't really like surprises do you love?" He chuckled. I fidgeted with my fingers out of nervous habit but returned the smile.

Five minutes later we pulled up to a huge building with the name "Nourriture céleste" written in big letters. I had no clue what that meant but it seemed fancy. He took my hand and led me inside. There was a bar as soon as you walked in, bright lights and everything was black and gold. There was faint music playing in the background that sounded like Shawn Mendez. It seemed like an upscale millennial hangout. The lady at the front had a big smile on her face when she saw Jake, leading me to believe he comes here often. "Hi Jake, right this way." She gave him a flirtatious grin and shook her hips as she walked, I'm sure to catch his attention. I rolled my eyes to myself and I think he saw me. He chuckled under his breath as we sat down.

I looked around at just how fancy this place was. We did not have restaurants like this back home. I started nervously fidgeting with my fingers again while the waiter poured our water. "Could we get your finest wine please?" Jake smiled at the waiter then at me. Crap, how was I supposed to explain to him that I've never drank before and didn't really have intentions too. He must've saw the look on my face because he brought his brows into a confused look. "Everything ok?" I didn't even realize I was thinking so hard on it. "What? Oh, yeah. I've just never drank before." I sheepishly smiled and started playing with my fork. He looked surprised. "Oh well I can send it back if you'd like? No pressure." He started to call the waiter over. "No, no. It's fine Jake really. You don't have to do that. I've been meaning to try it anyway." I fake laughed knowing I was lying.

He looked into my eyes for what seemed like forever and I felt that electric feeling creeping back up into my body. He finally looked away as the waiter brought us the wine. Ok Grace, here goes nothing. He poured me half a glass and I took a sip. The after taste was terrible but it had a nice taste for the most part. I took a couple more sips hoping it would get better. I had no clue how much this bottle of wine was so I didn't want to be rude. "How is it?" He smirked while staring at me. I tried my best not to look disgusted. "It's different, but good." I lied. He laughed a little then ordered dinner for the both of us because I had no clue how to read this menu.

"So you must come here often. The front desk attendant seemed to have a crush on you." I smiled while nodding towards her. She glanced over at us and gave me a go to hell look. He laughed and ran his fingers through his thick black hair. It was not fair how perfectly put together he always looked. "I bring clients here when we're closing deals. So yeah, I guess you could say I frequent here a lot. He smiled while taking another swig of his wine. Oh my gosh how could I be so stupid to think he wanted a date with me. Of course this was about business you idiot. He must've noticed the look on my face because he interjected my thoughts. "Grace, I want to be clear though. I brought you here on a date, not as a closing deal. Even though I'm hoping the guys decide to sign you, I knew there was something different about you the moment I laid eyes on you. I wanted and needed to know more about you."

I was so taken back by everything he was saying and he must've noticed. I was just about to say something when he interjected. "I'm sorry, gosh I'm an idiot. I probably just scared you away didn't I?" He smiled and I couldn't help but fall for that cute accent. "No you didn't actually. I enjoy your company as well." I gave him a shy smile and tucked my hair behind my ear. Once we were parked outside of Sarah's apartment the awkward silence began to set in. I played with my fingers as I always do when I'm nervous. "Thank you for dinner and the ride. I had a good time." I smiled as I reached for the door handle but he put his hand on mine. I could feel the hot electricity again coursing through my veins.

"You don't have to go just yet, if you don't want to." His piercing blue eyes was like floating in the ocean. I got lost in them before I snapped myself back into reality. His lips started to brush mine and I stopped him. "Jake wait, there's something you need to know about me before going any further." He looked at me with confusion and pulled back. "What, you're married??" He laughed and straightened his jacket. "Wait, you're not married are you?" This time I died laughing. "No, no it's not that! Look I come from a very strict religious background. I've never dated, never kissed anyone and I'm still a virgin. So i don't know what you expected from me on this date but I'm sure I'm not like other girls you've been with."

He pulled me in for a super passionate kiss and then pulled away. I swear it felt like my body was on fire. "Grace, we can take all the time you need. You're the kind of woman worth waiting for."