Michael & Noelle

"Noelle!"

As I watched Michael drive from the side of my eye, I tried to memorize the features on his face. He was truly a beautiful man, maybe on the nerdier side but his muscles, his intricate jaw line and his over aura did more than enhance his fuckableness.

He looked so lost as he drove though, I wondered where he was.

I clear my throat, and he blinks, glancing at me.

"You alright?"

"I'm fine," I reply, tilting my head at him, "although . . . I should be asking you."

He chuckles, shaking his head, "I'm okay. I was just thinking about a second date for you and I."

Hold up, did I hear him correct?

My lips part as I stare at him, and he smirks, obviously knowing the effect he had on me.

"Sheesh," I grin, "A second date? And I didn't even have to beg this time."

Michael rolls his eyes, "I must admit that I'm glad you didn't give up . . . I would've missed out on all of this."

I sink further into my chair, smiling in content.

"What were you thinking of doing?"

"I don't know, you work pretty late so there's not much night life we could cover, maybe a late afternoon movie?"

"Oh," I nod, "I actually haven't been to the movies in years."

"Me too," he replies, "it's settled then, tomorrow at 4?"

"Yes, I will text you the schedule."

"Sounds like a plan."

He drove me all the way home, even stepping out to pull open my door, and walk me to the house.

"You know, you're a sweetheart when you aren't being a mutt."

"I'm just going to ignore the last part and say, thank you."

I giggle, looking down at my shoes.

He takes my chin, lifting my head so that I could look at him, "later?"

"Later," I breath, my heart accelerating in my chest. My eyes drop to his lips, and for a moment I thought he was going to kiss me.

He swerves, placing a gentle kiss on my cheek before stepping away.

"Call me after work, please," he says as he walks away.

"I will," I mutter, mostly to myself.

I watch as he drives off, giving a small wave before pushing the front door open.

My aunt sat in her usual corner, her headphones wrapped around her head but her eyes set on me. She raises her eyebrows and tilts her head and I already knew what that meant; after work, I'd be her target.

I roll my eyes teasingly, but nod nevertheless.

I had a bit of time before work as it was only one in the afternoon, so I decided to take binge some shows, and take a nap.

#

Tonight was packed.

I wasn't complaining because that meant a bigger share of money for us, but for a Thursday evening it was a bit alarming.

The girls and I did what we do best: dance. And of course, the crowd loved us. A few newcomers tried to throw money at the stage but our security had to let them know that they were in the wrong club.

I spend at least an hour on the stage with the other girls, and by the time I was done, my calves were aching, and my mouth was dry.

"Is it just me or was the club swamped?"

"It was," I confirm, stretching out my legs, "if today was swamped, I can just imagine tomorrow."

Mia groans, leaning back onto the wall. The girls walk around us, all rubbing at their joints.

"Do you every just . . . not want to do this anymore?"

I pause for a moment.

In all honesty, after I got this job, I never really thought abut doing anything else which is irnic because I was feel stuck in a loop.

Its like you're a fish, swimming in water, and you're so tired of swimming but it's become so normal, that you never actually think about getting out of the water.

I mean – the fish would die, but you get what I'm saying here.

"Actually . . . I don't think I've actually ever thought of doing something else."

"Hm," she shakes her head, "then you're strong. I personally don't know how long I'll last here."

Mia stands, grabbing her bag to go into the shower room and I'm left wondering what I would do if I didn't have this job.

My phone vibrates in my bag, breaking me out of my trance.

Michael: Noelle, have you left work yet?

If I had never met Michael in person and he texted me, I would overthink every text he sent. Because why did he start off with my first name instead of a greeting like a normal human being?

Noelle: No, I'm actually about to leave.

Michael: Oh okay. Well I was wondering if you felt safe to leave? Is your tank filled? Do you tires have air? Are any of your engine lights on?

I tilt my head at the phone, resisting the urge to smile.

Noelle: Uh, I'm 70% sure that all of these are taken care of.

Michael: Okay, please check before you leave, and if anything is wrong give me a call so that I can come help you out.

Noelle: Thanks Michael, I will.

Michael: Don't forget.

All my depressing thoughts were gone as I stood with an extra pep in my step. I gathered my things, not even bothering to shower and head out of the building.

I checked the time, and it was two in the morning.

The parking lot was empty, and quiet, and maybe I shouldn't have walked out here alone.

As I unlock my car, I check my tires, my gas, and stared at my dashboard for a long time trying to figure out if anything was wrong.

Since Michael had it repaired not too long ago, everything was still up to par.

Noelle: I'm all good. I'll let you know when I'm home.

The drive home was filled with pleasant thought, and now and then I found myself laughing at things Michael said, or smiling at the way he made me feel.

Even after our very first date, I felt like I was walking on air – and I know this is supposed to be expected as we're i4n our honey moon phase and all but . . . I haven't felt this way in a long time.