Chapter 6 – Date
1503 Words
“That’s good, then. My name is Dave. You are?” Dave glanced at her briefly. She seems to be nervous.
“Ella.” She replied without looking at him. The book she’s currently reading is for one of her subjects in university.
“Still in school?” He asked, noting the title of the book.
“Yes. It’s my last year.”
“So, you’re graduating soon, huh?”
“Yes.” She’s not sure how to properly approach this. What kind of questions is she supposed to ask?
“What degree?”
“Business Administration.” She definitely couldn’t focus on reading now.
“I see. Do you plan to put up your own business after graduating?”
Ella shook her head. She plans to work as an employee first. Save enough money to use as capital, which might take her years, then put up her own business. She doesn’t know what she wants yet. She figured she might get an idea while she’s working.
Dave stared at her. It seems it would be hard to get close.
Ella has another reason why she doesn’t want to speak much. She might say something inappropriate. She doesn’t want to be called dumb and stupid anymore.
When she heard him sigh, she sighed, too. She should just focus on reading.
They spent the next hour reading their respective books in silence.
Near lunch hour, Dave decided to ask her if she wanted to grab lunch together. There’s a cafeteria next to the library.
Ella turned to look at him when he asked. Should she say yes? She bit her lip while contemplating it. That made him stare at her lips instead. It didn’t look like she was drawing him in with that, though. She was genuinely thinking.
“I don’t bite.” He added, looking at her eyes instead. He figured she wouldn’t appreciate being stared at somewhere else. She’s wearing a loose blouse, flowy, and fitting jeans. Too bad the blouse is hiding her ass.
He lightly shook his head. He would really deserve a slap if his focus was on her body.
“How old are you?” Ella realized he hadn’t told her this when she told him her age.
“Twenty-six.” He grinned, answering her question.
Ella figured she should say yes. After all, she frequents the cafeteria he mentioned when she spends an entire day in the library.
“Sure. I usually eat there anyway.”
“Really? That’s good. What would you like to eat?”
Ella looked at him with amusement. “Let’s check the selection later, shall we?”
He agreed with a nod, “Of course. But I’d like to know your preferences. You might agree to a dinner next time, then I’ll know where to take you.”
Ella gulped while staring at him. Is he planning to dine her? Wined and dined. Most of the guys she’d been with before only ever ordered pizza and some other common dishes. Nothing special. Had never taken into account what she would like. She was never taken to a restaurant for a proper dinner. Nothing romantic. But she wants to experience that.
This Dave guy is becoming more attractive by the hour.
“I like barbecue. And salad.” That combination is all she ever wanted.
“Nothing else?” He showed her a small smile.
She lightly shook her head.
“Well, that’s easy, then.”
Hearing the word “easy” made her sigh, though.
“Did I say something wrong?” He was frowning at her reaction.
“No. Nothing.” She quickly assured him. She might turn him off if she’s gloomy. She should focus on the present and not dwell in the past, her aunt told her.
She returned her gaze on her book but her mind is elsewhere.
She’s living with her aunt and cousin. And though she was problematic before, when she sought her aunt’s advice, she made her feel welcome. Didn’t scold her. Didn’t yell at her. Didn’t show her any contempt. Didn’t tell her “I told you so.” She remained gentle and kind. Asking her what happened and what she could do. Sometimes, Ella would ask her what she should have done.
She wasn’t close to her before, because they have different beliefs. She would remind her not to get too close to the boys. To act reserved. To choose her friends carefully. But she didn’t listen. Now, she knew her aunt was mostly right.
After half an hour, Dave asked her, “Should we go?”
Ella looked around, put away her book and stood up. They walked out, side by side.
They talked about what they usually eat at the cafeteria. She learned that he’s not a picky eater.
It was while they were eating that Ella realized something. If he’s twenty-six already, shouldn’t he be working?
“So, what do you do?” She carefully asked before taking another bite of the food.
Dave stared at her for a while before answering. He wondered if she would be impressed?
“I own the only club in town.” He watched her expression. There’s recognition there, then awe, which turned to… discomfort? Interesting. Why, though?
She glanced at him again. He owns that place? She’d been there many times before. She legitimately thought the owner was an old man or something.
When he raised an eyebrow at her, she realized she needed to say something.
She bit her lip again. She does this when she’s nervous. “You don’t look like it?”
“Why not?” He was somewhat smiling at her reaction. It’s new.
“You’re too young?”
He nodded, “Hmm, yeah, most people say that.”
“Wow.” After the initial discomfort at being reminded of that place, she focused on how he’s the owner of such a successful business. It’s admirable.
“It’s nothing amazing. My parents initially funded it.”
“But you manage it from the beginning?”
“I did.”
“Wow.” She couldn’t find any other word to use, to express her amazement.
“Hmm, I don’t think you’re very impressed.” There’s something off with her reaction.
Her lip twitched before she raised an eyebrow. “You expect me to be very impressed?”
“Something like that.” He shrugged. Oh well, he couldn’t always impress the ladies. Jamie wasn’t impressed as well. Mostly, she’s just envious of him having supportive parents. He imagines Ella’s having the same perspective.
He squinted at her before voicing his observation and asking if that’s how she’s seeing it.
She looked a little embarrassed when he guessed correctly.
Ella decided to be honest. “I’d like to have my own business, but yes… I don’t have the fund to start one. My family is supportive, but they don’t have that much cash. I’m originally from the country side.”
“Really? Didn’t you say you grew up here, though?”
“Yeah. My aunt took me in when I was ten. I sometimes visit home, but I like it much better here than there.”
“Really? I think I could use a vacation at the country side. Sometimes things get very hectic here. Air quality’s not too great as well.”
“True.” She seemed to miss his insinuation.
Dave chuckled to himself. “You’re not new to dating, are you?”
Here Ella doesn’t know what to say. Yes or no? “Yes and no?”
He raised an eyebrow at that. “What might you mean?” Her answer is very unexpected.
“I’ve dated guys before, but not like… proper dates.” She was hesitant to give him any insight to what she’d done before.
When she didn’t explain further, Dave can only assume it wasn’t a good experience. Her expression alone tells him that.
“Then, would you like to get dinner sometime? Are you free this Friday?”
“Friday? I have a paper due on Friday.” She muttered under her breath.
“Do you need help?” He’s ready to offer.
“Oh, no. I don’t want to bother you. I can probably finish it before the evening?” She isn’t sure, but she’ll definitely try. She should start writing it tonight. There’s still a lot to read, though.
“Then, you’ll let me know? How about we exchange numbers?”
She stared at him as she didn’t expect the transition. That went smoothly, she’ll give him that. She openly laughed in front of him.
“What do you say?” He followed up.
“Alright.” She brought out her phone and showed him her number. Afterwards, he gave her a call and she saved his number.
She felt a little excited. She’s got a date on Friday. He seems like a nice guy, but she can’t exactly tell. You never know. They’re normally kind and sweet in the beginning.
- Writer
