Mallory
The Next Month
On Friday, the office I work at closes early, so I head home to get ready for my date with Todd. He’s been persistent about taking me out since the night we met, and I finally gave in, because why not? It’s not like he’s a bad looking guy, and he seemed interesting enough. Plus, I haven’t been out with anyone in as long as I can remember, so it will be good to just get out and get to know someone new.
Getting in my car, I head out on the freeway toward my apartment. Kristen won’t be home for a while since she’s working today, which means I’ll get the apartment to myself. I’m darting through rush hour traffic when my dad calls. I hit the Bluetooth button and answer.
“Hey, Daddy.”
“Hi, pumpkin. How was work?”
“Same stuff, different day. Nothing cool has come into the office lately,” I say, and he chuckles, knowing my fascination with Dr. Pimple Popper—hence why I work in a dermatology office.
“Maybe you’ll get something next week. How you can watch that stuff, I’ll never know. Must have gotten it from your mother,” he chuckles over the line, “Anyway, I was calling to see if you wanted to come over for dinner tonight.”
“I would, but I actually have a date.”
“A date, huh? Anyone special?”
“Just a guy I met at a bar the other night. I don’t know if he’s going to be special or not. We’ll have to see.”
“Okay, pumpkin. Tomorrow night? I’ll make your favorite. And be careful, please. You don’t know this guy,” he says, and I roll my eyes.
“I will. I’m meeting him at the theater, so I won’t be dependent on him.”
“Good. Love you, Mal.”
“Love you too, Dad.” We hang up, and I pull into the parking lot of my apartment building. Since my mom died three years ago, my dad has been my rock. We get together two to three times a month to have dinner and talk on the phone almost daily. I wish he would start dating again so he wouldn’t be lonely, but Mom was the love of his life and he says no one can hold a candle to her.
Unlocking the door, the nerves are kicking in. I haven’t been on a date in a long time. School took up too much time. Butterflies fill me at the thought of holding hands and the first goodnight kiss. Deciding I need to relax a little, I head straight to the bathroom to start a bubble bath, strip off my clothes, gather my hair on top of my head, and climb in. The smell of jasmine and vanilla wafts up as I pour the oil into the bath. Grabbing my phone, I pull up my iTunes, find Black Label Society’s “Hangover Music,” and settle in for a nice long soak.
The water significantly cooler and my fingers and toes pruney, I grab a towel, dry myself off, and move onto finding something to wear. Looking through my closet, I sigh before shuffling through the hangers, not knowing what to wear, or having any real interest in anything I’m finding. We’re only going to the movies, so it needs to be casual, but not too casual. Coming across a teal peasant top, I snatch it down, grab a white pair of Capri pants to match, and get started on my hair and makeup. Twenty minutes later, and satisfied with the final product, I grab my purse and head out the door.
As soon as I pull into the theater parking lot, my phone dings with a text. I rummage around in my purse, finding it at the bottom, and look at the screen, finding a text from Todd making sure I haven’t forgotten. My eyes immediately move to the clock in the dash, and I shake my head. Two minutes late. Glancing around, I notice him leaning against the light post, his light-colored button-up shirt rolled to his elbows and dark wash jeans snug around his thighs. A smile crosses my lips as I dump my phone back into my purse and make my way over to him.
“Hey,” I say, a flirty smile aimed straight toward him. He glances up and flashes me a grin, his eyes crinkling at the corners.
“I just texted you. Did you get it?”
“Yes, but it would’ve taken me longer to answer than it was to walk over here to you. You ready to see this movie?” Nodding, he grabs my hand, and we head up to the concession area. I order popcorn and a drink, then turn toward Todd again.
“Do you want anything? My treat,” I say, offering him a sweet smile. His brow furrows before he raises one, looking at me like I’ve lost my mind. Feeling a bit unsettled, I wring my hands together, and add, “Since you bought the tickets, I figured I could get the—”
“I’m the man. I’m supposed to pay. Not you.” My eyes widen at his tone, and I step back, letting him “be the man.” A little old fashioned, but we are in the south, where you mind the manners your mama taught you.
“Just thought I would offer,” I mutter as he pulls out his wallet and adds a drink to what I ordered. Snacks in tow, we head into the theater and find some seats near the back. I move to head in first, but a hold on my bicep pulls me back. I furrow my brow as he steps in front of me, taking the seat next to a burly looking guy. I try to figure out the motivation behind his actions, and a small smile touches my lips, figuring he just didn’t want me to be uncomfortable. I scoot down the aisle and settle in beside him, my elbow bumping his as I adjust myself in the seat.
He smiles over at me, and I smile back, settling in. As the previews roll, we joke about the stupid sounding plots and awe over the ones that sound interesting. When the movie starts, we both become quiet as we watch. One point in his favor. One of my biggest pet peeves is people who talk during movies.
After the movie is over, we walk to a little Mexican restaurant right around the corner. They have the most amazing street tacos.
Todd looks down at me, and asks, “What are you having?”
“Hmmm…a pulled pork, fried avocado, and the Mexican corn on the cob. I can never say the word right. And a bottle of water.” He quirks a blond eyebrow at me. “What?” I ask innocently.
“That’s a lot of food for a little girl. Just wondering where you’re going to put it all. Do you have a hollow leg?”
“You’ll just have to wait and see.” Throwing him a wink, we move forward in the line to place our order. I’ve always had a fast metabolism and can eat pretty much whatever I want. I work out, but I don’t have to watch my calories. Grabbing our food, Todd leads us to seats out on the patio, and I immediately dive in, going straight for the corn. At my first bite, I moan, the flavor bursting over my tongue.
“Should I be jealous of that corn right now?” he chuckles, drawing my attention away from the glorious explosion in my mouth. Nodding, I take a sip of my water.
“It’s delicious,” I say, deciding I could be a bit more lady-like.
“Where are you from originally?” I ask between bites.
“The accent gives it away, huh?”
“Just a little.” I chuckle.
“I grew up in Colorado.”
“What brought you down here?”
“I got a baseball scholarship to play at UNT. Full ride. Too good to pass up.”
“What’s your major?”
“Business. You?”
“Nursing. Just finished this last semester.”
“Me too. Just waiting on that diploma now. Which school?’
“Texas Women’s University.”
“You have to do some kind of testing before you can actually start nursing, though, right?
“Yes, I have to pass a test administered by the Texas Board of Nurse examiners before I can add RN after my name.”
“Do you know when you’re taking it?”
“The first available date is in a couple months. Fortunately, I can still work as a graduate nurse until then.”
“Have you always lived in Texas?”
“Born and raised. I can’t imagine living anywhere else. My dad’s here.”
“I eventually want to move back to Colorado. I miss having four seasons. I miss my family.”
“Are y’all close?”
“Very. I talk with my parents at least twice a week and try to get home as much as I can. And you? What about your family?
“It’s just me and my dad. My mom passed away a few years ago with cancer. I’m an only child, so we depend on each other,” I answer, clearing my throat. Talking about my mom always chokes me up.
“I’m sorry to hear that. I don’t know what I would do without my mom.” He reaches over and grasps my hand, giving it a gentle squeeze.
“Thanks. I still miss her. It’s made my dad a tad overprotective at times.”
“I can understand that. I’m sure your dad doesn’t want to lose you, too.” His thumb sweeps back and forth across the back of my hand in a comforting way.
Sitting around, we talk about this and that for around an hour before we get up and throw away our trash. Heading out toward the parking lot, Todd grabs my hand, intertwining our fingers. The warmth of his hand in mine feels good, comforting. Stopping at the back of my car, he pulls me toward him, and gives me a soft kiss on the forehead.
“I had a nice time tonight. Can we do it again tomorrow?”
“I can’t. Dinner plans with my dad. But I’d like to go out again. Can we work something out later this weekend?”
He nods before leaning down and softly brushing his lips against mine.
“Drive safe, and let me know when you get home. Please.”
Getting in my car, I pull the door closed, start it up, and back out of the spot with a small wave goodbye. Pulling out onto the road, I drive back to my apartment.
Going back into my bedroom, the notification light from my phone catches my eye. I pick it up, sighing. I forgot to let Todd know I got home. I click open the messages and furrow my brows at three texts. That’s a little excessive.
Todd: Made it home yet?
Todd: Mallory? Answer me please.
Todd: I’m worried. You need to answer!
I text him back.
Me: Sorry. Not used to having to check in. I made it home fine.
A few seconds later, he responds.
Todd: Glad to hear.
Todd: Too many crazies out on the road. I had a great time tonight. Sweet dreams.
I toss my phone on the bed and climb in, grabbing the remote. Turning on the TV, I yawn and cuddle up with my pillow, settling in for an episode of Diners, Drives, and Dives.