Andy's Nightmare

13. First Date

She was lost in thought when she felt someone sit down on the couch next to her, bringing her back to the present. She looked over to see that Linc had joined her, and she couldn’t help but smile. He was wearing khakis and a long-sleeved lavender button-down shirt. Those warm blue eyes were a little disarming tonight.

Was it him or this town that was making her feel relaxed and more like her old self? She didn't know what was causing the change, but she liked the more relaxed feelings that she had been having since coming here. She had been going through therapy since January, and she was still skittish and nervous. But she realized that she had been letting her guard down more and more since being here. Her therapist would be happy to hear that some progress was finally being made. The therapist had told her that a switch could just flip, and she would be back to herself too. But that switch could always be flipped back if she wasn't aware of her feelings. And right now, she is conflicted in her emotions.

He asked her if she had gotten any work done after he dropped her off. She told him that she had, and they talked for a few minutes before Linc stood up, offering his hand to help her stand up. This was not something that Andy was used to, but she placed her hand in his. His touch was firm yet gentle and sent a shock through her.

When she was on her feet, she quickly pulled her hand away. She did not want to appear to be rude in her hastiness, so she pretended that she needed to smooth out her dress after sitting for a while.

As they walked to the car, Linc asked her if she liked Greek food. He told her there was a small diner a few miles away that had the best Moussaka. She had to admit that was not something that she had ever tried before. But said she was willing to try it at least once.

As they neared the car, he reached past her to open the door, gently placing his hand on the small of her back as she was getting into the car.

Andy thought to herself, “Why does he have to keep touching me? Why do I want him to?” She wasn’t used to this type of attention. Most guys that she briefly dated wouldn’t really try to touch her until the end of the night, and she would only let them give her a quick kiss and hug. Nothing more than that. Was it the guys she dated or was it something about her that kept them at bay? She really didn't want them holding her hand or putting their arm around her when they were walking. But then again, she did have the reputation of being frigid an ice princess towards guys when dating them in high school and college.

Linc closed the door after he made sure that she was seated comfortably. Then walked around the front of the car to the driver’s side. She fastened her seat belt asor he was opening his door. She could already feel her heart beating wildly, out of control at his nearness. But he didn't frighten her. She enjoyed his closeness,

It was a short distance to the restaurant, and he pointed out some of the places she may want to see that they passed on the way.

When they arrived at the small diner, they were greeted almost immediately by the waitress. She appeared to be in her thirties, with long black hair and way too much eye makeup according to Andy’s tastes. But she had a very pleasant smile.

They were seated at a small table in the corner after Linc requested it. He said he’d rather be out of the main restaurant traffic. He held out her chair for her and had to touch her again. His touch was warm and welcoming, although a little disconcerting to her since she wasn’t used to it.

Since she had never had Greek food before, she let him explain some of the items on the menu. He explained that the Moussaka here was the best he’s had. They use sliced, not mashed potatoes like some others he’s tried, which he said gives it more flavor.

During dinner, they discussed the upcoming fourth of July festival and fireworks. Andy told him that she used to go see fireworks with her parents when she was growing up. "My mom may try to come to visit for the holiday, if she can get away. But we aren't sure yet." Andy was saying. "And I'm not ready to go back for just a visit." The festival seemed to be the only thing that they discussed that wasn’t about her.

He looked puzzled when she said she wasn’t sure about going back, but he didn’t question her about that although he seemed to ask her about all other aspects and interests she had. It was almost like he had a sixth sense that there were things she may not want to discuss and didn't press the issue.

They also discussed her short story. He seemed to be genuinely interested. She wasn’t used to talking about herself so much, but he kept asking questions about her. He asked what she likes to do besides writing. She told him that she never really had much free time because she was always focused on work and school.

They talked about her college and management job at the store. She talked about some of the customers that would come in to the store and her co-workers. She avoided talking about her neighbors because she thought that may bring back memories of that night, and she didn't want to ruin the mood. She talked about her creative writing classes and some of her classmates.

She didn’t mention any of her brief relationships. But didn’t feel the need to bring them up. She was still friends with the guys she dated. Looking back at things, she may have dated them, but they were never really anything more than friends hanging out that she gave goodbye hugs to. So remaining friends after breaking up didn’t change anything. She really didn't think of them as 'romantic' relationships even though they would refer to her as their girlfriend, and they would go on dates.

She was afraid that he would bring up the topic of the baby and its dad, and was relieved that he never did. But it seemed as though he asked about every other aspect of her life.

Linc was the first man who had ever seemed to take a genuine interest in who she was and things that interested her. Most of the other guys would talk about their interests and what they were doing, not really taking the time to get to know her. Sitting here talking with Linc seemed so natural, and he put her at ease. It didn’t feel like an interrogation but that he just wanted to get to know everything about her.

He would occasionally reach over and touch her hand if she had it on the table. She would only allow brief contact. She was confused by it. She wanted him to touch her, to feel the warmth of his touch, yet she didn’t think that she knew him well enough to completely relax.

After they finished their dinner and were sitting there talking, he asked her if she’d like to try one of their famous desserts. She was stuffed, but she agreed to try it. He talked her into trying the baklava with flaky pastry, nuts and honey that almost melted in her mouth. He smiled while watching her enjoy this little slice of heaven.

Andy noticed they were the last people in the place and looked at the clock, which revealed that it was almost 9. She didn’t realize they had been there that long.

The dinner and conversation had been so natural and not forced that she hadn’t paid any attention to their surroundings. Every so often she would notice people being seated nearby or leaving, but wasn’t as distracted as usual by it, like she had been lately.

She realized that they had spent almost the entire evening talking about her or about things in the town, but not much about him.

It seemed odd because she was used to guys bragging or boasting about their accomplishments in sports, school or work, but this man focused on her. It was like he wanted to get to know everything there was to know about her. It was refreshing, although odd.

Linc came over behind her to offer his hand in helping her up from the table, then kept his hand on the small of her back as they walked out of the restaurant. When they got to the door, he removed his hand to open the door for her.