Piece of me

The second date Chapter 5

I slept so well the night of our date. It had been such a blissful night. Of course, the wine probably helped with the snooze side of things. We had got to know the first date basics about each other. There was still so much I wanted to know about him. This is the part where everything is new & you begin to understand the connection that pulled you together. I didn't want to bombard him with questions but I did have so many in mind.

The following morning I was greeted by a 'good morning beautiful' text.

If a guy takes the time out of his day to text you it means he really wants to talk to you. I smiled at my phone, much like a cheshire cat as I typed back 'good morning. Did you sleep well?'

After a few minutes of no response I started to panic. What were the rules here? I had no idea. Did I have to play it cool, or should I have complimented him back? Would returning the compliment have been too forward? Did he consider me just a friend? I hate being an overthinker. I was terrified that I'd scare him away if I was too eager. No, it was definitely right to play it cool. I had to not let him know I was prone to over-scrutinize every single detail of an interaction.

Grabbing my dressing gown & climbing out of bed I headed down to the kitchen to grab some breakfast. I was a little low on food at this point. I had been so busy with work I hadn't had the energy to go shopping afterwards. I definitely needed to get that done today. The past week I had been so exhausted from the extra hours at work, I couldn't bear staying on my feet much longer to manage the stress that was shopping as well.

All I had in was a few tins of beans, some mouldy bread & just about enough milk to make a single cup of tea & bowl of porridge, if I topped the oat mix up with some water that is.

I made myself breakfast & used a little extra sugar to disguise the fact it wasn't how I'd like to have it. Beggers can't be choosers.

Sitting down with the current book I was vigorously working my way through, I tried to carefully balance the book against my arm behind the bowl I was holding. Attempting not to spill my food, I began where I had left off last time I managed to read a few chapters.

After a few moments my phone, which was still set to vibrate from last night, buzzed. My stomach jumped at this sound. I hadn't wanted anything to interrupt the magic of our evening. People often focused too much on their phones & not enough on the present moment. I wanted to make the most of every moment.

Distracted by my phone I dribbled some of my over stacked spoon on to my page. "Damn it". I wiped it away quickly with some toilet roll hoping it wouldn't cause the book to smudge & stick.

Once my book was set safely away from my clumsy eating habits, I opened the text.

'I did. Did you?'. It was Jay. I suddenly felt silly for worrying myself so much over our exchange of words.

The fact was that the anxiety of my kind was caused from years of our entire livelihood depending solely upon our stingy wages. Never knowing security & having to constantly question every purchase we made over whether it was totally necessary, or if we could survive without it for a bit longer.

While my position & wage wasn't too bad compared to others. I still struggled being on my own & coping with life's expenses. Any surprise bill; or broken item causing severe panic as we attempt to find a way to manage this unforseen expense. A lot of people survived solely on credit.

Currently I'm training to become assistant manager. This will increase my hourly rate to at least enough to leave me with some money left over each month to put aside for emergencies at least. It meant more responsibility. I would be in charge of keeping the books, ordering each weeks food deliveries, taking & organising party bookings & making sure all the cafés account records were tidy ready to be fiddled by the official paid accountant. A good friend of Mrs Taylor.

'Yeah I slept great, the wine helped. ;)'

'Great. I know you will be busy with work over the next couple of weeks, so I was just wondering if tonight was too soon for a second date? Its no problem if you've already got plans.' He was clearly being careful over this. It was nice that he was eager to see me again. & I would be too exhausted over the upcoming weeks. This wedding party would be a killer.

'I thought it was my turn to ask you' I replied.

'It is, but since I don't want to wait a few weeks to see you again, I decided to see if you could stand to see me 2 nights in a row'.

'The details are still your choice. Anything you want to do is fine.'

'I do have a day with my parents planned today. I'll be going there at about 11am & leaving maybe around 4pm. But how does a film night afterwards sound?'

'Sounds great. Should I bring anything?' He offered.

'I have to do a food shop this morning anyway so its fine'.

'You sure?'

'Yeah. Text me at about 5.'

'Ok, looking forward to it. See you later.'

I had finished my breakfast by this point. I just wanted to read a little more before having my bath & getting ready to grab a quick shop before going to mum & dad's.

I was very in to reading. My taste in genres varied. I loved romance & all things supernatural. But I also quite enjoyed mystery & occasionally true crime as well, as morbid as that was. It was fascinating to learn about how notorious serial killers were finally tracked down though. Society had progressed massively in that respect.

I definitely preferred the romance & supernatural books though. It was a welcome escape from the harsh reality of life. We were all surviving on escapism in our own way. Some liked to drink away their troubles. While others were more in to music, binge watching netflix, or my personal favourite, reading. Reading to me was like a wonderful journey. If the writer captivates you on the first page, the book becomes like this project that you are compelled to finish. Each page prompting the imagination to either paint the picture or fill in the gaps. What could be better than what your own thoughts could draw? It wasn't just reading the words. It was travelling with the characters, sharing their experiences, seeing their entire existence through purely individual perspective. Each person's experience of the book differing from the next. That was the mark of a good writer.

No, films & tv shows couldn't offer me that same excitement. With films, what the audience sees is the same. I liked watching stuff too, don't get me wrong, but reading was what brought me to life. Books offered so much more to the mind than anything I could watch would.

Before I knew it, it was 9.47am. I needed to get clean & presentable.

I had just recently had a friend of my dad's fix the boiler issue. Despite being the landlords responsibility, it wasn't likely to be taken care of by Blake any time soon. It has afterall been just short of 3 years by this point. I had taken to showering at my parents whenever I could & coping on strip washes when I didn't have time to go to my parents. My parents kept telling me that he had a duty to fix it. I finally got the job done for mates rates thankfully, which is how the likes of us survived. I was glad to be able to actually have a bath without such a long wait or needing to top it up with a few boils of the kettle. I took the official cost out of that months rent. He'd never know I got it discounted. When queried I reminded Blake of the issue with the boiler. By this time I had a better idea of my rights. He couldn't cause me issues over this, I had an invoice & was perfectly within my rights. & since he'd already robbed my deposit; I felt totally justified in at least finally having a working boiler & not giving Blake the satisfaction of the mates rate as his repair cost. It helped boost my savings at least. I could eventually leave this wretched hole with the extra I'd managed to put by.

It was lovely to be able to enjoy a slightly longer soak. The warmth of the soapy water surrounding my body much like a fleece blanket. I closed my eyes just enjoying the comfort of an unrushed bath.

After about 10 minutes I decided that I should wash my hair & shave under my armpits & legs. I needed to get this dreaded trip to the supermarket over with.

I pulled on my best blue acid wash jeans, a black vest top & my nicest fluffy grey jumper & found my comfortable flat black boots, with a brown heel. They looked like girly cowboy boots, with a slight heel, just enough to give me a bit of height. I was quite short at only 5'4. I loved this look. Casual but stylish.

I walked the 15 minutes to the supermarket with my reusable shopping bags inside my handbag. It was a nice enough walk. Plenty of views of the town. Even if this part of the town wasn't the nicest area, it still held the timeless beauty of properly built houses. Though in a slight state of discolouration & disrepair.

The shop was busy. I had hoped to avoid this. I hated waiting in a long queue at the till. Even worse, it was the time the elderly chose to shop. While I didn't mind the older generation, politely waiting next to a section I just wanted to grab one item from behind the chattering ladies was rather irksome. Of all the places to hold a catching up discussion, the supermaket just wasn't it. & any excuse me's were met with the most stern expressions; as if you, the one just wanting to grab your stuff & get out, were in the wrong for needing to grab whatever they had chosen to gather in front of.

Then there were the just downright rude shoppers. Those who's needs were clearly far greater than yours as they dangerously drove their trolley in to anything & anyone standing in their way.

Supermarkets were not fun. I grabbed what I knew I could carry to last me for the week ahead. I would grab the bus back as the shopping was so heavy. Once I'd sorted my usual shopping I looked for whatever I could make for tonight. I couldn't give him anything fancy. But I could knock us up a good meal. I grabbed a few extra bits & then went to pay for my shopping. As usual the queues at each till were spectacular.

Whilst waiting I could overhear some chatter behind me.

"That's the one he went out with, she doesn't look like much."

"Yes that's her. She's clearly poor, look at her clothes & all her shopping is store brand."

"No accounting for taste" the first woman continued.

I noticed a man between me & the rude gossipers, with just a few items. I decided to let him go ahead since my shopping would take much longer than his.

"You go through, you've only got a couple of things" I gestured him through whilst smiling directly behind him at the obnoxious duo. Now the gap between me & these stuck up middle class witches was closed, I could ensure to waste only their time.

Once the man had been seen to, I struck up a conversation with the checkout man about how busy it was today.

"Yes, Sunday mornings are always this busy. Lots of families & workers can only grab what's needed on days like today". John, the cashier informed me.

"Ah, yes. I don't normally come on Sundays. Its not my usual day off. I work at cafe 'time out'. I usually work Sunday's but we're having the party room upgraded for a wedding."

"I know the place. My dad's a regular. Joe Longridge?"

"Ah I know Joe" I was succeeding in slowing down his ability to scan my items in a timely manner. "He comes in a few times a week. He talks about you".

"All bad I assume". He chuckled.

"Nah, not all bad". I Iaughed.

I could hear the sighs & whispers behind me. I smiled at the thought I was irritating them. I had to make this drag out longer. Looking for a way to delay them further I noticed the sell by date on my milk, so I pulled up the milk & asked if it could be replaced for one of the same with a longer use by date as I lived alone. As I did so I accidentally-on-purpose knocked a yoghurt to the floor. It splattered all over the first woman behind me.

"Oh my, I am clumsy today. I'm so sorry" I apologised to the well dressed, now yoghurt soaked snob.

"Can I get another one of these too" I asked John.

Returning my gaze to the woman I said "again, very sorry". She was fuming but unable to cause me any problems beyond a whinge at the fact I'd just ruined her new suede shoes.

John sent someone for my milk exchange & yoghurt replacement. It took them a few minutes to return. I continued to converse with John during the wait. Both women were growing very impatient by this point. I've never seen someone's blood pressure visibly rise like this before. Causing a scene also wasn't something I was used to doing. It was amusing. John seemed to enjoy the exchange also as the first woman attempted desperately to save her expensive shoes by wiping away the yoghurt.

That would stink after a day or two. There was no saving them. I felt quite a sense of accomplishment at ruining some deserving gobshites day.

The other worker returned with my items & John scanned them for me. I had bagged my items as slowly as possible whilst continuing the conversation. Here was my last chance to take up some more of those vile ladies time. Instead of paying by card as I would normally I pretended to struggle to find my club card.

"Oh man I know its here somewhere".

"Ahem" one of the women prompted, attempting to rush me along.

"Sorry, just a moment. I really need the discount & points". I turned towards them to act innocent as I continued digging through my bag & pulling out random useless objects. "Ah, here it is" I said pulling out my purse. "It was here all the time. I don't know how I missed it" I showed the club card to eveyone whilst grinning.

I handed the card to John to scan. "That's now £35.96" John told me.

"Great" I handed him a £20 note & then began emptying my uncounted tips out on to the till. Slowly counting the change first to makeup a few pounds.

"Seriously" the second woman behind me exclaimed.

"Oh damn, I lost count now". I began again counting the change out. I dragged it out as long as I possibly could. I could see John was somewhat amused at my performance. "Here you go" I finally offered the exact amount. "sorry to be a pain". I expressed regrettably to John.

"Its no trouble. Lovely to meet you. Enjoy the rest of your day".

Without apologising for holding the terrible two up I grabbed my bags & sauntered away. I could hear them whittering as I left. I didn't care. It was fun to put someone in their place for once.

I caught the bus home & quickly unloaded my shopping in to the fridge & cupboards. I needed to get to mums. My naughty behaviour at the shop had caused me to be a little behind on time. I rushed back out the door & headed to mum & dad's.

"You're late, what kept you". Mum greeted me.

"I was held up at the supermarket".

"Morning Emma" Dad called out from the living room in an attempt to diffuse the situation.

"Dad" I replied peering through in to the living room where he was enjoying the tv. I gave mum a hug before removing my jumper & sitting next to him on the sofa.

"How's work" he asked.

"Tiring" I told him. "We have a wedding coming up in 2 weeks".

"Fancy or local do?" he queried.

"Stuck up".

He nodded at my response.

"Well, they work hard for that extra money. You'd do the same if you had their money" mum chimed in to the conversation.

"Not likely Mum. They work about as hard as cat does". My retaliation straight & to the point.

"You're only jealous" she snorted.

"Jealous my foot. I don't want to prance around as if there's a stick up my posterior ma".

My dad laughed until my mum glared at him.

When she disappeared to continue her cooking I told my dad about what

transpired at the supermarket. I knew he'd enjoy the tale of my victory. My dad was very different to mum. He didn't agree with the class system & hated the way our kind were treated...

He & others had rebelled heavily against it in his youth. This is why new laws had to come in to existence to keep us in our place. The ruling class could not tolerate an uprising. We had to work to keep them in profit & any challenge to their authority was dangerous. When a group of important factory workers had walked out, production stopped & bosses lost time on orders, causing the buyers to receive their goods elsewhere. My dad was leading the walk out. After this the toffs banded together to vote against strikes.

Anyone who protested to the terrible working conditions & wages got sacked & fined by the police. Anything said out of place resulted in either a caution or an actual arrest. We had to keep a civilised tongue at all times. There were of course those who agreed with this new extremist power mad regime. Some weirdos enjoyed knowing their place; whilst licking the boots of their betters.

"You really apologised to the cashier & snubbed the middle class busy-bodies?" He chortled.

"That I did Da" I proudly announced. We had a good laugh at this.

"Set the table for us would you Em" mum requested.

"Ok". I got up & grabbed the cutlery, plates, cups & made a pot of tea, setting it down on the table with the salt & pepper. Mum carried the joint of beef through & began carving as I diced up the roast potatoes, yorkshire puddings & cabbage.

"The gravy is on the stove still. Put it in the jug please". She requested.

When my mum did a roast dinner she always made the gravy from scratch using the meat juices. It was the best gravy I'd ever tasted. So simple to make as well. I did as she asked & brought the gravy through. We sat down to dinner at 12.30ish.

The meat was lovely & tender. My mum was a pro at turning anything in to a decent meal. Even the cheapest cuts of meat. I had no idea what her secret was when it came to a roast dinner. It always came out perfect. Perfectly crisp roast potatoes, fluffy inside. Nicely risen & browned yorkshire puddings. & the veg was just soft enough, not soggy.

Together with the homemade gravy it was the most delicious meal I'd had in a while.

My parents only ate roast dinners on Sunday's. I nearly always missed it sadly. Sometimes they delayed it for tea time instead if I could make it after work. But typically I came over on my days off instead.

"Great roast mum".

"Thanks. I'm glad you could come today". She let me know. "Matt was asking after you again. Would you not consider going out with him again?" she added.

"Not a chance in hell" I paused. "Besides which, I already have a second date with someone tonight".

"You have a date" both my parents challenged me.

"Yes. We went out last night & are having a film night tonight".

"Bit soon for the second date isn't it" my mother probed.

"I'm not really free for 2 weeks after today. Jay didn't want to wait that long to see me again".

"He seems keen" my dad chipped in.

"Jay?" my mother quizzed.

"Yeah, Jayden Phillips". I awaited her realisation.

"The head of the councils eldest son?". She grilled.

"That's the one. He's very nice. Nothing like you'd expect".

"Mmm. He's quite the catch. How did you meet him?" Mum's interrogation began...

"He came in to the cafe one day. Then he became a regular".

"I see. Isn't he meant to be marrying some heiress, Hilda something?" She continued.

"He came out in the papers stating the opposite recently". Came my dad's attempt to rescue me.

"Exactly". I gave him a thank you nod.

"Fair enough. He may be only after one thing though. They don't date or marry beneath them dear". My mum's voice sounded concerned.

"It's not like that Ma. But I will be careful don't worry". I was offended at being considered beneath him obviously. But my mum meant well by her ill thought out comment.

We finished our food & I played cards with my dad, while mum cleaned up, before joining us in the next round of rummy. It was a fun afternoon.

I left just after 4, texting jay as I was walking to let him know that I was on my way home.

'I'll be there at 5.30 if that's not too soon'.

'That's fine. I'll be ready. See you soon. '

Once home I let my hair down & brushed through the knots that appeared from walking in the windy weather. I changed out of my jumper & plain vest top & pulled on a much nicer red top. I kept the jeans on but swapped my boots for the comfort of my fuzzy slippers.

Once dressed I began cooking. Bangers & bubble & squeak was my choice. It was simple & filling. I hope he liked it. I kind of forgot to ask him. I had picked up a trifle that was on the reduced section for pudding. It had to be eaten tonight but that wasn't a problem. I got some snacks too for if we felt like it during the films. Everything was just about ready by the time Jay arrived. I'd picked out a few films for us to watch.

Knock Knock.

I made my way to the door & the wave nervousness washed over me again. I was trying not to let what my mother had said earlier bother me. But it was in the back of my mind & I couldn't fully shut it down. I opened the door to Jay holding a bright blue orchid in a pot.

"Hi" he said whilst kissing my cheek & stepping in to the house behind me.

"You got me an orchid. How did you know?"

"Erm, I may have stalked your social media a little bit to get to know you better".

"That's really sweet, thank you."

"I chose blue because of the meaning." He informed me.

"It means a lot. I'm glad its in a pot. I can't stand flowers dying unnecessarily".

"Me neither" He admitted.

"Oh, here come through." I took the orchid & led him through to the living room. I unwrapped the orchid & placed it in the window. "Foods just about done. I'll start dishing. Can I get you a drink?"

"What's on offer".

"Tea or a baileys hot chocolate?" I get it when its on deal. A bottle lasts me forever.

"Baileys hot chocolate sounds great ta".

I went in to the kitchen & boiled the kettle. Then grabbed two plates out of the cupboard & began dishing up. I made the baileys hot chocolates before bringing through the plates of food & returning for the drinks.

"Oh sorry, please, sit down". I told him.

He sat opposite me at my small foldable table. "It looks great" He said.

"Thanks. Its bangers & bubble & squeak with onion gravy. I meant to ask if you liked it".

"I haven't actually had bubble & squeak before" he admitted. "It smells wonderful though".

We ate our meal with minimal conversation. I think we were both a little nervous to be honest.

"Mmmm the baileys hot chocolate is the best. I've never even thought about doing this with baileys before".

"Seriously? Its 'the comfort drink'. You've been missing out". I smiled at him.

"Definitely". He contined eating. "Your cooking is great".

"Thanks. I don't get much time to cook normally. But my mum maintained the importance of decent meals & staying away from processed rubbish".

"Wise woman".

I nodded. We finished eating & then moved to the sofa.

"So here are the choices I've narrowed it down to" I showed him as I flicked through netflix.

"The accidental husband... Since you're so sure its such a great film".

"Great. I'm telling you, you will love it".

"If you say so".

I brought the snacks through & we began watching the accidental husband. We got comfortable, moving closer together. I studied his face during my favourite parts of the film to see if he was reacting the way he was supposed to. He seemed to be enjoying the film. It was nice. His focus was deeply rooted in the screen. He glanced at me occasionally. We were quiet just enjoying our time together. I leaned in to him slightly, resting my head on his shoulder. With that he slid his arm around me.

Once the film finished he turned to me & admitted that it was in fact a great film. & he was glad he got to watch it with me. We held each others gaze smiling. His face moved slowly towards mine. As his lips found mine I felt butterflies in my stomach. I kissed him back my, arms creeping around his neck, one hand stroking through his incredibly soft feather like hair. Eyes closed, I melted in to the kiss.

As the kiss intensified, I fumbled for the remote & played friends in the background. His left hand slid down my back, it tingled, I shivered at his touch. A good shiver. The kind from your body reacting to a pleasant sensation.

He sat up on his knee, gently pressing me backwards. My back against the seat of the sofa & his weight on top of me. I was breathless. The kiss was powerful. His tongue tasted like baileys & chocolate. My tongue tingling from his passionate rhythm. My right hand gripping his shoulder. I felt so warm inside. Comfortable, like I'd found my safe place, my home. I wanted to keep the contact between us as I pulled him closer.

After a moment he pulled away slightly, stroked my face & smiled at me whilst taking in my full appearance in the soft glow of the tv.

"I really like you." he told me.

"I like you too".

"As much as I want you, I won't go there yet. I respect you & I want the timing to be just right".

Mum was wrong. Jay wasn't only after one thing. I wasn't exactly experienced. In fact, I'd never actually been with anyone. It was unusual for someone of my age but I just hadn't ever wanted to, until now that is. Jay had ignited feelings in me that I didn't even know were possible. He was right though. We should wait.

"We'll know when its right" I told him.

I felt somewhat worked up after all this. I cuddled in to him & concentrated on the telly.

"I like friends" he told me.

"Who's your favourite?"

"Joey, without a doubt". He answered. "Yours?"

"Ross & Joey".

He nodded.

"What are your favourite things to do in your spare time" he asked.

"I like reading, going to the beach, sleeping & playing cards with my dad".

"Nice"

"You?"

"I read too sometimes. I like watching films. Going to the beach. Walking around the park. Any walking in the countryside really."

"What was it like growing up rich?" I was genuinely curious.

"Nothing like you'd think. My dad made no time for me. My mum & the nanny's basically raised me & my brother. My dad was only interested in us when he could get us in to his friends businesses".

"I'm sorry to hear that. I was fortunate to get plenty of time with both my parents. They worked, but both made time for me when they were home."

"You're lucky". He honestly answered. "That's exactly how I'd want to raise my kids". He added.

"You think about stuff like that?" I asked him.

"I do now" he gave me a slight smile before leaning in for another kiss. I don't know how long it lasted, only that I utterly melted in to his strong arms. I never wanted this moment to end.