I Don't Love You Anymore

Chapter 13 - Rivas Lunch Date

If I was being honest, I wasn't really looking forward to meeting Sylas. In fact, it had almost slipped my mind until I saw him waiting for me after class. I took in his tall frame leaning against the door as he typed with one hand and couldn't help the small twinge of regret. Potentially dating someone you'd have to spend the next year in class with wasn't always a good idea. But I made a promise, and I always tried to see those through. I quickly text Alice that I'll be a bit late then sigh deep, square my shoulders, and head towards him, spreading a semi false smile on my face.

"Hey!" I said when I got near him.

"Hi!" He eagerly says back. "Anything you're in the mood for?"

"Not really. I'm pretty easy, so surprise me."

"Sure. I know a great spot. I go there with my friends pretty regularly so I can vouch for the taste." He says cheerfully as we head out the doors.

We walk for a while in awkward silence, and neither one of us sure how to start the conversation. Finally, I struggle out.

"So where are we going?"

"Pizellas. They've got amazing pasta."

"Oh! I've been there. I love their chicken parmesan. It's one of the few places I wish I could eat seconds!"

"Me too! Their lasagna has me wondering if angels came down to make it just for me." He replies in a dreamy voice.

The rest of the walk was mostly small talk. I learned he worked part-time at the grocery store down the street. He had two other siblings whom he got along with pretty well. It was easy keeping the conversation flowing with him. He seemed to eagerly listen to everything I said, and he had a lot to say that was worth listening to. However, I couldn't help comparing him to Andrew. It was almost unconsciously done. His hair would catch the light, and I'd flash back to Andrew, whose hair glittered gold under the lights in the ballroom. Or how sylas's eyes looked at me happily while his always had a glare. There had to be something wrong with me. Here I was walking side by side with an adorable man, while being unable to think of anyone except a man who I had never, would never have.

Thankfully, the restaurant wasn't too far away, saving me from the intense thoughts of another man. We sat down and ordered. I tried to keep my focus on him while we ate. A guy like him was what I needed, I thought to myself. Someone kind and handsome. With a family that loves him. I should be into someone like him, and it was clear he was interested in me. He had a slight blush that flitted handsomely across his cheeks as he gazed chattering at me. His brown hair falling loosely over his brow coupled with his easygoing manner gave him a tantalizing boyish demeanor. If I hadn't already met Andrew, I knew I would be drooling over him.

I glance at his long fingers, gripping his fork and wondering briefly how they'd feel gripping my waist. 'I might not be into him now,' I thought to myself,'but I feel like he could grow on me.' He was charming enough. He'd kept me laughing through the whole lunch. It never hurt to try and love someone. I finish eating and get up, putting down my half of the money on the table, not wanting to keep Alice waiting too long.

"I'm sorry, I've got to go now." I say politely.

He stands, too, even though he's not quite finished.

"No, it's ok! I've got a class soon. anyways see you tomorrow?" He offers to me hopefully, and staring into his brown puppy eyes, I find I'm unable to say no. Then I hurry to Alice.