Starting Over.

Chapter 13 - A date or not?

We made ideal chit chat while we ate. Soon we sat there with empty plates.

“What shall we do now?” David asked.

“You mean we aren’t going back?” I asked.

“Did you want to go back? We took the day off, we might as well make the most of it.” David said with a convincing smile.

“I guess you’re right.” I said as David stood up. I was not far behind and he walked up to the front counter to pay. I looked out the windows just looking at the trees and the light peeking through the branches. I felt someone clasp my hand and followed David as we walked out to his car. He walked up to my door and opened it for me. I got in and he closed my door. I started to slowly buckle as he got in. I looked at David and he smiled as he buckled.

“Where are we going?” I asked curiously. It was a Wednesday afternoon. Where was there to actually go?

“Where would you like to go?” He asked and I looked out trying to think.

“I don’t know. We can go to the museum.” I looked back at his unamused face.

“Fun…” He said and I laughed.

“The pop culture one! It IS fun!” I said enthusiastically.

“Ok, if you say so.” He said pulling out of the parking lot. The drive wasn’t long as we pulled up to a pay to park.

“I swear it’ll be fun!” I promised hoping he would enjoy it.

“Ok, but after.” He looked at me. “We go to the top!” He pointed at the Space Needle that was right next door.

“I guess if you want to.” I said looking back.

“So a museum gets you excited, but going to the top of that.” He pointed again. “Being on top of the world and looking out. That does nothing for you?” He asked and I thought for a moment.

“Yes.” I said and then quickly smiled getting out of the car. David walked up by me as we crossed the street.

“This is a weird looking building.” David pointed out.

“Have you never been here?” I asked as David held the door open.

“No. I’ve never really like museums. They’re so boring.” David said as we walked to the counter.

“This isn’t like a regular museum.” I said as he got our tickets.

“Oh?” He asked. We walked out of the lobby into the main room and he gasped.

“Did you not know what pop culture meant?” I asked and he walked up to the tower of guitars.

“Take my picture!” He yelled out fumbling his phone out. I laughed as he ran over and I snapped a picture of him. He walked around in amazement at the old movie props and the musical items. We marveled at one of Seattle’s big grunge band’s old letters and instruments. Most the time there David rarely let go of my hand.

“I have a question for you.” I said as David took a couple pictures.

“Shoot!” He said.

“I can’t help but wonder if this is a date? Or if you feel it’s a date?” I asked and David slowly put his phone down.

“Do you want it to be a date?” He asked.

“You’re countering my question with another question!” I pointed at him.

“So what if I am?” He smiled as we walked on.

“Because it’s like you’re deflecting until you figure out what I want to hear.” I said.

“Do you think I do that a lot?” He asked and I stared at him.

“You’re doing it now David.” I said slightly annoyed.

“End of the line!” David said as we walked out.

“So are you going to answer me?” I asked as we walked to the space needle.

“Remember you promised to the top!” David said as we walked in.

“I didn’t promise anything.” I said back. He went up to the counter and I followed.

“You know they have a restaurant up there?” He asked and I nodded. He grabbed my hand and we walked to the elevator. “We’ll have to come here and eat sometime.” David said as we stepped onto the elevator. I looked at him as we went up. He looked at me and we stared at each for a moment. The doors opened and David pulled me out.

“Look! See how amazing it is.” David motioned with his empty hand.

“I’m still waiting for your answer.” I said still slightly annoyed. We walked up to a large window and as we were looking out, I heard David take a deep breath.

“I personally wouldn’t mind if we considered this a date.” David said still looking out across Seattle. I turned watching his face as we stood there.

“Ok.” I said slightly surprised.

“Does that bother you?” He asked and I shook my head. “I feel it’s no big secret that I like you.” David said looking at me. I slowly nodded.

“I mean, I figured it was a possibility.” I said and he slightly laughed.

“You don’t like me?” He asked and I smiled.

“I mean, I like you but…” I trailed off.

“But?” He asked curiously.

“Aren’t there rules about dating your boss or even seeing each other like this?” I asked.

“Oh!” David started to slightly smile and then he started to laugh.

“What? How can that be funny?” I asked.

“I’m sorry, a lot of people who work at Ironridge are ma-.” David coughed suddenly. “M-married! They’re married.” He said.

“Really?” I asked.

“William and my assistant Audra are married.” David said and I was trying to remember if I ever met a William. Then it clicked.

“Oh your brother! He’s married to Audra!? I thought she was a teenager! She looks so young.” I blurted out and he burst into laughter.

“I’m going to tell her that!” He said through his laughter.

“NO! Please don’t!” I said mortified.

“It’s ok. She’s very nice. We should head back though.” David said and I nodded. He went to turn and he stopped.

“Is that why you rejected my kiss?” He suddenly asked and the question caught me off guard.

“Um… I um.” I started to slightly panic as we stared at each other. I felt David’s hand touch my chin slightly tilted my head up. David leaned in placing his lips against mine. It almost felt like a spark emitted between us. He pulled away and smiled.

“Ok, let’s go home.” He said softly.