Starting Over.

Chapter 10 - Drinks after work.

“It’s just outside the city.” David said as we drove. I felt slightly uncomfortable and normally wouldn’t get in a car with someone who was essentially a stranger. David insisted we would be more comfortable not being around the locals. That he knew a good place just outside of town. We didn’t drive far as we pulled up to a little bar in the middle of no where off the main road.

“I wonder why anyone would open a bar in the middle of no where.” I said and David snickered.

“We aren’t that far from Ironridge, and there is another town not far away that is also small. This place is quite the hang out on the weekends. They have a open mic night that can be very interesting.” David looked at me. “Maybe we can go some time?” He asked and I looked over.

“Sure.” I said and smiled. What was wrong with me? I just keep blindly agreeing to things he asked. We got out of the car and I followed him inside. It was indeed very quiet in there. A man at the bar and two people behind. David led me to a table and I sat down.

“What would you like mi’lady!” He said and I laughed.

“I’m not much of a beer drinker. How about like a tequila sunrise or something fruity?” I said looking around the place.

“I’m sure they can whip something up that’s to your liking.” He knocked on the table and walked off. I pulled out my phone quickly and started texting Tonya.

“What’s wrong with me? It’s like I can’t say no to him.” I typed and sent. I looked over at David laughing and talking to the man behind the bar when I heard my phone ping.

“Oh no! The hunky man likes you! What ever shall we do?!” I could read Tonya’s sarcasm through the text.

“Tonya be serious, he’s my boss now and I just got out of a relationship.” I typed back and sent. Almost instantly Tonya replied.

“A relationship you weren’t happy in! What’s so bad about being liked Ryan?” Tonya’s message read and I stared at it.

“Gossiping with your friends about me?” I heard David as he set a drink down in front of me.

“Oh no! Tonya, well my best friend named Tonya, was asking me how my first day was.” I lied and smiled. I looked at the drink in front of me.

“It’s a margarita.” David said.

“Oh! Thank you!” I said taking it and sipping it. I looked over and noticed he had what looked like soda.

“I’m driving, so I’ll stay alcohol free.” He said noticing me looking at his drink.

“Oh! Smart!” I said.

“Of course! I’m a very smart man you know?” David said and I giggled. “I hope it’s not weird to say, but I love your laugh.” I flushed to his words and he laughed. “I’ve made you uncomfortable! I’m sorry.” He said.

“It’s ok, I didn’t expect that.” I said and he sat back watching me. I slowly sipped my drink staring back at him.

“Tell me about you.” He said and smiled. This again, this weird date like conversation.

“What would you like to know?” I asked back.

“Where are you from, what do you like to do, so on and so on.” He said grabbing his drink.

“I was raised in a small town in Arizona. My mom still lives there, my dad lives in California now.” I said pausing to sip my drink.

“They’re not together I take it?” David asked.

“No, they divorced when I was eleven. My sister and I stayed with my mom. My dad moved to California when I was in college. We still have a very good relationship.” I said and David sat there thinking.

“You have a bad one with your mom? Also you mentioned a sister? Is she older or younger?” David was a very curious person it seemed.

“I think I mentioned it last night that my mother and I don’t get a long. She is closer to my older sister Rachel. She still lives in Arizona.” I said and then took it upon myself to start really drinking my drink. I was going to need the encouragement to answer all these questions. I chugged it until it was gone. I looked up in embarrassment as I set it back down.

“You good?” He asked with a slight chuckle.

“I’m sorry.” I hiccuped.

“Do I make you uncomfortable?” He asked and I shook my head.

“A little actually.” I said feeling the alcohol burn in my stomach.

“Oh.” David sounded slightly disappointed.

“I’m sorry, most these subjects are sore subjects.” I said and he nodded.

“I understand. I’m just trying to get to know you.” David smiled.

“Well as you put it yesterday, you are my only friend here.” I said with the warmth now spreading over my body. I didn’t normally drink much and this drink was hitting me harder then I thought.

“Exactly!” He said enthusiastically as he reached over patting my hand. “Do you want another drink?” He asked and I shook my head.

“I’m not a big drinker and we have work tomorrow.” I said.

“That we do! Would you like a water or we could go get coffee instead?” David asked and I shook my head.

“No I’m fine.” I smiled.

“Are you sure? Your cheeks are really red.” He said and I thought it was so cute he seemed concerned about me.

“Ok, maybe a water will help me pass this quickly.” I said and he stood up walking away. I pulled out my phone.

“He’s asking super personal questions.” I sent the text to Tonya right away. I looked over as David picked up the glass of water and came back.

“Here you are! Ice water!” He said happily and sat back down. My phone dinged and he stared at me.

“Did you tell Tonya you were with me?” David asked and I nodded. He smiled and leaned forward. “What did she say?” He asked curiously.

“Um…” I looked at me phone.

“Are you guys on another date? Lol! Also send me a picture of him. I want to see what he looks like.” Tonya’s message read and I looked at him.

“Well?” He asked.

“She asked if… she could have a picture of you.” I said and felt so embarrassed. David covered his mouth as he tried to hold back his laughter. He looked at me with a smile plastered across his face.

“So you told her what I looked like? Or is she curious?” He asked.

“I…” I looked at him, my face was burning.

“Well, snap your picture while I still feel generous.” David sat back and smiled. I felt like such a i***t lifting my phone and taking a picture. My hands trembled as I put the phone back down and sent it.

“I feel so stupid right now.” I said letting out a sigh.

“Why?” He asked as the phone dinged. Then we heard another ding and another. Soon another. David motioned to my phone. I slowly lifted it and looked.

“Ryan!” The first message read.

“Are you serious!?” The second message read.

“Holy sh*t!” The third message read.

“Wait did he let you take a random picture of him?” Tonya’s last message read.

“And the results are in?” David asked.

“She thinks your gorgeous.” I said putting the phone down.

“And you?” He asked.

“And I what?” I replied knowing what he meant but trying not to answer.

“Do you think I’m gorgeous?” He asked and I frozen holding my water trying desperately to take a drink. My hand would not cooperate.

“I think you’re a very h-handsome man.” I said and finally took a drink. I slowly looked at him and he was looking down smiling. He looked up and reached over grabbing my hand.

“I think you’re very beautiful as well.” He said and my heart felt like it skipped a beat.

“O-oh.” I said trying not to look at him.

“Come on, I’ll take you home. It’s been a long day for you.” David said standing up. I stumbled out of me chair. David grabbed onto me and quickly let go.

“Sorry.” I said looking at him.

“No I’m sorry! I didn’t want you to fall.” David said before he reached over and took my hand. He led me out and opened the car door for me. I sat down and he got into the driver’s seat. He started up the car.

“What kind of car is this?” I asked looking around.

“It’s just a little compact. Practical, good gas mileage.” He said and then we pulled out. It didn’t take long to get back. He pulled up and parked in my drive way.

“This reminds me I need to get my car.” I said.

“Oh! If you had mentioned you had a car, I would’ve had them bring it.” David said as he got out. I followed suit getting out. He rushed over making sure I was ok to stand. “You should’ve waited for me.” He said grabbing onto my hand and placing his other hand on my back.

“Oh no, I’m totally ok!” I reassured him. He walked with me up to the door. He reached over typing the numbers in. “It’s a surprise you know my key lock number still.” I said watching him.

“I’m good with numbers.” He said and I turned to him as he opened my door. He was uncomfortably close. He looked at me staring at him. He smiled and started to lean towards me. I leaned back and he paused.

“Sorry! Oh my god, I’m so sorry. Um I appreciate you, it’s just oh god I’m sorry.” I was mortified.

“It’s ok. I’ll see you later.” He gave me a quick smile and then left. I watched him get in his car and drive away. I knew I either embarrassed him or hurt his feelings.