Starting Over.

Chapter 17 - Getting Ready.

I got in my door with a heavy sigh of relief that my day was over. I pulled out my phone and saw a few group chat messages. I decided not to answer and to sit in the living room. My phone continuously buzzed and I grabbed it to silence the chat. I saw one of the messages were from David.

“Still on for tonight?” His message read.

“Of course! What time?” I typed out and sent. Almost instantly he replied.

“I’ll pick you up at seven!” I read and smiled.

“Can’t wait!” I replied back and stood up. I must’ve got a few steps towards the stairs when my phone rang. I pulled it out and saw “Mom” in big bold letters. I answered it reluctantly.

“Hello.” I said with a hint of annoyance.

“Ryan I expected you to call me and apologize and you haven’t.” She said instantly.

“Apologize about what?” I asked stopping mid stairs trying to even remember what our last talk was about.

“About not coming home to visit! I want you to come home.” Her voice seemed hurt.

“I’m sorry mom. I just started my new job. I’m doing really well here so far. I’ve even made some friends.” I said to her and she sighed.

“I’ll have your sister call and convince you.” She said and I laughed.

“I can’t mom. When I have the ability to come home, I will come home I promise.” I said.

“Ok Ryan, I’m going to hold you to that.” My mom said.

“So how are you otherwise?” I asked as I went into my closet.

“Oh you know. Same old same old. I’m trying out bingo. I’m thinking of doing painting.” My mom said.

“Did you try the dating apps I suggested?” I said grabbing out a cute dress and holding it up to myself.

“I don’t think that’s for me. I want to meet someone the old fashion way. Also I can’t figure out how to do a profile on these.” She added quickly and I laughed.

“Have Rachel help you!” I said and she scoffed.

“Rachel is too busy to even visit lately. Neither of you want to see me anymore.” My mom said.

“That’s not true mom. How’s that guy she was seeing? What was his name?” I asked.

“Who? Oh! Rupert or something. They broke up. Seems neither of you can keep a relationship.” My mom added and a sting of pain prickled across me.

“Matt and I had grown apart. It’s not like I just woke up completely in love with him and decided to break things off. We grew apart, he wanted to go home, I did not. He gave me a ultimatum and I said good bye.” I said and my mom sighed.

“You know I only want you to be happy Ryan. If you don’t think there’s a future there. I won’t push it.” My mom said and I felt shocked.

“You won’t?” I asked.

“Honey I might make jokes, but I’ve been divorced. The last thing I want is for you to feel pressured into something you don’t want.” My mom was serious and I sat down.

“Thanks mom. That means a lot to me.” I said.

“I still think you should freeze some eggs just in case.” She added and started to laugh.

“Hilarious mom.” I said as she snapped me back into reality.

“I’m sorry Ryan. I have to go now. I have bingo tonight!” She said is a excited voice.

“Well have fun. I’ll talk to you soon.” I said and we both hung up. I finished going through and set out my out fit. Most these so called dates have been in my work clothes. This time I was going to dazzle him. I laid out different outfits and looked at them. Cocktail dress? Too fancy. I tossed it to the side. A cute spaghetti strapped cami dress? Too plain and casual. I tossed it on top of the other one. I looked at my different skirts and tops. I couldn’t find anything I liked. It’s too late to go shopping. He’s not going to care what I wear right? I told myself grabbing a white shirt with lace sleeves and a small 3 button collar. I dug around my skirts and found a pair of light blue jean capris. I guess it will look cute together. There was slight distressing on the hip and knees. I started to hope he didn’t have anything fancy planned. I started to get ready and paused before getting dressed. Just in case, I should wear matching underwear. Wait what am I thinking? There’s no way it will get that far tonight or maybe any night. I’m wearing matching underwear just incase, I convinced myself. I grabbed out my cute underwear that was super uncomfortable but extremely cute. I quickly got dressed and looked in the mirror. Time to fix myself up. I started to get nervous as I did my make up. I decided to go light on the make up and pull my hair up. I watched myself in the mirror. I felt so nervous for some reason. I stood up and looked around my room. What if we come back here!? I looked at all my discarded outfits and quickly started picking everything up and throwing it into the closet. I heard the door and shut the door quickly. Oh gosh, it’s time to go! I took a deep breath and made my way down the stairs. I got to the door and opened it.

“Hey!” David stood there looking effortlessly handsome. He had on a crisp purple button up and black slacks.

“Hey! You look handsome.” I said and he laughed.

“You’re not too bad yourself.” He said sweetly as he took a step forward placing a kiss on my lips. “Come on, let’s go get something.” He said taking my hand.