8.30AM, Monday, Dec. 1th
Javotte Public, New York
“Hey, Summer.”
“Urg,” I replied vaguely.
I was too busy stressing about the date tonight. Oh, God…why did I have to ask that guy out? I don’t know what came over me…was it the way his grey-green eyes had shone, almost sexily, in the streetlights? His dangerous, adrenaline-inducing smile? I could feel my heart pounding against my ribs just at the thought of him.
I’d done some research on things that repulsed guys, and I was reading through the pages. It was quite depressing to read through the list, as I found that I was already doing most of the things on it.
1. Don’t eat and talk at the same time.
What was wrong with that?
2. Don’t talk loudly.
How else is he meant to hear me?
3. Don’t make loud squealing noises at things.
But that’s how I get my point across!
I folded the page in half, annoyed. This was clearly written by a lunatic. The things on the list were definitely not repulsive…because I did all the things around Oscar, but he never seemed to care.
Whatever. That was the date sorted tonight, then. I just have to be myself. Simple.
***
4.00PM, Monday, Dec. 1th
Times Square, New York
Okay, this was a direct violation of the first date rule – you are meant to meet around six or seven, so it’s romantic. Four PM? Definitely not romantic. More “friendly outing”. I’d also opted for a pair of grey sweatpants, and a baggy jumpy – totally and utterly unsexy. I gave my hair one last ruffle, giving myself the I’ve-just-come-out-of-bed look.
I checked my watch. Where the hell was he? I didn’t want to give him my home address, so I told him to meet me here.
He wasn’t going to stand me up, right?
***
4.15PM, Monday, Dec. 1th
Times Square, New York
…He’s stood me up.
I was starting to shiver from the snow.
***
4.20PM, Monday, Dec. 1th
Times Square, New York
That’s it. I’m going home.
I turned around, trudging through the snow. I couldn’t help feeling just a little bit disappointed – just because I couldn’t go my project, I told myself. Not because I…really liked him.
I guess I’ll just have to choose someone else, then.
Glancing up, through the crowd, I froze. Oh God – there he was.
I was suddenly angry – how could that idiot make me wait? I stalked up to him, and slowly he became him clearer. He was wearing a leather jacket, a pair of jeans, and a plain white t-shirt that his chest muscles were clearly visible under.
He turned around, and our eyes met. My steps faltered. It was exactly like yesterday – his gaze was burning, and pierced through my anger. Slowly, the corner of his lips lifted, and he gave me a billion-watt smile. I blinked. No, don’t let him pull you in…you have to be in control here.
