hello, goodbye, hello.

Chapter 27: Not-A-Date (Part I)

"So...good coffee, huh?" EJ asked trepidly.

"Y-yeah, super good." Ricky responded. 

Silence washed over the pair for the third time that afternoon. From an outside perspective it would seem as though the neither of them were very happy to be sitting across from each other, but in fact, their nerves had just decided today to manifest themselves as crossed arms and blank expressions. On the inside, both EJ and Ricky were nothing short of ecstatic to be hanging out one on one. Thoughts raced through their minds like charioteers in a breakneck marathon.

Good coffee? Really? Way to spark the conversation. EJ's thoughts galloped on.

This was a really bad idea, he probably thinks this is really stupid. Why did I do this to myself? Ricky's mind trotted close behind. 

Why is he sitting so far away? Is it me? Does my breath stink? 

God he's staring at me again. He can probably smell the cologne on me. It's super weird that I'm wearing it. He probably thinks I'm trying to impress him. I mean I am, but I don't want him to think that. I'm such a fucking idiot. 

There's gotta be something to talk about. Maybe compliment him? Is that too gay? He smells really good. Did he put on cologne? Should I have put on cologne? God, He smells REALLY good. I should tell him that. No, that's definitely too gay. Maybe ask about his...pants? Yeah they're cool. That's totally a normal, not gay thing to ask. 

Just say something already!  If this were school you'd probably make fun of his stupid preppy outfit. Those pastel yellow pants he's wearing. He looks like a fucking...well actually they look pretty nice on him. God now you're staring at his crotch. Okay eye's back up aaaand oh god is he staring at my crotch? Fuck, no nonono that's not it. Just calm down and say something ALREADY!

"I like your pants." Both Ricky and EJ blurted out in unison. The chariots came to a screeching halt. 

"Wha-I-thanks- I" Ricky began.

"Yeah-no-I" EJ said over him.

"You first." They both said together again. This time neither spoke again. They both just stared at each other until a contagious smile crept onto EJ's face and quickly caused Ricky to brighten up too. They laughed at the ridiculousness of it all. 

"Sorry" EJ began finally, "I'm guessing you're just as freaked out right now as I am."

"Definitely." Ricky responded with relief. "I mean, this is like super weird, right?"

"Right."

"I mean, like we've never hung out one on one before."

"Never." 

"And like we used to hate each other, I don't know when that stopped, but-"

"Yeah I mean, If you had told me last fall that I would be friends with Ricky Bowen and we'd be sitting in a coffee shop together having a casual afternoon, I would've never...I mean It's crazy how-"

"Yeah it is."

"Yeah. Right."

"Right."

"I do really like those pants though." EJ started up again. "They really...work...for you." EJ ended with a nervous cough.

"Th-thanks." Ricky replied. "Yeah I don't know if you could pull them off, but...thank you." Ricky chuckled lightly, wringing his hands together. 

"You don't think I could? Where did you get them?" EJ asked.

"Uhhh, I don't know, some thrift store I'm sure."

EJ suddenly stood up. 

"Well come on then." He said, turning towards the door.