a mess || brian quinn

•10•

Cas's pov

As I sat down in the passenger seat and clicked my seat belt across my chest, Sal put the key in the ignition and I heard the engine roar to life. I smiled out the window and watched as everything joined the cycle of motion as we backed out of the driveway and started down the street towards the beachfront.
Sal turned on the radio before the silence could become awkward. I quietly hummed along to familiar pop songs
as they echoed throughout the otherwise quiet car.

•••

"I'm so happy that you agreed to go out with me tonight."
We pulled into a surprisingly empty parking lot and he put the car in park before cutting the engine

I couldn't believe he was thanking me. He could've easily gotten any girl in the world to go with him tonight.
I mean he was funny, caring, and drop dead gorgeous, and I was garbage supreme. I was a measly zero and he was a solid ten.

"Sal, there's no need to thank me. I'm the one who should be thanking you. Out of everyone, you chose me." I mumbled the last part but he still seemed to hear me.

"Cas, listen to me; if I wanted to ask someone else, I would've asked someone else, but I didn't. I wanted to come with you because I have feelings for  you. You, ok?" I nodded as my cheeks heated up and I was sure they were more red than a freshly painted firetruck.

He stepped out of the car and opened my door, grabbing my hands and pulling me up.
My feet hit the gravel on the ground and I took a step towards Sal, closing the car door behind me.

I ran a hand through my hair and scratched the back of my neck. We walked in silence and as we were, his hand continued to brush up against mine. I was too nervous and scared to grab his hand, but I wanted to let him know that I was more than ok with him holding my hand. I looked at him with a reassuring smile to urge him on. His lips curled upwards as he laced his fingers with mine.

The gravel transitioned into an asphalt walkway while the soft roar of the waves filled my ears.

Sal opened a quaint, wooden door and held it for me as I stepped inside. A blonde girl with a black apron smiled at us.

"Hello and welcome to Dusk. Will there be anyone else joining you tonight?" She asked with enthusiasm.

"No. it's just us the two of us tonight." Sal stated simply in reply.

"Ok, great! If you'll follow me, I'll bring you to your table."

She grabbed two menus and proceeded to lead us down a short hallway. She opened another wooden door that led outside and to a group of rustic looking tables. The strings of fairy lights illuminated the beautiful shore that invited the calm tide. Sal pulled the black cushioned chair out for me and I sat down. He pushed me in and I pulled the fabric napkin onto my lap. Something I would never do, but something I had to do if I wanted to seem somewhat ladylike.

"So I'll let you guys get comfy,
and your waitress will be out shortly." We thanked her and watched her disappear back through the door.

"Wow, Sal. This place is breathtaking." I said while staring out onto the beach.

"I thought you would like it." He reached his arm across the table he rubbed my hand with his thumb.