Neil's POV
"What with the look." I eyed Rod who continued to wear a stupid grin on his face. Rod had come over for some lunch but had barely said a word to me, which was odd especially for him. He was drumming his fingers on my table and staring at me with extreme happiness. He had a dreamy look on his face which only irritated me more.
"Nothing." He shrugged innocently.
"Rod." I stared him down, "What did you do?" Whenever he had that look on his face, it meant that he had meddled in someone's life, usually Allen's but I had a terrible feeling I was the lucky victim this time.
"I may have gotten you a date for tonight!" He exclaimed happily, "You're also not allowed to say no, I will never forgive you if you turn her down."
I dropped my fork into my food, "A date?! Are you crazy? I don't want to go on a date! What is wrong with you?"
Rod frowned, "You don't even know who it's with. You can't say no."
"I don't care, I'm saying no now." I scowled, "You know how I feel about dating and love. This isn't cool man."
"You need to come out of your shell. You were hurt a long time ago, I understand! But you can't let that one girl ruin the possibility of being happy for you. Besides I see the way you look at Rachel sometimes. You think she's cute. Or well I hope you do, because that's who you're going out with tonight!"
"WHAT!" I shouted, Rachel the farmer? The girl that Old Man Dunhill has all his hopes on? I've barely even spoken ten words to her. She just buys chicken feed and then leaves. What would I even say to her?
"Surprise!" Rod threw his hands in the air, "I did a good job! You like animals, she likes animals, she's down-to-earth, and you're…well moody. But still, I think this could work out! Come on Neil just give it a shot. This could be beneficial to the both of you. And if it isn't, you are free to punch me and tell me to never do it again! I promise!"
I sighed loudly and ran my hand through my blonde hair, "Fine. Just this once." I can't believe I'm agreeing to this. But I guess Rachel wasn't that horrible of a choice. She was determined in her goal in making Echo Village lively again which helps my business so I can't hate her for that. She also wasn't a girly girl; she always had dirt on her overalls and her red hair thrown into a messy bun. Her skin was tanned from the hours she spent outside and freckles were splashed across her nose. She also had these incredible emerald eyes that sparkled. I had to admit it was hard not to stare at her when I saw her around town or coming back down the mountain from foraging. But she never paid me much attention before, Rod was a friend of hers, but we've barely spoken. Why would she agree to go on a date with me? I wasn't anyone special and I wasn't the handsomest guy in town, Allen easily took that title over me. Besides my bad attitude was enough to drive anyone away. I'm surprised Rod hasn't ran out of the door in fear.
Rod left quickly after lunch to go look after the new dogs he got for his shop. I walked around town for a while, avoiding Echo Farm and Rachel but my thoughts kept drifting towards her. Maybe this was a good idea, even if I didn't find her appealing romantically, it would give me a chance to be more of an outgoing person. There is no way for me to deny that I'm not Mr. outgoing like Rod was. Other than Rod, I only spoke to Hana frequently. She's known me for years and is my one piece of family here. The rest live far away and I like it that way. The sun began to set and I walked back to my place with a scowl on my face. The more time that passed, the more I regretted Rod doing this to me. I like being solitary. I walked into my house and took off my red jacket. I slipped my headphones on and tried to block out the world. Suddenly loud knocking came from my door and my heart began to pound hard against my ribcage. She's here.