Camille POV
This is the first time since starting at NYU that Moose and I have really explored the Central Park area. I love this time, Moose and Camille time that is. Though, we could have picked a warmer day to wander around. It's now the middle of November and winter is in the air.
"Cam, you cold?" Moose has stopped walking and is now looking at me waiting for an answer. I guess he noticed me shivering.
"A little, let's head somewhere to grab a quick bite to eat. I have to get back to campus soon but there was something I wanted to talk about."
Moose ran his fingers through his curls, a clear sign that he was nervous about something. I knew what that something was and it was time to clear the air.
"Yeah, sure. Let's head to that pizza place you like around the corner."
Joking I said, "Don't you need to keep up your figure now that you're a dance major?"
Smirking Moose replied "You checking out my figure Cam?"
I could feel my face begin to flush and I prayed he couldn't tell.
Moose continued "I need my energy if I am going to keep up with you. Besides, I know you love your pizza!"
He had a point. He told me several times in High School that I was the only girl he knew, besides Andie, who didn't count every calorie I put into my body.
The Pizzeria came into view and I couldn't help wonder if he has ever checked out my figure.
Moose POV
As we entered the Pizzeria I scanned the place to look for a semi-private table. I knew no one would really care what we talked about in here but this will be the most important conversation I will have with Camille.
Don't screw this up Moose!
Camille POV
Moose grabbed us a table while I placed our order. I used this time to give myself a pep talk. I had felt so comfortable and free this afternoon as Moose and I hung out but now my butterflies were surfacing.
Pushing any apprehension and worry down, I grabbed our drinks and headed to my best friend.
Moose POV
This is it. Here she comes. It's now or never.
Camille POV
I sat across from Moose and began what might be the most important conversation of my adult life. Its effects may change the course of our relationship forever. Here goes nothing…..
"So, there was something I wanted to talk to you about." I studied Moose's face for any clue to what he was thinking. I was surprised to see how focused he was on what I was saying. I guess I have his attention.
"I have some things I want to tell you but I'm not sure where to start." I drew a deep breath in and Moose reached across the table to grab my hand.
"Cam, I'm listening. Whatever it is you can tell me."
If I was going to be able to breathe I needed my hand back. As I slid it back down to my lap I thought I saw disappointment flash across Moose's face.
"Alright, but just listen because I'm afraid I will chicken out if I don't get it out all at once." I lifted my eyes from my lap.
As soon as our eyes locked, all the worry was gone. I knew what I wanted and all I could do is pray it's what he wants as well.
"Moose, I like you. I mean, I have always liked you obviously because you're my best friend. A few years ago when we started hanging out more, just the two of us, I started to see you differently. I didn't know what it was at first but now I know I don't want to be your best friend."
Moose drew in a sharp breath of air and he looked like someone had just taken all his shoes away from him.
"Moose, let me finish before you freak out. Okay?" He nodded.
"What I mean is, I want more from you. I think you are an amazing person. You are the first person I think of when I wake up in the morning and the last thought before I go to sleep. I can't think of anyone else I would rather be with on the dance floor. I love that we are both going to NYU and I can't wait to watch you become everything you have dreamed of."
I paused and after drawing in a deep breath, began the next statement that would change everything.
"Moose, I don't want to just be your best friend because I want something more. When you kissed me at the station I caught a glimpse of my dream coming true. Moose, I have wanted to kiss you for a long time."
"Really?" his voice squeaked.
"Let me finish Moose."
"Sorry."
I couldn't help but smile as I finished what I wanted to say. "I guess what I am trying to say is I like you as more than a friend Moose. I was hoping after we kissed you felt that way but it's been several days and you haven't mentioned anything about it. I keep thinking you didn't really mean it and just got caught up in the moment. Moose, I need to know if you see me in your future as more than your best friend."
"Can I speak now?" He was smiling, which was a good sign.
I nodded.
"Cam, I-"
"Here you go." The waitress placed our pizza down in the middle of the table. Great timing, not.
"Can I get anything else for you two?" she asked. We both quickly shook our heads.
"Alright, let me know if you do." I watched her walk away and slowly locked in on Moose's eyes.
Moose POV
Wow. I've been freaking out for days now and turns out Cam has liked me all along. For years even. I can't believe I didn't notice. Actually, I can but now I feel awful for not seeing the signs.
"Cam, I-"
Thanks to the waitress, I was interrupted. I can tell Cam is irritated by her presence. When she leaves neither of us reach for the pizza. I guess she is waiting to hear my answer. Here it goes…..
"Camille, you are my best friend. I actually hope you will always be my best friend. You've always been there for me and stuck with me even when I didn't deserve it. I'm happy we are going to NYU together too. I couldn't think of anyone else I would rather experience this part of my life with."
I noticed she started to look down as I continued to drag out my answer. She probably thought I was going to reject her and say I wanted to take back the kiss.
I reached for her chin, tilted her head up gently and gave her my answer.
"Yes Chameleon. Yes, I want more."
We just stared into each other's eyes until the spell was broken by a beeping sound. What in the world?
I let go of Cam's chin and felt aggravated that yet another time we had been interrupted.
With an annoyed look on her face, that I'm sure mimicked mine, she pointed down to my bag.
"Moose, it's your phone. You must have gotten a text."
"I'll check it later." Except, whoever was texting me was relentless. My phone beeped again.
"Well, look at it. Whoever it is really wants to get ahold of you."
Annoyed I reached down and saw it was Luke. I looked over what he had texted and being that he was not in a hospital somewhere dying, I texted him back that I would call him later. Satisfied, I turned my phone off and redirected my attention back to Cam.
Cam POV
"Listen, Cam I knew what I was doing at the station. I wanted to kiss you and I don't regret it. I'm not exactly sure where we go from here but I do want to give 'us' a shot. I mean, I was born to be the Ashley to your Mary-Kate."
I laughed at this and I was glad he had broken the tension.
"First things first, let's eat this pizza before it gets cold." I started to reach for a slice when Moose stopped me. He grabbed my right hand, cupped his hands around it, and stared deep into my eyes.
"Cam, before we devour this pizza I need to ask you something."
Afraid my voice would betray me I simply nodded.
"Camille Gage, would you do me the honor of being not only my best friend in the whole wide world, but my girlfriend?"
"Really?"
Moose's eyes lit up, he smiled, and in a confident voice said "Really, really."
AN: Next chapter, some fun with the Pirates! I'm only home one night this week so depending on how motivated I am, the next update will most likely come next weekend.
