Note: Here is the movie date. I hope you all like it! I'm very determined to get a chapter out every day! Hopefully I'll pull one out before work tomorrow. Reviews are awesome!
Disclaimer: I do not own Glee.
Nervous. Really undeniably nervous. I wasn't sure why, considering this was my brilliant idea. "Rachel why on earth did you say such a thing? You work with him. A relationship can never happen. Is he extremely good looking? God yes. But oh, what the hell did you get yourself into?"
In this moment as I'm talking to myself, I'm so glad Finn offered to follow me. The awkward conversation that occurs, because you just cannot sit in a car with somebody and not talk. I peeked at my rearview mirror. Finn, tapping his thumbs against the steering wheel at every stop light. I couldn't tell if he was nervous too. And I wasn't sure if that would calm me or not.
Turning into my cracked driveway, I motioned for him to park in the street. Breathing deeply (who knew that one week of yoga classes would be useful?) I opened my car door, still mentally preparing myself for this impending date.
"Wow, you live here?"
Our house was small, just two bedrooms, but had enough windows to send the sun in and wake you every morning. The outside needed a new paint job and the gate surrounding the yard was missing a post or two. So I really couldn't understand Finn's awe.
"Yes, with my roommate Santana, I think I've mentioned her before. The rent is cheap and we don't have to share a bathroom. So it's a steal."
Leading him inside, his eyes went slightly wide, he reminded me of a child in a toy store.
"This is a huge step up from the apartment I'm renting over on Adams. I barely fit in the kitchen and I'm pretty sure my neighbor has like six dogs."
"I completely understand. Mrs. Crinshaw used to live next store until her family forced her into a retirement home. She had this dog, small thing, it would yap all night. Once Santana threatened to go all "Lima heights" on that dog if she didn't do something about it."
"I'm not sure I want to know what "Lima Heights" is, Santana sounds kind of scary."
I couldn't help but let out a barely noticeable giggle.
"Santana is harmless, for the most part. And honestly if I were ever involved in a fight, which I would never be because I do not condone violence, I would want her on my side."
" Hey I don't blame you. It's nice to have someone in your corner."
Brief silence ensued. Both of us standing awkwardly in the living room. I was the host, I had to say something.
"Hey, uh, how about you get comfortable and I'll be back in just a second."
Dashing to my bathroom I closed the door quietly. Checking myself in the mirror I applied a tad more mascara, my favorite lip gloss, and ran my fingers through my hair. As I was heading toward the door I saw my body spray. I wasn't trying to impress him, really I wasn't. What's so wrong with smelling delightful?
Our kitchen was right around the corner, with its yellow walls and thrift store appliances. The fridge was stocked with beer (the real liquor sat in the cabinet under the sink) and containers of leftovers. Eyeing the contents I gathered a few Chinese takeout containers and a beer for Finn. Being that I wasn't much of a beer drinker, I kept a bottle of wine on hand. After pouring myself a glass, I carefully balanced my small abundance of items and headed to the living room.
I found Finn wandering around the living room, glancing at the trinkets on the coffee table and the pictures on the walls.
"Is this you?"
He was holding a small 8 by 10, stuck in a frame surrounded by tiny gold stars.
"Oh yes, that's me at I think around age 8."
"You were cute, with that ballet outfit on. Who are the two people with you."
I hesitated.
"Those are my fathers, and before you ask, I was born via a surrogate and have never met my mother."
"Oh that's cool, that you have two fathers, mine died when I was a baby."
There was a thoughtful glint in his eyes. As if recalling a memory he didn't want to lose.
"I'm sorry, that must have been difficult growing up without a father."
"There were times when I wished he was there. Scoring my first homerun, learning how to ride a bike, talking to girls. When my mom remarried my junior year of high school, to this really nice guy named Burt, things got a lot better. He wasn't my dad but he did help ease the pain a bit."
"My father's had problems with talking about girl stuff. But I had a few Aunts that helped out."
We were both silent for a moment.
"Okay, so I hope you like imported beers, this one I believe is from somewhere in Europe. And you can help yourself to the food. We've got, fried rice, sesame chicken, and a few spring rolls."
"Thanks. I'm starving. What movie did we get again?"
I picked up the clear plastic case from the coffee table.
"Argo. I've heard it's supposed to be good."
Popping the movie into the dvd player I searched for the proper controllers, turning on the surround sound and adjusting the volume.
"You have surround sound? And a good size television? I'm impressed."
"Santana insisted we have a decent movie experience and I couldn't argue. Plus it means no one can hear me when I sing along to musicals."
"You sing?"
I mentally kicked myself. That was not something I ever intended to share. Musicals were sacred to me, I worshipped them, breathed them in. Santana only knew of my secret by accident. Having come home early one evening to find me belting out the lyrics to Rent.
"Not really, I mean at least not in front of others."
Thankfully he dropped the subject, probably sensing my tension. I moved to sit down next to him, spooning fried rice into a bowl.
The film started and we both became silent. Clanking of forks against bowls and movie music filled the air. I took a sip of my wine, the nerves I felt earlier slowly drifting from the tips of my fingers. I could relax, this was just an evening between two friends (could we really be considered friends?).
About 20 minutes into the movie and I became a bit daring. My head fell lightly onto his shoulder and I left it there. Maybe it was the wine or the smell of Finn's cologne but slowly I begin to feel at ease. With a man I had met just that morning. It was ridiculous by all assumptions. Love at first sight was something I believed to have been created by romantic novelists, and I wasn't in love with him. What was this then?
Thinking wasn't helping. So instead I focused on the film. Not how warm his shoulder was, or how I didn't mind for a second when he put his arm along the back of the couch, hand brushing against my arm.
My eyes began to droop, I was so warm and relaxed. And Finn smelled so perfect, and safe. I never knew a person could smell safe. Without much thought I snuggled closer and I swear his arm wrapped around me tighter.
Suddenly I felt shaking.
I ignored it, snuggling closer into the couch. Wait, the couch? There was a blanket over me as well. Opening my eyes I saw Santana staring down at me.
"Where's Finn?"
"Who the hell is Finn? Did you finally get laid? I hope so because I've been telling you for weeks you needed to let lose a little. So who is this Finn guy?"
"He's no one important."
"If you say so. I just got home and found you passed out on the couch. Figured you might prefer your bed."
"Oh well, thank you. How was work tonight?"
"I made about $500 in tips. So pretty decent for a Friday night."
"Okay well, I'm going to get out of these jeans and go to bed. I'll see you in the morning."
"So are you really not going to tell me about the mysterious Finn?"
"No, I told you it's not important."
"Oh come on, not even a little bit of info? Like what does he look like?"
"Goodnight Santana."
"Fine, I'll let it go for now. But be warned, I get it out of you eventually."
Waving her off, I reached my bathroom shutting the door. When my teeth were brushed I collapsed onto my bed.
What had happened tonight? And why had Finn just left? Great I was going to be up all night thinking. Just then I heard my phone go off.
-I had a great time tonight. Maybe next time you'll stay awake. Sleep well. Don't let the bed bugs bite, Finn-
Finn had text me. How on earth did he get my number? My phone beeped again.
-Also I may have snagged your number off your phone, hope that's okay, Finn-
As I attempted a reply (it would be rude not to, right?) I thought about what he had said.
There was going to be a next time? But that couldn't happen, coworkers after all. A part of me wanted a next time, despite the rules. Could I Rachel Berry be a rule breaker? It was then that I came up with a reply.
-I had great time too. Goodnight =) –
Satisfied I snuggled under my pink comforter. A beep resounded from my phone for a third time.
- =) –
I was screwed.