Elena got off work and she felt like the whole world knew she was feeling joy for the first time in a long time. Her whole body just felt lighter. She never knew her heart could start to mend after Silas smashed it to pieces. Back when she first came to Richmond she had been blind to Silas' womanizing. She just thought he was friendly with other girls. He had always put Elena first and was a part of everything she did, but looking back on it now he was just keeping tabs on her and weaseling his way into her entire dorm's panties. He had always accused Elena of being a prude because she wanted to wait until she was married to have sex, and she had finally caved and given him her virginity a month before they broke up. Elena realized now that was the glue holding their "relationship" together. She was just the chase to Silas. That was all behind her now! She could now date the guy she had rigged to be her husband in the teenage game MASH.
Damon Salvatore. She couldn't stop thinking about him. He had always held a little corner of her heart. He was sort of the only guy she ever wanted to notice her. All through college, before and after Silas, guys had pursued Elena, but she never wanted any of them. She only relented to Silas after he had elaborately showed up at her dorm with her favorite cupcakes from a local bakery and two tickets to see Jack Johnson. She had thought about Damon a lot over the years and even Facebook stalked him a couple of times, but now she was finally on the receiving end of his advances. Elena knew dating Damon Salvatore would mean stepping up her game, so before she went home she stopped into Caroline's boutique.
"Elena! Hey! I had no idea you were going to drop by. Let me show you these new shipments. They are 'tots gorg'! Please tell me you didn't wear that to work today? Forget it, I know you did. By the way what did you think of Klaus? He is so sexy. We might be going out soon. Please tell me you think I'm sane for wanting to date after Tyler? Should I not be dating his boss? It shouldn't matter Tyler had his chance. Hand me that box will you?" Caroline rattled this off in seconds and soon had Elena undressed and in a dressing room shoving clothes at her.
"Hello, Caroline-!" Elena dragged out her name to emphasize all the crazy talk. She slipped into a dress Caroline handed her and whistled as she gazed at herself in the mirror.
"What? You think I'm being too slutty for wanting to jump Tyler's boss?" Caroline asked.
"No Caroline. I thought he was nice. He seemed to know how to push your buttons, but maybe that is just what you need. " Elena replied from inside the changing room. She was about to unzip the dress and put it back on the hanger once she read the $200.00 price tag.
"Let me see the dress Elena. I ordered it with you in mind. It's a gift if you like it. Plus, you are like free advertisement for my shop if you wear it out. "
Elena reluctantly drew back the curtain and was met with Caroline's girly squeal.
"Oh my goodness, please tell me you aren't going to follow through with Damon's phone number and rock his bad boy world?" Caroline was concerned.
"Actually he came into Java today and asked me out. Well, he asked me over to his place for dinner. Do you think it's too much for a guy to ask a girl to his place on a first date?" Elena was relieved to discuss this with Caroline. Bonnie was understanding, but she hadn't been in a relationship before.
"Hmm..he is a bit of a notorious ladies man, but I never heard of him asking anyone to his place. He is an excellent cook, but you already know that. I'd say, "yes, it's fine". Elena just remember he isn't trust worthy. Turn around. This dress makes your ass look fantastic. The best part about it is it isn't too dressy. It's like a beach dress. Which reminds me, I'm leaving for Cali in the morning. I have a meeting with the VP of marketing for Free People. They want to use my design ideas in their catalog next season."
"That is fantastic Care!" Elena hugged her friend. "What do you mean I already know his cooking?"
"Ok, now take this dress and the rest of those clothes and bring them back out here when you get dressed. I need to discuss lingerie with you. I'm not accepting "No" as an answer, so just get your ridiculously cute butt together with my agenda. He made your dinner last night. "
Elena connected the dots about Damon and felt flattered he had enjoyed the cinnamon roll so much.
After loading Elena down with bags of dresses, tops, skirts, and lingerie, Caroline gave Elena some good advice about her dinner date on Saturday.
"Listen to me. He may have been into one-night stands, but under no circumstances have I ever heard of Damon cooking for anyone. He is taking you seriously, so don't let your mojo get ruined by Silas. Who knows, maybe he has changed since his early college days. I'll keep my fingers crossed and promise me you'll keep your legs crossed too?"
