The next morning Lauryn woke up with a smile on her lips. She replayed the events of the previous night over and over again and it felt so good to finally stop fighting. Yes she was still a bit apprehensive but deep down she knew Randy would treat her totally different than Alex. She got up and got ready to go workout with John and Ted, who she knew were going to grill her about details. She pulled on a pink tank top and a pair of black workout shorts. She put her socks on before sliding on her black and pink Nike Spider LT 2 ID Running shoes. She pulled her hair in a messy bun and threw on a black headband to keep the stray hairs out of her face. She grabbed her iPod and then went downstairs. She saw Randy sitting in the den watching Sportscenter.
He saw her walking towards him out of the corner of his eye and immediately gave her his full attention. All thoughts of everything but her fled his mind. The minute she was in touching distance he grabbed her and pulled her into his embrace. He took a moment to enjoy the feel of her in his arms, smiling at the way her hands rested on his biceps. His gaze met hers and he saw the same smile pulling at her lips. He captured her lips in a gentle kiss.
"Good morning beautiful."
She giggled like a little schoolgirl which she wasn't necessarily sure if she was okay with. "Good morning to you too."
"Are you excited about our date tonight? I definitely am," he said with a genuine smile gracing his beautiful face.
"I'm extremely excited."
"I'm glad. Ted is staring so I guess you better go. We know he's impatient."
She gave him another quick kiss before heading out the door.
When they left he made his way into the kitchen where Lo was. He had struggled with the thought of talking to her, knowing they rarely saw eye to eye. If it weren't for their heart-to-heart about Lauryn and his feelings for her, he would be sure she hated him. And she was his only hope of making his date with Lauryn perfect. So he swallowed his pride and approached her. Childishly, he made sure to position himself between her and the rack of sharp knives. She initially ignored him, obviously lost in her own thoughts as she unloaded the dishwasher. When he cleared his throat she glanced at him and he sucked in a breath.
"Can I ask a favor?"
"Sure Randal."
He rolled his eyes at the use of his full name but let it go. "If I wanted to take Lauryn out, where would be a good place to go?"
"She finally stopped fighting you I see." There was a smug grin on Lo's face as she stacked clean plates on the counter.
"I doubt she'll ever really stop fighting me, but yeah."
"Well there are a few places she likes. Mariah's is a place in The Square downtown and it's really nice. The park that's down there is really nice too, especially at night. Here favorite coffee shop is in that area as well. Umm there's really a crap load of options. Shogun is one of her favorites and Mick's on Main which is also downtown." She stopped and looked over in time to see his look of bewilderment. "Sorry I'm trying to give you options"
"I really want a place that's kind of quiet so we can talk and get to know each other..."
"Mariah's then for sure. Ahh I'm so excited." Lo clapped her hands together, a look of joy taking over her features.
"Why are you so excited? I'm not asking you out."
"I know that jackass. I'm excited because she's finally you know, letting down the wall she's built up"
"Another favor."
"Sure."
"Don't show up."
She rolled her eyes. "Don't worry I won't."
"And if I was to get her flowers, what kind would I get her?"
Lo's face lit up with excitement at Randy's question.
"What's that face for?"
"You're going to bring her flowers? That is so sweet. She's a fan of yellow and pink roses. Also purple tulips."
"Thanks Lo."
"No problem. I can't wait to hear all about it."
"And you won't tell Cena or Ted or any of her fanboys?"
"Fanboys? That's funny. Nope, unless you two say something, they won't find out from me."
"Why are you being nice to me?"
"Shh just let it happen. Don't ruin the moment Orton. Plus is it wrong to be happy that you're making my best friend happy?"
"Nah, it's cool. Yellow and pink roses and purple tulips."
"Ahh you do listen."
"Lauryn said the same thing last night. Don't know why me listening comes as such a surprise to the both of you. Thanks again, Lo."
Randy turned on his heels to leave, but he halted his movement then turned his attention back to Lo.
"What are my chances of you clearing out the house so we can be alone after our date?"
"She's not going to give it up on the first date. Make out with you, yes. Give up the goodies on the first date, not so much."
"I never said I wanted her to give it up. I just want some alone time where we can relax without me worrying about someone barging in and ruining it."
"Fair enough. I'll see what I can do."
"You're a sweetheart."
"Flattery…I like it." Lo brushed her nails against her shirt and smiled.
Lauryn and Lo were sitting in Lo's room getting ready for her date. She was doing Lauryn's makeup, making sure she was flawless for the evening.
"Quit twitching your eyes or you'll end up looking like a raccoon. Why are you so nervous?"
"I haven't had a first date in like...forever. It's nerve racking."
"You're with the guy all the time. Not much is going to be different tonight. Except the condom I put in your purse."
"Lo! And yes I'm with him a lot, but dates are a totally different ball game. And you should not be talking, because you were nervous as hell when you had your first official date with Cody."
"I remember it like it was yesterday…"
She turned in her chair to look at Lo and cried, "Oh my god Lauryn what if I spill wine on him or me? I'm going to be so embarrassed," as she recalled the night of Lo and Cody's first date. It was not very often Lo was nervous. "I'm scared he's going think I'm so lame though Lo"
"Stop scrunching up your face, geez. It's like trying to put makeup on a piece of cling wrap. And you're not lame. To hear you talk, you're some loser that sits in her parents' basement watching lesbian porn while eating chips and chugging Dr. Pepper."
Lauryn made a face of disgust at the thought of what Lo said. "Sorry. I can't help it. Like I don't know what it is Lo, but it's like he has the ability to make me melt with one look. I've never experienced that before"
"You mean love."
"Umm...isn't it too early to be using that word?"
"It's never too early to use that word..."
"Like hell it's not. I'm scared because I do love him. That's why it took me forever to finally get to this point with him."
Lo stopped what she was doing and let out a huge squeal. "You love him!"
"Yes...yes I do and it scares the hell out of me Lo. He is everything I could ask for."
"Then stop pussyfooting around."
"What? I am not."
"You're acting all nervous and you've been timid around him. Just sit him down, look him in the eye and tell him you love him."
"No he can say it first."
"Wimp."
"No I'm not putting myself out there first. We saw what happened last time. He never even meant it," she murmured quietly.
"Alex went with it because he thought it meant he'd get into your pants. And did you ever think maybe Randy's scared to say it first too?"
"And Alex never got in my pants because I knew that's how he felt. As for Randy...I've never thought of that. I can't imagine him being scared of a lot of things to be honest."
"He's scared you're gonna push him away."
Lauryn froze. Randy Orton, so confident and sure, scared she would push him away? Impossible. But as Lo capped the mascara and began picking through the vast collection of lipsticks she pondered the thought. It was possible. The confidence, the cockiness – she could easily see them being used as a barrier to his true insecurity. She felt a pang in her heart at the thought of him being scared. "He is?"
"Yes. He's afraid that what happened with Alex - and he doesn't know the whole story yet, mind you - is going to keep you from letting him in all the way." Lo held up a lipstick for approval then reached for the brush so she could paint Lauryn's lips.
"Anymore updates on his thoughts, Miss Nosey Ass?"
"Call me Miss Cleo, but I know he's going to think you're the hottest thing since fire when he sees you."
"That's the plan. I want to let him in. Hell I didn't even let Alex in completely. I feel like I could tell Randy my life story. That man... what has he done to me?"
"He's made you believe in..." Lo gave a dreamy sigh, "the power of love?"
Normally Lauryn would have rolled her eyes and given a smart comment. But instead she smiled. "I think so. I've got it bad Lo."
"That's what he said."
Lauryn let out a snort. "What?"
"When we had our heart to heart, he told me he had it bad for you. You look flawless my love. Now go get dressed."
"Yes ma'am."
Lauryn went to her room and grabbed a dress that she'd actually let Lo borrow and never got back. She slipped on the navy blue sleeveless chiffon dress. She accompanied the dress with a cream colored belt and creamed colored wedges. She nervously played with the ruffles on the front of her dress as she realized she was finally making steps to finding love again. Hopefully finding it with Randy. She could only hope that he felt the same way. That he was as crazy about her as she was about him.
She sprayed some perfume on before giving herself a look over. A knock on the door brought her out of her reverie. Her heart started to beat faster at the thought of Randy on the other side of the door. She gave herself one last look in the mirror before she let out a huge breath before opening the door. There he was. He wore a pair of dark jeans and black button up shirt. He looked absolutely amazing.
"Wow Lauryn you look amazing."
"You don't look too bad yourself."
"I bought you these." He handed her a small bouquet of purple tulips.
"These are beautiful. How did you—" She saw his quick smirk. "Lo."
"I might have had some help."
She grabbed her clutch and headed downstairs with Randy.
"Let me put these in a vase."
Out of nowhere Lo whips around the corner.
"Nope. I've got them. You kids have fun." As she spoke she shooed them to the door.
Randy and Lauryn could only laugh. When they got outside Randy took Lauryn's hand and twirled her around. When she stopped she had a smile on her face that made his heart sore.
"Sorry I wanted to get a good look at you in this dress. You look absolutely beautiful Lauryn."
He placed a small kiss on her lips and then made their way to his car. He opened the door for her, which shouldn't have shocked her as much as it did. When he knew she was situated he climbed into the drivers side of the car and headed to their destination.
Randy pulled into the parking lot, luckily finding a decent spot. The historic federal-style building was large and would have been imposing were it placed anywhere else. The over 100 year old building seemed modern yet kept its historic flare, much like the rest of the downtown area. The windows were framed by shutters, which were the same brick shade of red as the tin roof. As they approached, the doors opened, and several tantalizing aromas spilled onto the brick sidewalk, enticing them closer.
The restaurant was open, bright, and inviting. Low stonewalls divided the seating areas, giving a semblance of privacy. Murals and photos on the walls harkened back to a simpler time. The live plants atop the walls were refreshing, and despite being nearly packed, there was an air of calm that told the couple they would be able to enjoy their dinner in peace.
The waiter welcomed them with a warm small and directed them to their booth. Randy had made sure to call ahead and try to get as far in the back as possible for what he hoped with be minimal to no distractions from others.
When they were seated he rubbed his palms over his thighs, suddenly as nervous as a kid on his first date. "Seriously Lauryn, you look amazing. I can't tell you enough."
"Thank you. " She sent him a warm smile. She was happy to finally be here with him. This was huge. She didn't know if she'd ever get to this point with him, but she was glad she was.
"How did you know I liked this place?
"Would you believe it was just a good guess?"
"No."
"Would you believe a little birdie told me?"
"If the little birdie's name is Lo then yes."
"Are you saying she's a blabbermouth?
"I'm just saying, she's the only person who could have pointed you in the right direction of one of my favorite places in town."
"Only because I asked."
"I'm glad you did."
"What are you starving for now?" He grins at her when he notices the small blush appear on her beautiful face. "Other than me I mean."
"Nice to see that cockiness hasn't disappeared Mr. Orton. But, to answer your question, a steak would be nice. They have the best steak in town. What are you starving for?" She sent him a playful smirk, "besides me Mr. Orton?"
He gave her a smoldering look that made her legs weak. "I suddenly have a craving for whipped cream and strawberries."
"Hmm…me too," she said almost breathlessly.
"But since my mom never let me have dessert first, I'm going to go for a nice, thick, juicy steak."
"Looks like she taught you well I see."
"She tried her best," he spoke before giving her a look that took her breath away.
The two placed their orders and talked about a variety of things over dinner. Randy had noticed that Lauryn was a tad shy, which was so out of character for her. Well, to him it was out of character.
"Don't go getting all shy on me now Lauryn."
"I'll try not to. It's just been…dates make me nervous a bit."
"No need for that. Just picture me in my underwear or something. Wait, I don't think I'm actually wearing any." Across from him, Lauryn gurgled and set her glass down with a thud, causing him to chuckle.
"I almost spit out my wine. What are you trying to do to me Randy?"
"Make you relax. Is it working?"
She let her infectious grin that Randy loved so much tug on her lips. "Yes it is."
He smiled at her, glad that he'd removed the nervousness that she had.
"How did you get into photography?"
"My dad always took pictures of stuff and I was always intrigued by it. So I would take his camera from time to time and I just felt like you could take a picture of something and it could come to life. Also I felt like I was capturing glimpses of life and that was fun to me. If that makes any sense."
"It makes sense, Lauryn. Do you prefer to stay behind the lens and observe or do you like stepping out into the action too?"
"I like to stay behind the lens for the most part. Like I love being in pictures at times, but I prefer behind the lens."
"Why?"
"I don't know. I guess that I think people will see right through my facade at times."
"Which facade?"
"That I'm not as strong and confident as I come off. That facade came after my breakup," she confessed with sadness laced in her voice.
"But you are as strong as you come across being. Hell, you put up with Lo and Cena and even me... You're a damn saint."
She laughed again for the umpteenth time during the night. How long had it been since she'd laughed so much? "I'm glad someone thinks so."
"Seriously, though. You don't have to pretend to be strong. You've got about three hundred people that would come to your aid if you ever needed it."
"I know..."
"Why are you afraid to build yourself up again, Lauryn?"
"I guess because I think I'm going to get broken down again"
"Aren't you afraid of missing out on something amazing though?"
"Yes and I almost did."
"What was that?"
"You."
He looked at her, and sent Lauryn a genuine warm smile. "I'm amazing?"
She reciprocated his smile. "Yes you are Randy."
"Amazing enough to talk you into ditching this place and going to the park?"
"Yes."
"You know, you're pretty amazing too."
"Really?"
"Really, Miz." He grinned at her when she rolled her eyes at him. "Seriously, though. Especially when you really smile. It lights up the room and puts all sorts of happy thoughts in my head."
"Like what?"
"Like how much I want to make you smile like that all the time. And how beautiful our future kids will be when they smile like that..."
"Time out. Did you say kids?"
"I did unless you don't want any. In which case, you heard me wrong."
"I just wasn't expecting that on the first date that's all..."
"As long as we've known each other and as much as we've shared over the past few weeks, can you really count this as a first date?"
She sent him a small shy smile. "You're right."
"So... Do you want kids? I don't mean right now, but eventually?"
"Eventually yes...I think. I still on the wall on that."
He decided to drop the topic for the time being.
"So, I was thinking we could grab coffee and go to that park after we eat? Unless you'd rather do the old-fashioned move thing..."
"I'd love that."
"I've heard good things about this coffee place across the street, Spencer's—" He let out a chuckle when Lauryn's face lit up "And I was worried Lo would steer me wrong."
"That's my favorite coffee place in town."
"Lead the way."
A/N: Sorry this chapter has taken forever and a day to get posted. I hope you enjoy it. Again I can not begin to thank y'all enough for reading and reviewing this story. It means so much to me that y'all are enjoying it. Part 2 of the date will be coming soon.
Also again, Josie thank you so much for your help lady.
~Amber
