The next morning, Bella logs on just as she said she would. I've been on for five minutes already, but I didn't mind the wait. I needed some time to calm myself down. I get to eager to talk to her and I don't want to ramble or act completely stupid around her. But then again, I probably acted stupid around her or one of my texts offended her. I told her I don't like libraries, maybe that hurt her feelings. Maybe she's through with me. But she's online... I see her right now. Why would she talk to me if she's over with me?
She waves, snapping me out of my thoughts. It's as though she could tell I was trapped in my mind. It was probably obvious, I probably looked like an idiot just staring at the screen my eyes nearly closed.
"Hey," She yawns. Still in her pyjamas, she looks gorgeous. "How are you?"
"Long night?" I ask and lean forward. I'm already wearing my clothes for the day. Simply a white polo and gray khakis. "How was the drinks and dancing?"
"Not very fun. Rosalie got smashed and so did Angela. A guy tried to dance with me in some impolite ways. I screamed and ran away."
I laugh but it comes to a halt. A guy trying to get on Bella really isn't something I want to picture. "You screamed?" Why on earth would she randomly scream in a club?
"Yeah, scared him off so he wouldn't come back." Bella explains and I laugh. Of course. I smile at the thought that Bella wouldn't want to dance with someone else. It gives me some hope.
"I can picture that, actually." I say once I finish laughing.
"Ahhhhh!" Bella screams in a whisper. "The girls are sleeping, I can't scream."
"Is that why your voice is so low?" I ask and she nods. "Oh, makes sense. Are you always an early riser? I usually am, especially not that I go to the gym to work out."
"Yeah, I usually am. I was used to getting up for school all those years and I'm usually at work for eight. I like a little down time in the morning too." She tells me her voice still low. "I can't sleep in if I try. My body just doesn't allow it. It kind of sucks because some days I'd rather sleep in. Like the weekends when I don't go to work at all."
"How long do you have off work? Just the days in Vegas?"
"I took a few extra days off to get back into routine. I don't really get out too much and I don't vacation much either, but I'd like to." Bella plays with her fingers, twisting and untwisting them in front of her. Is that a nervous trait of hers or is she just bored out of her mind? "I don't go back until next Monday and I'll be home on Tuesday... I took the rest of the week off. Two more days in Vegas. Four days at home."
Two more days in Vegas. Two more days until our date.
"Sounds like a nice little vacation. Is the library hard work?" I try to keep the conversation going and Bella talking so she doesn't get bored.
"No, well sometimes. Mary is pretty strict, actually. If I'm a minute late she makes me stay ten minutes longer. It's just like school all over again. She also gives me extra work than I have on my contract saying I have to do. I don't think she likes me very much." She admits with a little frown on her face.
"I don't see how that's possible." I tell her hoping to cheer her up some. It works, I know by a small frown that becomes replaced with a little smile.
"Thanks." She beams. "So... we're going out on Tuesday. I guess we're going in because I'm going to your house."
"Unless you want to go out."
"Well, you still are a stranger." She jokes. "No, I'm fine with staying in. It sounds nice. And the best way to get to know someone is to check out their house."
"It's nothing fancy." I shrug with one shoulder. "It's just a condo by the beach."
"Just a condo by the beach." She quotes. "I live in the dead center of town and it's hectic. I'd love to escape. I haven't even been to the beach in years. I don't really get out as I said."
"I always go to the beach. I'm actually going for a run right on the beach right after this."
"Oh? Really?" Bella asks and I nod once. "Sweet. I used to run back in school. I find it weird that Oakvale - a big city - has a beach. Do most cities have beaches or is that a dumb question?"
"Well, I guess that's true. When I think city, I don't think beaches."
"Exactly."
"The beach is on the outskirts of the city, too."
"It must be nice living outside the city, but still close enough that a few blocks and you're in town."
"It is." I agree. "So, what do you want for dinner when you come over?"
"Whatever your specialty is." She smiles. A noise comes from behind her and she turns her head. "Oh crap, Ang is waking up. I got to go." She looks back at me apologetically. She blows me a kiss. "See you! I'll text you!" And just as quickly as she appeared, she vanishes.
I pretend to capture the kiss, staring at computer screen.
Sighing, stretching, and getting back to the real world. I stand up and go change for my run.
Just two more days.