Chapter 11 – Starting Slow
So I took a chance…and it worked out this time. And all that hazy uncertainty that existed just vanished before my eyes after I told Greer I like her – and I found out she feels the same way.
After Greer and I had spent what seemed an eternity outside the coffee shop, just enjoying being in each other's arms, we decided it was way too cold and headed back into the store much to the annoyance of the owner who had already cleared and cleaned our table. Apologizing to the store owner profusely, we both ordered another set of coffees and sat back down on the ledge by the bay window.
Checking my phone I saw it was already 10:00PM! Where did the night go?!
"I guess we can't stay here too much longer," I began, realizing the owner is probably going to kill us. "They're closing in like an hour."
"Whoa, yeah," Greer said as she looked at her watch. "I completely lost track of time!"
We sat in silence for a little bit – as tends to happen in our conversations. This time, though, I wasn't uncomfortable with the quiet. I liked just being in her presence, just being near her.
"So…," she started with a coy smile as she looked up from her cup of coffee. "You like me, huh?"
"EXCUSEEEE me," I said, scoffing. "I seem to recall you liking me back…"
"Yeah, I mean…you're alright," she said jokingly.
I shook my head just smiling at her, reaching for her free hand, as she sipped more coffee. I was in awe of this girl – her sense of humor, how happy she made me feel, and those ridiculously adorable dimples. But I still had so many questions. What about our first date? Did this mean we were dating? What about telling our friends? Oh goodness…what would Ford think? Maybe what she doesn't know won't hurt her…
I was wracked with so many questions before I confessed my feelings to Greer but I found out I was full of so many more now that we discovered we actually do like each other. And thank God for that! I can't imagine how awkward things would have been if she didn't feel the same way…
Too much thinking, Brenna. You can have this talk with her another time. Don't ruin this, right now.
"So…we should be heading back, huh?" I asked, in a tone that suggested we should probably go but I'm sure was laced with plenty of disappointment at the fact that we had to.
"Yeah, I guess so," said Greer woefully, very clearly feeling the same way I was.
"But…walk me back?" I asked, hoping she would agree. Though…it was super cold, so I totally understand if she—
I was pulled from my thoughts as she sprang from her seat, threw on her coat excitedly, and extended a hand in front of her – asking for my own. Taking her hand in mine, we both thanked and apologized to the owner again for creating extra work for him, and headed out into the brisk and blustery night.
The walk back to my home was cold. Cold…and wonderful.
I held her hand close to my side the whole way back which was actually quite an accomplishment given I contemplated pulling our locked fingers apart many times – just so I could stuff mine into my coat pockets. I'm glad I didn't though because holding her hand was a way better choice.
Reaching the step outside my front door, a pang of sadness swept through me. I didn't want this to end. I wanted to sit with her just a little bit longer – talk with her just a little bit more. Which is crazy, I know! It's not like I wouldn't see her at school tomorrow...
"Hey, what're you thinking?" Greer asked taking note of the expression of general glumness that had settled on my face.
"Oh, nothing," I said. I could say that I didn't want this night to end…that I felt like I could talk to her forever about anything and everything…that I have truly never felt this way about or with anyone ever before.
Too much too fast, Brenna. Take it slow.
"Just thinking about whether…I should ask you to come in to see my mom and Ape?" I asked.
Good one, Brenna. You couldn't say the other stuff because that was moving too fast…so instead you already invited her in to meet your family? If I could roll my eyes at myself…I would.
"Uhhh…don't you think it might be a bit too soon?" asked Greer, who was doing a terrible job of hiding the nervousness on her face. "Considering we...admitted to liking each other…like, a few hours ago…"
"Oh. Yeah. Totally too soon." I said quickly as if my request to meet my mom and Ape was the most illogical thing ever. Because…it kinda was. "Eventually, maybe…"
"Yeah, eventually. I'd love to some time though," she said smiling. As her eyes moved back and forth, fixating on my own, she tucked a loose lock of hair behind my ear slowly and carefully as if having it come untucked would be the most catastrophic thing in the world.
Looking down at my shoes and beginning to blush, I started, "I guess…I should be heading in now. It's pretty late and we do have school tomorrow."
"Oh, yeah…I totally forgot!" Greer exclaimed.
Raising my head, my eyes met hers and I wasn't sure what to do next.
I, mean…we shared our first kiss already…but do I kiss her goodnight, now?
This was making me more nervous than I expected. Our first kiss was a surprise kiss…but this one is planned. What if I do it wrong? What if I, like, poke her eye out with my nose?
Leaning in to kiss her cheek, Greer turned into the kiss instead and our lips met for the second time tonight. I was taken by surprise, yet again – but welcomed the familiar feeling of sparks between us.
So much for starting slow, Brenna.
Then again...I really didn't mind.