Winnie's POV
I've been stalling in my bathroom so long, my skin is bone dry from how long I've been debating putting on makeup. The reflection in my bathroom mirror stares back at me, trying to convince me how my cheeks could use some color and my eyelashes are too stubby without mascara.
I've never been this nervous for Embry to pick me up.
For the last twenty minutes I've been in the middle of my cramped bathroom, with a towel knotted around me wondering how if Embry would notice if I wore makeup today or if he could tell if I did something different with my hair if I took the time to curl it. I've been debating so much over it, my wet hair is mostly dry already. Sighing, I try to avoid my mirror altogether while I dry my hair. Any other morning I would have just showered and put on a clean uniform and not even cared what anyone thought.
Now, I'm wondering if I have enough time to get ready before Embry gets here.
"You look nice." Jacob greets me when I'm halfway down the driveway. He leans against the hood of his own red car, only dressed in a pair of denim cut offs like Embry.
"Thanks," I nod, pausing. "Not to be unfriendly, but isn't Embry suppose to be here?" I ask, hoping I don't sound too rude. After spending some time with Jacob, I've genuinely come to like him. He has good music and always a helping hand for anyone. He's really nice, much nicer than I originally thought of him.
"Embry is stuck at work. Poor guy got stuck working a double. He didn't want you to be stranded for work, so instead he asked me to come scope you." Jacob explains with a reassuring grin.
"Oh." I try to keep a straight face, but can't help the disappointed feeling growing in the spot where my heart is. I put on makeup for nothing, even taking the time to add a braid in a half-updo, instead of leaving my hair down and flat as usual. "He didn't text me about it."
"It was really last minute. Like fifteen minutes ago." Jacob looks sheepish as he explains, like he's not telling me the whole story. I still don't even know what they do.
"Oh," I nod again, glancing at my phone in case I did miss a text from Embry. It's odd he didn't even warn me.
"Come on," Jacob opens the passenger door for me, waving me over. Hesitantly, I climb in with a thank you in Jacob's direction when he closes the door after me. Keeping my hands tucked under me so I don't fidget.
"Are you wearing perfume?" Jacob asks as he puts on his seatbelt next to me. "Smells nice."
"Just something to cut through the smell of food." I make up, but by the grin on Jacob's face I have a feeling he could see through my white lie.
"It smells very nice. It'll help get tips." Jacob assures, putting the car in reverse then straightening out in one fluid motion.
"So," I struggle for a topic. I've never been very chatty. "You're up early. You sure this isn't out of your way?"
"Embry warned me you'd say that." Jacob laughs, filling out the car with the sunny sound. It's such a joyful sound it melts away any nerves left in my muscles.
"Well, it is early." I shrug, trying not to be sheepish.
"I just saw him. Poor guy is covering Paul's shift since he didn't show up. We're sure he's sleeping in. So Embry let me go home to cover till Paul wakes up, before realizing he has to bring you to work." Jacob explains without giving any details away, such as where they work.
"Sounds like Embry." I say to the window so Jacob wouldn't see the small grin on my face. The disappointment from earlier ebbs away. I'm not the slightest bit upset, because Embry always thinks of others before himself.
"And you don't mind?" I add.
"Of course not. You're a lot like Embry, you're both pretty chill. It's calming to be around." Jacob lazily waves off.
"You think we're alike?" I try not to beam. It's such a nice compliment that it makes me warm inside.
"Absolutely." Jacob looks surprised by my question. "Embry is laid back and cool headed. While you're collected and tranquil. We don't get much of that in our group. And usually it's always Embry whose playing it cool and peace keeper. So hanging with you is a nice break from all that noise."
"Thanks Jacob." He grins at me, which is so inviting I can't help but grin back. If Embry is the zen one in the group, Jacob is definitely the friendly one.
"I know Embry is giving you a few lifts while I work on your car, but you can ask me too. I don't mind. Or hey, if you just want to hang out, I'm game."
"I'd like that." I genuinely mean it.
At two I was expecting Jacob, but I was surprised to find Embry's van parked in the lot. My heart does a little sway seeing him leaning against the side of the van with his hands in his pockets as he waits for me. I can't remember why I was so nervous this morning. Now all those anxieties have vanished just from the sight of him.
"Hi." I grin up at him, but his face immediately clouds up when his brown eyes land on me.
"Hey, I'm sorry about this morning, I sho—"
"You have nothing to apologize for Embry." I wave him off. He gives me a worried look, one that makes me want to hug him till he feels better. Instead I say, "Jacob and I had a nice ride."
"Yeah, I knew Jacob would get you here safe and sound." He brightens up a bit at that. Opening the door for me, he sticks his face through the open window.
"So Winnie," He tries to give me a smirk, but instead it comes off more as a sheepish grin. "Did you miss me this morning?"
I knew Embry has always been good looking, but he's never looked so handsome before. I nearly respond with a "how couldn't I?" But manage to think my words over. If it wasn't for the seat belt busying my hands I think I'd just run them through his hair without thinking.
"Yeah, I did." I admit softly, getting close to the window to tell him quietly. We exchange a smile, his eyes warming like the look in his face.
"I missed you too." He beams, drumming his hands against the door before coming around to the driver's side. "Means no more other guys driving you."
"Well, Jacob did offer to give me a ride if I needed it."
"Figures." Embry looks like he wants to frown, but he can't quite manage to shy away his grin. I can tell he likes how we're getting along.
"But I'll always ask you." I add, which makes him break out in a huge smile. He winks at me before starting the van, and I almost forget how to breathe.
"You look nice today." Embry comments, pulling out with his arm stretched out behind me. He leans in a bit, licking his lips before straightening. "Smell good too."
"After a shift slinging fries and eggs at a dinner? No way." My hand reaches up to smooth down my hair, the braid threatening to come loose. I have a few new stains on my uniform, and reek of heat, sweat, and food. There's not way I look goodm let alone smell decent.
"I have a great sense of smell." He pauses while he straightens out the van. "You always look nice, but you really do look nice today."
"Thanks." I sink in my seat, wondering if I'm melting. Secretly, I'm happy he at least got to glance at my effort, even if he wasn't around to see it earlier.
"So I was thinking for our second date, how does a movie sound?" Embry asks, taking his brown eyes off the road to chance a glance at me. As if he's double checking to make sure I haven't upped and changed my mind.
"All the way at Port Angeles?" That's the go to date stop besides the beach. There's not much to do around the Forks La Push area. Down side it's over an hour away.
"Yeah, I think they're playing a rerun of the Wizard of Oz, some documentary about the ocean, another Fast and the Furious movie, and I think some some scary slasher movie." He lists off. Most find movie dates bad, because there's not much chance for conversation. Though I find that takes some of the pressure off, not having to entertain each other every and trying to make the most of every minute.
"If you don't mind the drive." I comment.
"Yeah, almost two hours alone with you? I'll never mind that." Man, does he know how to flirt.
