"Ackerman? Where have I heard that name before?" It was ringing bells somewhere deep in my mind. I just smiled awkwardly though, instead of digging.
Jake blushed.
"Guess you get cable then," he said. "My dad's Andy Ackerman. "Handy Andy"? God, its embarrassing."
I laughed. I can totally relate to embarrassing parents. In the summer, my dad likes to swim in speedos. Not kidding.
"My dad likes the show," I replied. "And often takes leaves from his book. Let me tell you, he's so not made for DIY."
And so the conversation continued. It was totally relaxed, especially now we knew we shared the common bond of embarrassing parents.
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"Goodbye, Suze Simon," smiled Jake, as I gave him my number. "I'll call you."
I'll call you. The most-used line a guy says. I wasn't holding out much hope for Jake calling me. He may be totally cute, but he's still male. He won't even remember my name once he gets back to college. Instead he'll make out with some sorority girl at an outraegous party or something. Ugh.
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I was listening to the radio while doing my Trig homework ( my dad said he'd cut my allowance if I fail again this semester) when my mom called up the stairs.
"Honey! A Jake Ackerman is on the phone for you!"
Smooth, Ackerman. Four days after. I'm surprised. Maybe Jake isn't just some guy. I cleared my throat then picked up the reciever.
"Hello? Suze speaking."
"Hey, gorgeous!"
Nice! Slightly creepy, but you know, nice.
"Hey Jake! What brings you to the telephone?"
"You, of course. Wanna hang this weekend?"
"Hang?" I asked. "As friends? Or...more?"
"I'm thinking more," he replied. "Pick you up at seven? Saturday night?"
"Oh, I'm so sorry," I said, trying not to laugh . "No can do."
"Half-seven. Be there or be square, Simon. Later."
And he hung up. Damn! He saw right through me playing hard-to-get. I have to phone Gina.
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"Hey, G!"
"Hey, girlfriend! What up?"
"I-got-a-date!" I squealed down the phone, unable to contain my excitement.
"Neat! Who with?"
"A college guy..." I gloated.
"You dog!"
Makes a change to be called a dog. Its normally Gina. And thats not all she's called. Anyway, she came over and made me up. I have to say, I looked hot. Gina should totally get a job as a cosmetic technician or something. She's not exactly the sharpest knife in the drawer - she's failing trig and bio!
Jake arrived bang on seven thirty, in an awesome Camarro. Alpine stereos, the lot.
"Not too shabby, Ackerman," I said, shooting a dazzling smile.
"Thanks," he replied. I have to admit, his smile isn't too off-putting either.
Anyway, we went for a romantic walk on the beach, and talked. Jake's taking computer engineering at college, because he doesn't really think he likes anything else. He asked me what I planned on doing, and I said maybe clothes designing and be the next Coco Chanel. I know, a typical girl answer, but I do love my designer labels!
After our enriching coversation on the beach, we went for pizza. Boy, do I love pepperoni!
I kinda regretting the pepperoni though, as Jake took my hand on the walk back to the car. Thinking fast, I slipped some gum into my mouth. I looked into his beautiful blue eyes, and then noticed he was chewing too.
"I really like you, Suze Simon," he said, quietly, stroking my fingers. "You're just so...unique. Not like the chicks back on campus. They're all...fake."
I didn't really know what he was saying, but I took it as a compliment. Being not fake is better than being fake, anyway.
As I was still trying to work out Jake's speech, he pulled me closer and kissed me. This is so completely dorky to admit, but it was my first real kiss. Five christmases ago, a kid in my grade pushed me under some mistletoe at our high school dance and kinda smushed me, but that didnt really count. This kiss was warm and soft, and kinda minty. His hands were like silk as they slid around my waist and pulled me closer. I was so into this whole making-out-with-a-college-guy thing. Then, the amazing sensation ended, and we pulled apart. Then I started giggling. God, I am such a freak.
"Whats up?" Jake asked.
"I swallowed my gum," I laughed.
Jake grinned cheekily. "Me too," he replied.
Could the evening get any better?