Ch.2 Don't Let the Fear of Striking Out Keep You from Playing the Game

"So, what brings you out tonight?" Darren asked.

"My brother and his girlfriend were coming here and invited me along," you replied. "What about you?"

"I just got off of work and I thought it would be nice to grab a drink," he said.

"Oh cool," you said. "My brother and I just moved here so him and his girlfriend thought it would be a good idea to explore the night life."

"So you're new in town?" he asked. "Where are you from?"

"Not too far," you replied. "Just about 3 hours away. My brother moved here for his job and needed a roommate. I work from home, so I am not tied to a specific location."

"That's great you get to work from home," he said. I would love to be able to do that."

"What do you do?" you asked.

"Um, well…" he began. "I play Blaine Anderson on the TV show Glee."

"Really?" you asked. "That must be a lot of fun. Do you enjoy it?"

"Yeah," he replied. "It's hard work and long hours, but I get to do what I love."

"That's so awesome," you said. Just then your brother tapped you on the shoulder.

"Hey we're gonna hit the dance floor," Thomas said. "Do you ant to join us or are you ok?"

"I think I am good," you said. "But, thank you."

"Ok," he said. "Just let me know."

With that Thomas and Callie went off to the dance floor. You sat at the bar and continued to talk with Darren. You talked about work and life. You talked about your hobbies and friends. Before you knew it the bartender was yelling last call. Thomas and Callie found their way back to you and were getting ready to leave.

"Hey so it was great talking with you," Darren said. "Do you think I could possibly get your number?"

You paused. He seemed like a great person, but you really didn't know him, and that scared you. "I had a great time too, but I just don't feel comfortable giving my number out to someone I just met," you said. "I'm sorry."

"Ok," he replied looking a little down. "Well, it was nice to meet you." He gave a slight wave a walked off.

You got to the car and Thomas began driving home.

"Kimmie, why didn't you give that guy your phone number?" Callie said. "He was cute, and you both seemed to be getting along really well."

"Yeah, but we just met," you said. "I just don't feel comfortable giving my number out to strangers."

"Ok, yes don't give your number out to strangers, but you spent the entire night talking with him, that's past the stranger mark," Thomas said. "And secondly Kimmie, that's how you meet new people."

"Yeah ok," you said. "I don't know, it's just hard for me to trust people, you know? I'm naturally very guarded."

"Yeah, but sometimes you have to let that go and give life a chance," Thomas said. "Or you're just going to miss out on what life has to offer you."

"Yeah, I know," you replied.

The next few weeks went by and you were finally starting to feel comfortable and settled in to your new place. You found some great restaurants and coffee shops that were calm and relaxing. You were finally feeling like you could call this place home.

"Hello," you said as you answered the phone.

"Hey girlie how are you?" Jessica asked.

"I'm good, how are you?" you replied.

"Oh my God!" she exclaimed. "I love Charles to death, but I cannot handle his mother!"

"Having trouble in the land of in-laws?" you asked.

"Oh you wouldn't even believe it," she said. "You know how we are remodeling our kitchen? I am doing everything that I can myself to save money. Now obviously I can't do everything, but there are many things I do know how to do myself."

"Yeah," you said.

"Well, Paula won't stop nagging and cutting on every little detail. She keeps saying that it won't be done on time, or it's being done wrong. She has even criticized the colors and designs we chose because she doesn't like them," she said. "IT'S NOT HER KITCHEN! It's not about what she likes, it's about what Charles and I like. And who is she to tell me about remodeling a kitchen? She doesn't even have the first clue about construction or home improvements."

"I'm sorry," you said. "But, just remember to breathe. At the end of the day all that matters is that you and Charles get the kitchen of your dreams. It doesn't matter if anyone else likes or dislikes it, all that matters is that you guys like it."

"Yeah, but it's just so frustrating," she said. "So how are you? How are you adjusting to L.A.?"

"It's been going good," you said. "I am finally starting to feel comfortable here."

"Have you met anyone new there?" she asked.

"A few weeks ago I met this guy at a nightclub when I went out with Tom and Callie," you said.

"Really?" she asked. "Was he cute? Did you hit it off? Did you get his number?"

"Haha, he was cute, and we spent the entire night talking, but I didn't get his number," you replied.

"What?!" she said. "Why not? Did he not even ask or offer?"

"He asked, but I just didn't feel comfortable giving to a stranger," you said.

"But, he's not a stranger if you spent the entire night talking!" she exclaimed. "How on earth do you expect to meet anyone new unless you branch out and take a leap?"

"You sound like my brother," you retorted.

"That's because your brother is smart, like me," she laughed. "Kim, I know you are guarded and afraid to trust anyone, but you can't let this fear keep you from living."

"I know you're right," you said. "I have been kinda regretting not giving him my number, but I don't even know how I would even contact him again."

"Well, maybe he was meant to be your wake up call so that next time you're more open to meeting new people," she said.

"Yeah, you're right," you said. You may never see Darren again, but you needed to take this situation as a wake up call and realize that you can't keep living in fear of trusting people.

Two weeks later

You were sitting at a table at your new favorite coffee shop. You loved this place. It had some of the best coffee you've ever tasted, but the place wasn't overly crowded or loud. You were able to sit at a table in the back corner, sip your coffee, and dive into your book without distraction. You were reading this enticing romantic fiction novel. It wasn't one of those cliché romance novels that read more like a porno with some extra fluff to tie it all together. This was an actual story with a real plot and storyline. You were really enjoying this book when all of a sudden you light was blocked.

"I didn't I was ever gonna be able to see you again," he said. "I guess luk is on my side today."

You looked up to see who had disturbed your reading, and you saw Darren standing there with a smile on his face.

"Darren!" you said. "What are you doing here?"

Hey Ch. 2 is up! I hope you like it! Please let me know what you think or what ideas you have! xoxoxoxo