Chapter 5
'Cause I see sparks fly whenever you smile'
"Hey Hales, what's up?" I asked, balancing the phone on my shoulder while trying to straighten my hair.
"Nothing much, just haven't talked to you in a while, what'd you say we get some lunch and catch up?"
"Sure, you thinking The Grill in like an hour?"
"Fine by me, see you then."
As soon as I got off the phone with Haley, a special someone called me and obviously we were on the phone for a while, which in turn made me late for lunch with Haley but plastered a permanent smile on my face. We've both been so busy not seeing each other at work anymore; me with finishing up school and graduating, her with the baby and what not, that we haven't really had the chance to sit down and talk like we normally do.
"So sorry, I know I'm late. I just got caught up on the phone and lost track of time." I rushed into the restaurant, pulling Haley into a quick hug.
"No worries, on the phone with who though that was so important if I'm sitting right here?"
"Ha, you're so full of yourself." I stuck my tongue out at her.
"So, who was it?"
"God, not going to let a girl even get a drink before all the questioning? I'll tell you about it later, but first you said you had a doctor's appointment the other day, how did that go?"
"She said the baby's good, about the size of a peanut now, good heart beat, and that I'm showing just about the right amount for how far along I am."
"Good to hear for you and Nathan."
"Uhhh, ya sure." Haley sneakily said, but was saved from more questioning by the waiter coming with our food. "Tell me about this mystery phone call that had you all tied up and flustered..."
"I was not flustered."
"You were too but so not the point right now, spill." I shook my head yes as I put a forkful of salad into my mouth.
"Fine, so it all started about two weeks ago when you guys asked me to pick up Starbucks on my way in….
I was walking out with the coffees and iced teas balanced in one hand and my phone and keys in another. Some stranger held the door for me and I obviously thanked him. I turned back around and before I knew it some guy and I collided and my coffee none the less was the only one to spill, all over me, I may add; staining my shirt and I didn't have time to go home and change, thank god I kept a sweater in the car for emergencies.
"Oh my gosh, I am so sorry. I was on the phone and was just not looking where I was going." The cute stranger said.
"No harm, no foul."
"I feel terrible about it, at least let me get you another drink and some money to have the shirt cleaned. It's the least I can do."
"Don't be silly, I'm fine…I'll be fine."
"I just feel bad about ruining this Pretty Girl's day and coffee, how about you let me make it up to you and let me buy you dinner?'
"Pretty Girl?"
"Ya, a perfect name for such a gorgeous girl."
"Oh hush; you know your not so bad looking yourself there mister…"
"It's Lucas."
"Well Lucas, here's my number…give me a call sometime and I guess we can go out." I said with a genuine smile. I figured we'd have harmless fun, it can't hurt anyone. I won't let it get any farther then that. I'm not ready for it.
"Ya, I'd like that."
"So, I'll see you around…" I was walking to my car, and before I was even settled, my phone started to ring. "Hello?"
"Just wanted to make sure you gave me a legit number."
"I'm shocked that you would ever doubt me." I mockingly put a hand over my heart.
"That's just what I do Pretty Girl, shock and awe."
"Brooke."
"Well then Brooke, how would you feel about going on a date with me, what do you say tonight at 7?"
"I'd love to, see you then."
"You held this from me for this long?" Couldn't tell right there if Haley was upset or being sarcastic. I was hoping for the last one, which I knew had to be true because she would never get upset about that…I think.
"Well, ya…cause I didn't think it would turn into anything."
"OMG, it did and that's why you're telling me now. You actually like this kid."
"I do, would have never thought it but I do. But I am careful of my heart; nothing is going to change that. It's still very very fragile."
"Which is understandable of course. So tell me about him."
"His name is Lucas Scott; he's 20, from up north and just got back from serving overseas for three years."
"Not bad, you have a picture?"
"No, but I'll get one soon I guess. We're going out again tonight."
"That was the phone call that held you up before?"
"Maybe." I said slyly and blushing.
"Well I'm happy for you. It's nice to see you so happy and smiling again. I missed this side of you." She said grabbing my hand and giving it a reassuring squeeze.
"It feels nice, for now…'
"You gotta be optimistic and open minded to the relationship…not everyone will hurt you like they did."
"I know, but it's always going to be there in the back of my mind."
"Just give it time, and you will be constantly smiling and happy and back to our old self; I'm sure of it."
"Thanks Hales, you're an AMAZING friend." I blurted out, causing us both to bust out in laughter at the inside joke.
Finally, here's Lucas! Hope you all like it. Sorry for the delay guys, been having computer problems so that's causing the lack of updates; hopefully I can get it fixed soon.
