Chasing Daylight

Chapter Ten

Every time you smile, I smile
And every time you shine, I'll shine for you

-Taylor Swift

Maria

"Oh my god Maria you look so good," Sophie grinned and I laughed looking down at the light pink slip dress.

"Are you sure I have to go?" I sighed swiping lip gloss over my lips.

"You have to get out there," Sophie laughed. "You're going to have fun. Are you sure you don't want me to drive you?"

"No, I will not be getting a ride home from anyone but myself tonight," I smirked.

"Fine," Sophie laughed. "That's fair. You better go soon. You'll be late."

"What is his name again?" I asked.

"Lane," Sophie laughed. I grabbed my bag and Sophie followed me out to the front door. Mason and Max were sitting there watching some football game.

"Don't have too much fun," Max winked and I rolled my eyes.

"You look nice," Mason said kindly. I blushed and grabbed my keys from the bowl and Sophie followed me outside.

"If you need me just call," Sophie said giving me a pat on the back before I got into my car. I was so nervous and this was the last thing I wanted to be doing, but Sophie was right. I needed to get out there. I had started this new life and now was my time to take chances.

At the restaurant, Lane called me over to his table. He was in a white button-down and black slacks and his hair was slicked back with too much product.

"Hey I'm Lane," the man smirked as I sat down.

"It's good to meet you," I smiled politely.

I listened to Lane talk about his major and how many job offers he was getting for the next hour. I didn't get a word in edge-wise. I just nodded and smiled. When we finished, luckily Lane insisted he pay because he was apparently rich. I felt like my skin was crawling and for the first time, I couldn't wait to get back to the apartment. 

"So your place or mine?" Lane asked wrapping his arm around my shoulder as we walked to the parking lot.

"What?" I asked my eyes going wide.

"Do you want to fuck at your place or mine?" Lane asked his hand traveling down to my ass.

"I'm not going anywhere with you," I said jumping away. "I'm driving myself home."

"What was the point of that whole dinner if you're not going to fuck me? I have an internship at Marigold's. You were making eyes all night," Lane argued.

"I don't have sex on a first date," I replied. "I'm going home."

"Second date? Because we can make that happen tonight," Lane smirked.

"No," I replied.

"You are a fucking tease," Lane replied. "You're not even that pretty. I could do so much better than you. Fuck you."

I rolled my eyes and ripped my arm from his grip thankful that I took my own car. As I drove home I couldn't stop biting my lip. Was I a tease? Was I weird for not sleeping with a guy on the first date? Did people really think I was a prude?

When I walked through the front door, I was trying not to cry. The tears were threatening to spill down my cheeks.

"Maria?" Mason asked. "Are you alright?"

I hadn't counted on Mason still sitting on my couch and I definitely didn't want to cry in front of him or Max.

"Fine," I replied glancing up to find Mason sitting alone. "Where's Max?"