Promises | ✔️

Chapter 18: The Date

NAYA POV

I stood in front of my bathroom mirror and finished up my makeup. I had just gone with a natural look. With my hair, I had braided it the night before, so it was wavy. I went into the bedroom and grabbed the burgundy dress.

I stood in front of my mirror all ready. Is this dress too much?

I remembered trying on the dress on at the cage yesterday. Damien had just stared at me with a blank expression. Why am I thinking of him?

Chuck said he would be here to pick me up, even though I said I could drive to the place. My phone lit up, signaling that Chuck was downstairs.

I locked up my apartment and went outside. I saw Chuck sitting in the car, looking at something on his phone. He didn't even look up at me. I opened the car door which finally brought his attention.

"Hi, Na- Oh wow, you look really good."

I blushed. "Thank you, Chuck. You look good too." He was dressed in khaki pants and a navy blue button-up. His hair was gelled and combed back. It didn't look as good as Damien's messy, parted hair. Stop Naya. You're going on a date with Chuck.

Chuck pulled onto the road and drove off. The car ride was silent, and I hoped we would reach the destination soon.

We finally pulled up in front of a big building. Chuck parked and turned off the car, stepping outside. He walked to the door, not waiting for me as I quickly got out of the car and scurried to catch up to him.

We stepped into the restaurant and I was instantly hit with loud voices. The place was crowded and waiters were running around.

Chuck went up to the hostess. "Table for two."

"You will have to wait for about 15-20 minutes." The lady said.

Both of us stood to the side.

"I'm sorry, Naya. I was kind of busy for the past few days. I forgot to reserve a table." Chuck scratched the back of his neck.

I looked up at him. "It's fine."

After 15 minutes, the hostess finally came up to us and gestured that we follow her. She led us to a table located towards the back of the restaurant.

Chuck went and took a seat, and I grabbed my chair out and took a seat as well.

"You look amazing by the way," Chuck said again.

"Thank you."

We took time to look at our menus and ordered the food.

I decided to start some small talk while we waited. "So Chuck. What do you do during the day? Like when you're not at the program."

"Well. I'm...uh...part of this...group. We just run errands for people, like picking up deliveries and getting tasks done."

I nodded my head. "Oh ok..."

Seems kinda suspicious.

"So, you're new to this area, right?" He asked.

"Yeah. I moved here about 3 weeks ago." I responded.

Chuck nodded. "So, you have your family around here?" There's the question I've been dreading.

"Um. They moved away. It's only me here." I lied.

"Oh, oh," Chuck said. "Do you have any friends yet?"

That was a weird question.

"Yeah. I've made a couple of friends." Most of my friends are in a gang.

Our food finally came and that cleared the awkward atmosphere around us.

"So you work at Vince's bar?" Chuck asked.

Well, technically Damien's, but I can't say that. "Yup."

"I heard rumors that there is something going on under the bar, but I don't know." That statement caught me off guard, and I started choking on my food. I managed to swallow the food and drink water. "Are you ok?" Chuck looked at me, concerned.

I gave a faltered smile. "I'm fine."

"So are they true?" He asked me again.

"Um. I don't really know." How would he even know about the cage? "I've only been working there for a few weeks. I'm still getting acquainted with the place." I laughed awkwardly.

"Right. Right. Sorry." Chuck said and we went back to eating our food. The rest of the dinner was silent.

We walked outside and went back to the restaurant. We both got into the car and sat in silence for a few minutes.

"I had fun tonight, Naya." Chuck turned to me.

Yeah....definitely not an awkward date. "Me too." I faked a smile.

He turned back to face the road, and I looked out the window. I felt something cold and rough on my left thigh. I looked down to see Chuck's hand on my thigh, but he was looking straight ahead.

"Um. Chuck. I don't really-." I tried to move his hand off, but he kept it there. "Chuck!" I raised my voice.

The boy looked at me and innocently said, "What?"

"Your hand. I don't feel comfortable like that." I told him.

He moved his hand away. "Sorry."

I tried to move my dress down, but it didn't really go down any farther. I sat with both my hands on my lap, looking out the window.

We finally reached my apartment, and I rushed to open the car door, but Chuck grabbed my hand. I turned my head to look at him.

"I'm sorry for the night, Naya. I wasn't really prepared for this date. And I shouldn't have done that before " Chuck said.

Ok, at least he apologized. "It's ok, Chuck." I tried to let go of his hand, but he held on.

"Can we go out again? I promise it will be better." He pleaded.

"Um. I don't know. I-"

Chuck cut me off. "Please." He was holding my hand tightly.

I realized the only way he would let go of my hand would be if I agreed. "Uh. Sure. We can talk about it later."

"Ok. Thank you! You won't regret it!" He let go of my hand. "I'll see you on Monday!" He said with a grin.

"See you!" I said and quickly got out of the car.

Definitely not the date I had expected.

***

Poor Naya. That date was awful. Keep your eyes out for the next chapter! I know the last few haven't much Damien and Naya content, but it will be a start to something very important to the story.

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Next Chapter Teaser Line: "You want me to get on that? That death trap?"