to the moon & to saturn | cate blanchett

chapter 5

Cate wouldn't tell her where they were going on their "date", but she did tell her to dress casually and for the heat. It was forecasted to reach 92°F. 

With the help of Dylan, Elle picked out a form fitting athletic tank top, a black tennis skirt, and white sneakers. She threw her hair into a low bun and placed a white Adidas baseball cap on her head. She wasn't sure what she would need for the day, or how long the date would last, so she packed her wallet, a mini bottle of sunscreen, her water bottle, and chapstick into a little black backpack and slung it over her shoulder.

"You're not my type," said Dylan in her brutally honest fashion, "but you look absolutely gorgeous."

"I look very young," said Elle, frowning as she adjusted her skirt in front of her full length mirror.

"You are very young," Dylan pointed out.

"I know," Elle groaned, "Which is why I'm still questioning what the relationship between me and Cate even is, and what it could be."

Dylan shook her head. "Elle, do you like her? Like, really like her?"

"Yes," admitted Elle. "I really like her."

"Then fuck age. It doesn't matter. You don't even know how old she is, anyway. Go out with her and enjoy your time together."

Elle sighed. She knew Dylan was right.

"I can't tell if I'm shaking from nerves or excitement. I think both," said Elle.

Dylan gave Elle a reassuring pat on the back.

Just then, Elle's phone chimed. The older woman had arrived. She felt like throwing up due to her anxiety.

Dylan grasped Elle on both shoulders, looked her dead in the eyes, and said, "You are going to have a great time. She invited you. She likes you, and if this somehow doesn't turn into the greatest love story of all time, which I highly doubt, at least she still values you as a friend. So go on and have fun with your friend. You don't want to keep her waiting!"

Elle grimaced, but it quickly dissolved into a real smile.

"Thanks, Dyl. I'll see you later."

She rushed out of the apartment and through the front door of the building. Even at 9:30 in the morning, she felt the heat and humidity in the air. For a moment, she hoped they might be going to a pool or lake, but Cate hadn't told her to bring a swimsuit.

Cate was parked right outside of the building. She gave Elle a smile and wave that melted away at least part of Elle's worries and anxiety.

"Hi," said Elle shyly as she slid into the passenger seat of Cate's white Porsche.

"Hello, darling," said Cate. She wore an olive green jumpsuit that hugged her body and Elle's eyes were magnetized to the older woman. It took a drastic effort to tear her gaze away, but she eventually did when Cate noticed her lingering stare.

Cate had called her darling plenty of times over text now, but hearing her deep raspy voice say it in-person was enough to make Elle's heart burst with both happiness and lust.

"Where are we going?" asked Elle, a bit flustered, as Cate started to drive.

Cate looked over at Elle and grinned mischievously. "You'll see."

Elle was never the spontaneous type, but she felt safe with Cate. She trusted the older woman; her excitement for their mystery destination was contagious.

They rode in a comfortable silence for a few minutes until Cate said, "I wanted to thank you in person for paying for my meal the other night."

"Oh, no worries." Elle shrugged. "You technically paid for it, since you left the $100. I should be the one thanking you, really."