The Way To Steal My Heart

First Dates Aren't the Best

Norman:

The next day, I instantly got a text message from Ashley. I'd given her my number last night.

Ashley: Hey baby! What're we gonna do today?!

I could hear her excited voice through the phone. I didn't want to be with her, but my promise to Amanda kept me chained.

Me: Idk. Whatever u wanna do

I waited for her to reply.

Ashley: Idk. How about we go to the zoo?

Me: Sure. What time

Ashley: Ummm 3?

Me: Ok

I put the phone away and stared at the ceiling. I wasn't very excited. I kinda wanted to go to the zoo with Amanda. But I was giving Ashley a chance. I checked the time. It was noon. I groaned and sat up, stretching. Eye groaned behind me. I turned to see him curled up on the other pillow.

I pulled a few clothes. Just a plain blue sweater and black jeans. I went into the bathroom, getting changed. I took out my comb and ran it through my long hair. Then I took out my razor, trimming my beard a bit. I didn't want to get rid of it completely. Once it looked nice, I wiped the remaining hair off with a towel. I looked tired. Probably because I was. I splashed my face with cold water, hoping to wake myself up a bit. I need coffee. I thought.

I exited the bathroom and grabbed my keys, feeding Eye in the Dark. "Be back in a bit bud." I muttered, doubting that he'd hear me. I put my sunglasses on and grabbed my black pea coat.

I left the hotel and went to the parking complex, walking up and down the rows. I finally found my motorcycle and hopped on, starting it. I shifted gears and left the parking lot, driving towards the nearest Starbucks.

When I reached it, I parked in a vacant spot. I entered the Starbucks, already kinda knowing what I wanted. Suddenly, a flash of brown caught my attention. Amanda and her friends were chatting, drinking coffees. As much as I wanted to join her, I held back. Suddenly, Ashley looked up, catching me staring at them.

"Babe!" She squealed, running to me. She wrapped her arms around my neck, kissing my cheek.

"Hey." I greeted her.

"So, after coffee, you wanna go to the zoo, or do you wanna go shopping?" She asked, excitedly.

"Eh, zoo?" I said, a little hesitantly. I glanced at Amanda. She didn't seem to care about me much. Then again, she dumped me, not the other way around.

"Great! Uh, guys. I'm gonna have to cancel the coffee. I'll see you later!" Ashley exclaimed, grabbing her cup. I stayed in line, waiting for it to move along. Ashley rejoined me, hooking her arm with mine. When I got to the front, I ordered a simple mocha.

"So, babe. Are we riding in a limo, or where?" Ashley asked as we exited the building. I motioned towards my bike and she screamed. "Oh my go! I'm riding a motorcycle with Norman Reedus!!" She exclaimed, causing several heads to turn. I looked down, trying to hide my face.

"Shh!" I hissed. But it was too late. Several of the paparazzi ambushed us, pointing cameras at me. I held my hand up, taking Ashley's in my other one. I got onto the bike, and was about to drive away, but the paparazzi stood behind me, keeping me in place.

"Norman! Who's this girl?"

They all asked. I glanced inside the Starbucks, and saw Amanda watching my struggle. Then she turned away, leaving me to fend them off.

...

The paparazzi finally let us back out of the parking spot, where I drove away towards the zoo. My vision was tinted with black because of the helmet. When we arrived at the zoo, Ashley hopped off, clearly excited. I took my helmet off and hung it on the handle. Ashley was running towards the gates. I followed her, slower. She joined our arms again, kissing my cheek as I paid for the entry. It wasn't that cold out, in fact, I probably could've worn just a sweater. Ashley snuggled close to me, making it kinda hard to walk.

We walked by the elephants, lions, seals, and other animals. It was kinda boring, to be honest. The animals didn't even do anything, just laid in the sunlight. But Ashley was bouncing around me. It was kinda cute at points, but when everyone started to stare at us, I quickly became embarrassed. At one point, we got some Dip N' Dots, mine being mint and hers banana.

"Wanna bite?" She asked, offering me the spoon I shook my head.

"It's fine." I said, taking a bite of mine. She looked at me expectantly, clearly wanting a bite. I offered her some from my spoon, where she happily ate it. We sat on a bench, eating the ice cream pellets.

...

Nothing really special happened at the zoo. When I dropped her off at her room, she looked up at me.

"Thanks for the date, babe." She said, stepping closer to me.

"No problem." I said. She stepped closer until we were a couple inches away. She stood on her tip toes, clearly wanting me to kiss her. I leaned down, gently pecking her lips with mine. For some reason, I felt like I was cheating. I quickly stepped away and turned around, leaving.

Amanda:

I heard the door unlocking as I watched the news. Mariah and Jessica had left, shopping. Ashley burst into the room, a huge smile on her face.

"The date went well then?" I asked, sitting up.

"Yeah! We went to the zoo. He gave me some of his Dip N' Dots! It was so romantic! And just now, he kissed me!" She squealed. I don't know why, but my heart pinched a little. I smiled at her, glad that she was with him. But my mind went back to the memories of our date, the beautiful restaurant, the little breakfast place, he'll even the cherry thing was sweet when I remembered it. But the thing that hit me the worst was the kiss on his couch. My heart started to break a bit as I remembered his lips. Our puzzle piece lips. I shook away the memory, turning my attention to Ashley.

"I'm so happy for you!" I lied. She didn't seem to notice. I inwardly sighed. Oh well, I had my chance with him.