Shoot your shot

Emma

I glanced at my reflection, taking in the outfit I had painstakingly  put together.  It took about an hour and a lot of support from Lauren via FaceTime to end up in skinny black jeans, black ankle boots and a fitted red racer style bodice.  Lauren  tried her best to convince me to go bra-less, to give off a more sexy vibe but the last thing I wanted was Liam to stare at my nipples over dinner.  I wore my hair natural but up in a wavy ponytail. I decided to not chance the winged liner look and instead gave my eyelashes a coat of mascara, put on some tinted moisturiser to give me a glow and painted my lips with a deep red lipstick.  

I felt nervous. I'm only 4 weeks into the school term and already I had posed as an instagram model and have been asked on a date by a good looking boy. I felt like I was being pushed out of my comfort zone in so many ways and I'm really not sure how I felt about it. I hated leaving myself vulnerable to being hurt or criticised. It's why I've managed to hide away in the shadows for the last few years.

I also decided that I was uncomfortable with my lack of baggy clothes to hide my petite and not sexy frame so just as I was about to head out, I grabbed a marginally dressy black baggy jumper , you know- just in case.

I made my way downstairs and walked into the living room to let my mum and brother know I was on my way out.

My mum had a big smile on her face when she took me in

" Emma- you look beautiful! " she gushed, making me blush slightly. My mum would tell me I looked beautiful in a bin bag.

"Alright mum, it's only a bit of makeup."

My brother looked up from his Nintendo. He was only 13 but severely  autistic . He enjoyed playing certain games that helped him concentrate and engage his brain.

" Who are you?" He said to me , I saw the edges of his lips curve up into a smile and I shoved his arm in return " cheeky" I said.

My phone rang and it was Liam. He was outside.  I took a deep breath and exhaled before picking up my bag and jumper and heading out.

Liam looked handsome, his brown eyes looked like chocolate in the dim lighting of the car and his aftershave was nice, albeit slightly too strong but I'd rather that than a smelly date. He had decided to pick me in an Uber so we could both have a drink. I wasn't a huge drinker but one or two glasses of wine wouldn't hurt.  We got out of the Uber at a restaurant on the other side of town, the side I never usually visited. I stood in awe as I took in the stunning establishment with its twinkling lights and beautiful  faux blossom trees. I instantly thought of Lauren and how much she would appreciate this for the gram.

Liam led the way and we were soon seated at a nice table overlooking the lake. I was staring about in amazement, taking in this beautiful place that I had never seen before.

" Liam, this place is beautiful. I didn't even know this was here" I said smiling and finally looking at him.

" Yeah, I heard about it through a friend so thought it would be a nice place to take a date. Even better that my date is with you" he said , causing me to blush profusely .

" Do you drink wine?" Liam asked, pulling me out of my thoughts.

" yes- I enjoy white. What about you? "

" Yeah, I like white. Shall we share a bottle? "

" Perfect," I agreed.

We both scanned the menus and had soon ordered our meals.  Liam opted for a fillet steak while I went for a pasta dish. The conversation and drink was flowing and I found myself really enjoying his company. I'm even sure I flirted a bit, touching his arm when I laughed. I guess sometimes , no matter how much you claim you don't want a boyfriend, it's hard to not appreciate and enjoy the attention of a good looking male.

" So tell me Emma- how is it that a beautiful girl like you doesn't have a boyfriend?"

I snorted at his question and Liam's eyes widened like saucers. I clasped a hand over my mouth and apologised. After composing myself I spoke quickly , trying to forget my unladylike behaviour:

" Well - I have a list of reasons.

1: I am not exactly approachable

2: I'm not beautiful compared to other girls at college.

3:  I haven't liked anyone in a long time."

" I'm hoping to change that" Liam replied, sending me a wink. I felt my stomach flip

And I suddenly felt a bit nauseous. The wine was starting to affect me.

We had finished our dinner and paid the bill.

" Our Uber is 15 minutes away. Fancy going for a quick stroll along the lake?" Liam suggested and I felt fond of the idea, mostly so I could clear my head from this wine haze.

We walked alongside each other down the gravel path that led to the lake. Darkness had completely descended now, but the sparkly lights of the restaurant bounced off the water, making the pathway clear. We spotted a bench and decided to sit down.

It was autumn and there was a definite chill to the air. I grabbed my jumper and slipped it over my head, smiling as my security blanket once again hid me from the world.

" You look so cute in your big jumper," Liam said, nudging me. I smiled and then turned my gaze to the lake.

" Why are you single then Liam? I never asked you back".

Liam mirrored my body and gaze, looking out into the still lake.

" to be honest, I'm not sure?" He chuckled and it was a nice sound.

" Well, for what it's worth- you're a catch. You're good looking, nice, plan good dates... you'll be just fine".

I turned my head to see Liam look down at his hands, I observed a hint of sadness but I didn't understand why.

" well- thank you for tonight". I fully looked at him and he turned his head. We both smiled at each other. His eyes flicked down to my lips and I found my eyes doing the same to his. We both started to lean in when a loud ping came from Liam's phone. We both stopped and Liam looked to his phone and said

" our Uber's here" then stood up. I followed Liam back up towards the road where we climbed into the waiting cab. I wasn't sure how I felt about not getting to kiss him. Part of me was annoyed I didn't get the chance to see, but the other part of me was silently relieved and I am not sure why.

The car journey was silent , but not awkward. I gazed out of the window at the town. The town I had lived in my whole life.  Before I knew it we were outside my house.  I turned to Liam " thanks so much for tonight. I really had a great time. Text me when you're home?"

Liam smiled and leant over to kiss my cheek.

" Goodnight Emma" he said .