Anchor - Christopher Herrmann [1] [REWRITING]

CHAPTER FIVE -- DATE

CHAPTER FIVE
DATE

I stood up, gathering my things as I pulled my hair into a ponytail. "Come on, let's go," I said, tapping Connor on the shoulder before heading out of the locker room.

As we were leaving, I spotted Nat from the corner of my eye. "I'll meet you there, Connor," I said quickly, giving him a small nod as he walked off in the other direction.

Turning to Nat, I ran over to her, trying to shake off the nerves that were creeping up again. "So, since you and Connor are basically forcing me into this date, I need a favour," I said, my voice slightly hesitant.

Her eyes lit up, already guessing where this was going. "I need your help finding something to wear," I added, feeling the weight of the request now that it was out in the open.

"Of course!" Nat responded eagerly, practically bouncing with excitement. "I'll come back to your apartment with you after work tomorrow."

I could feel my nerves intensifying. "Thanks," I muttered, though it did little to quell the anxiety bubbling up inside me. Nat tapped my arm playfully before walking off, still grinning like she knew something I didn't.

Watching her walk away, I took a deep breath and made my way back to my car. When I got there, I noticed two men standing nearby, leaning against the car. My steps faltered as I recognised Connor first, then Christopher—what were they both doing here?

"Hey," I said, confused and slightly suspicious. "What are you two doing waiting for me?"

"I'll leave you both to it," Connor said, his voice light as he waved Herrmann goodbye. "Goodnight."

"Hi," I said, stepping towards Herrmann with a shy smile.

"Hey, sorry for coming here unannounced," Herrmann said, his tone warm and genuine. "I just wanted to check in with you."

I looked down at the flowers in my hand, a smile tugging at my lips. "Thank you. They're beautiful," I said, my voice soft but filled with appreciation.

Herrmann grinned, the corners of his eyes crinkling. "So, tomorrow, there's this really nice restaurant that's just opened, and I was thinking we could go there at 7," he said, his smile wide and full of excitement.

"7 it is," I replied, my heart fluttering. His genuine enthusiasm was hard to resist, and I couldn't help but smile back.

"I'd better get home to the kids," Herrmann said, his expression softening. He reached out and gently took my hand, his touch warm and reassuring. "See you tomorrow night," he said, his voice low and comforting as he gave me a small squeeze.

"See you tomorrow," I replied, watching him walk away toward his car. As I stood there, a wave of nervous anticipation swept over me. It was happening. Tomorrow night. A real date.

The next day, I found myself trying to hold my nerves in check as I waited for Nat to arrive. She and I headed to my place together, the excitement and apprehension practically radiating off of me.