My Ex-Bestfriend

Friend zone

We are in the comfort of Rodrigo's car when I feel the need to apologize again for probably the 5th time, " Seriously I didn't plan to have Michael babysit. Mrs. Rebecca was supposed to but until she became ill.  She cancelled last minute and I couldn't find anyone else with such short notice. I didn't want to cancel on you....."

I'm rambling can someone please shut me up!

Rodrigo smiles, "It's seriously fine. I wish my ex was stable enough to watch our son. Although I doubt she would be cool enough to let me go on a date." Rodrigo gives a playful wink to cut the tension that I created.

I nervously tuck my hair behind my ear as I adjust the seat belt. A change of subject is in order "So are you going to tell me where we are going?"

"Ever been rock climbing?" Rodrigo grins as he shifts into reverse. My heart plunges to my stomach.

What did I get myself into?

Indoor rock climbing is actually better than I had anticipated. Rodrigo is supportive plus I like spectating just as much as participating. It did give me uninterrupted ogling of Rodrigo's defined muscles. I realize Rodrigo doesn't have much of a competitive streak as myself or for that matter as much as Michael. Even though I am a newbie I use my petite size and athletic prowess to conquer more difficult climbs. Rodrigo is content cheering me on when he believed the course was to difficult for him. He didn't even try which for some reason bothered me at a level I know it shouldn't, but it does. I tried to get out of my head but it is like a constant compare and contrast list inside my brain. Michael vs. Rodrigo. This has to be a normal side effect of not being with many guys that I have the ability to compare only 2.

Keeping in theme with casual we dine at a local bistro consuming far too much pizza. Conversation is carefree and light as Rodrigo tells me the numerous stories of his high school detention days. It's easy to talk to him, not that I am surprised as it always has been. It's nice but that's just it.... nice. Is nice enough? There is no word sword plays with him or sarcasms layered in truth like Michael but maybe I like that? Maybe I like to be challenged.

On the drive home the sun is fading in the distance and Rodrigo reaches for my hand interlacing our fingers together. It feels so effortless with Rodrigo. I know I am content and I should be grateful for that but there is this annoying pang in my gut nudging me to not settle. I do feel something for Rodrigo and maybe over time it will grow. It's not fair to compare everything about him to Michael whom I have known for the majority of my life. Really he is the only thing I have ever known.

I can see my condo up ahead but Rodrigo slows stopping a few driveways before mine.

Confused, I glance over at him as he shifts into park.

"I want to tell you a proper goodbye without your chaperone possibly interrupting." His sultry half smirk makes my  heart flutter.

This is it. This is the moment that I need to really compare. I need to feel the butterflies and my head to spin.

I laugh in amusement cause I can totally see Michael attempting to cock block him. I glance at the house nervously that any second that could be a real possibility. I know he would because that is something I would do if it were vice versa. It would be such a mood killer to have him staring on. He might have volunteered to babysit but something tells me he had a different agenda.

My hands nervously fidget in my lap contemplating Michael's intentions when Rodrigo reaches over with his one hand resting on mine to steady them.

"Allison, we don't have to kiss if you aren't ready. I can respect a no kiss on the first date rule."