Surround me - the first novel

Chapter 25 - brunette haired guys with green eyes

***Taylors POV***

The Exorcism of Tom begins tomorrow I think to myself glancing at my small bedroom and the memories that are all over the walls. I place my phone back down on the pillow, remembering how I used to will for it to light up with a notification from him. And yet how all of that waiting always ended in disappointment.

Matthew is altogether different, he leaves me feeling secure and happy. He leaves me waiting with excitement not to disappoint me with problems and worry.

My phone vibrates just as I am drifting back off dreaming about beautiful brunette haired guys with green eyes. The way he held me in my kitchen, his hands around my back. The way I lose track of time around him. I drift off thinking about his dark green eyes and how they evoke a sense of passion and urgency in me. I check the notification, deciding that after that slanging match this morning Tom is long gone, and I no longer need to worry about his impromptu visits and the consequential stretches of time afterwards where he would leave me with no contact.

I miss you, I know that's a bit forward considering we've only just met each other. I was just thinking would you like to grab some food on Thursday? And then we can do whatever you choose after. M xxx

The butterflies I feel in my stomach won't be tamed, it feels like my tummy has been flipped upside down. I haven't ever been invited out for food with a guy my age before, before my head starts brainstorming outfits and reaches panic mode I reply to his message.

That would be lovely, I'm seeing Rhea Thursday morning for coffee. But after then I would love it if you took me out for dinner. Tay xxx

I dropped my friends for Tom continuously, it was a bad trait and not something I'm going to repeat going forward in any relationship. I found myself isolated in bed prison when he dropped me for other girls or just continually didn't show up. And so it's important that I keep my friendships this time around.

Matthew I think to myself, please do not make me end up having to exorcise you from my life. He wanted me to call him Matthew rather than his abbreviated name, I wonder if he allows any of the girls to do that. Usually I wouldn't question it, but it felt like it meant something to him.

Deciding that sleep is going to be hard to come by tonight considering my nap earlier and the interesting developments in my love life I sit up and turn the flatscreen on, heading over to my wardrobe to pick out some dinner appropriate first date clothes.

My wardrobe is a traditional wooden double door set up. With two drawers at the bottom. It's very much a piece of furniture that will never degrade or get worn down, it's old and it's lasted me my whole life. It was built to last. I open the two heavy wooden doors expecting clothes to just pop out at me for inspiration. It's times like these I wish I had a fairy God mother to tell me what to wear, I've never been on a first date and I'm overwhelmed.

What would Rachel wear I think to myself? Or Rhea I consider, perhaps she's a better fashionista and I should ask her advice. I haven't had to consider anything but slob shorts for a few weeks that turned into months as leaving the house wasn't an option in case Tom turned up.

The girls Matty dated before I brainstorm; Rachel and Jen. In a way these two girls have both been more than just his friend. I would be lying if that didn't phase me at all but let's push aside the negativity for now. I sit on the fluffy rug on the floor and go through some underwear options.