Maybe I Hate You

4 - Spooky Tooth

Tyler stood there in my front doorway. He almost looked surprised that I actually opened the door. He had cleaned up more than I've ever seen him do, but then again I've only seen him at school. Dark wash jeans that weren't too baggy and a black short sleeve button-down shirt.

"Hey," Tyler spoke after a moment. I realized he was probably looking at me as much as I was looking at him.

"Hey," I replied, awkwardly adjusting the strap of my bag on my shoulder.

"You look amazing." He ran his hand through his hair nervously.

Did I just find that cute?  I awkwardly muttered thank you as I took a step toward him and shut the door behind me.

He held his arm in front of us, gesturing toward the car. It was a Lexus, that much I could tell. It was a slate gray that still had some shine to it.  He opens the passenger door for me and I'm almost unsure of how to respond. No one's ever done that for me, I've just heard about it. I just give him a smile and mutter thank you as I slide into my seat. Tyler walks around and gets in, looking over at me before starting the car. The engine is loud but not in a way that bothers me. The interior was a soft cream-white color. Must be harder to keep clean, I thought to myself.

"So, I have to ask you something," Tyler says as he clicks on his seat belt.

"Yes?"

"Do you like concerts?"

"Um, yes?" I say with confusion.

"Well, I have an older sister." He looks at me and I can feel the eye contact more than I normally can.

"Okay."

"Her name is Bree. Anyways, her boyfriend is in a band. She begged me to come to a show tonight. I thought maybe you'd be interested, but if not we can totally skip and go to dinner or something."

I blink a few times. Had I known this is what he had in mind, I might have worn something else. But who am I kidding? I didn't even pick this out.

"That sounds amazing," I say. I find myself playing with my seat belt anxiously.

"Really? I mean, their kind of music isn't exactly for everyone."

I giggled. After only really being around Scott for so long, it's refreshing to have someone who doesn't know me better than I do. "I like all kinds of music."

Tyler smiles at me. "I hope so."

He puts the car into drive and makes the loop that is my driveway.  There's a small fountain in the middle, but it hasn't worked since I was little. I don't know why my dad has never gotten it fixed, it's not like he can't afford it.

We get on the freeway heading north. My head instantly begins to think of possible Venues we could be going to. I think of the small venues since I'm sure they aren't playing anywhere big. Tyler has the radio on low, some basic rock station, but other than that the ride is a comfortable silence.

It's not too long before we exit the freeway. I've been to quite a few venues but I don't recognize this one. He finds parking easily, not too far from the entrance. I go to take my seat belt off and collect my bag and my phone. Before I can even think about it, he has my door open.  I can't help but smile. I mutter a thank you again and look at the building before me. The sign reads "SPOOKY TOOTH TONIGHT @ 7 PM DOORS AT 6 PM".

I giggle a little at the name. Tyler takes my hand and leads me to the entrance. The big guy at the door simply exchanges a nod with Tyler as we walk in. I look around the small building. The stage is directly in the center with a standing pit. There's a bar to the left side with seating, as well as a small upper balcony.