Nerdgasm | Chaennie

Chapter 6: IthaCon Date

ROSÉ

It's finally Saturday, which means it's the day I finally get to take Jennie out. I may have only met her a couple of days ago, but the anticipation over today has made the time pass slower than a herd of turtles stampeding through peanut butter. I have less than two hours until I have to pick her up, and it feels like this last time is moving backward. I busy myself by making sure I've got what I need for our date, and I feel intense relief that it's beautiful out. The sun is out, the sky is clear, and the forecast shows today's high will peak at an above-average temperature for this time of year. It may be out of the norm, but I'll take it in hopes it bodes well for how things will go today.

My cell chimes with an incoming text, so I check the screen and see Jennie asking me what type of clothing she should wear. I reply honestly and advise her to wear something comfortable. A moment passes, and she texts me her address. I text back saying I'll see her soon, and then I blink in surprise to see that she doesn't live too far from me; it's easily a twenty-minute drive or less. Double checking the time, I hop in the shower to clean up. Once I'm out and looking through my closet, I realize I'm not sure what I should wear. Following the advice I gave her to dress comfortably, I grab one of my favorite pairs of worn jeans, a solid black t-shirt with the batman logo, a red flannel with black stripes, long-sleeved shirt in a material that's light enough to not stifle me but thick enough to add warmth should I need it.

I'm rolling up the sleeves of the flannel as I walk out of my bedroom when I see Lisa. She's camped out on the couch with a chunky knit blanket and her E-reader. She turns in my direction when she hears me, and she pushes her glasses up the bridge of her nose.

"Lookin' good, Rosé! I like the comfy casual look you've got going on." She gestures in a circular motion in my direction, and I look down at myself as I turn around in a circle.

"Are you sure? Should I change?"

"No," she scoffs. "For what you have planned today, that's perfect. You look great, but you don't look like you spent longer getting ready than a girl would, and you also don't look like someone who didn't put in any effort. I promise you to hit a really good balance."

"I'll take your word for it."

"As you should." She tosses her blanket over her legs and makes her way over. Once she's in front of me, she reaches out and grabs the collar of my shirt. As she refolds and fixes it, she gives me her pep talk. "Remember, just be yourself. If you stutter, it's no big deal. She already thinks it's adorable, which it is. If you want to kiss her, you'll know when the time is right. And if you need me to bail you out, call me."

I feel a smirk forming at her words. "I thought only some did that emergency phone call thing on dates."

"Yeah, well, you never know. You might need it, but I have a feeling that won't be the case. You're going to have a great time, and so is she."

"Thanks, Lisa." She walks me to the door, and the nerves start to kick in full force as I'm lacing up my Chucks. "I hope she likes what we planned and doesn't think it's lame."

"She'll love it," she reassures me. "If she doesn't, she isn't worth your time. If she's not into it, you already know I'll go in her place. You're my bestie, and I'll always have your back."

I smile my gratitude and pull her in for a hug before I step out the door. "Same to you. Thanks again for all your help, Lisa. I'll see you later tonight."

Surprise rolls through me when I feel her slap my ass just as I'm stepping over the threshold. "Go get 'em, Chipmunk! I can't wait to hear all the details. Have fun!"