Life of Harlow

Behind My Back

Liam

After dropping Harlow off at Logan and Erica's, I headed to McKenzie's. This date was now taking our friendship to another level. I'm sure everything will go well, but it doesn't make me any less nervous. I had made dinner reservations at a restaurant right outside of town that she said she wanted to try, but could never get reservations.

Of course, McKenzie tried to pry into what we were doing for the evening. She had texted me earlier inquiring on what she should wear. I simply replied she should wear whatever she felt comfortable wearing to a restaurant.

I parked in front of her house, the street filled with kids and parents trick or treating. I rang her doorbell only waiting momentarily for it to open. There she stood. Her hair was pulled back in a bun. She had on a black dress and heels. Simple, but hugged her body to perfection.

"Hey, Liam."

"Hey, McKenzie. You look absolutely amazing."

She blushed.

"Thank you. You look handsome yourself."

"Appreciate it. Oh I bought you something. I know you're allergic to flowers, so here's a bottle of wine instead."

She chuckled and smiled, taking the bag I had in my hand.

"Thank you. You really do have a good memory."

"I try my best."

"Well, let me grab my jacket and purse and we can go."

She momentarily reached behind the door before stepping outside and locking up. I grabbed her hand as we walked down the pathway to my car. I opened the passenger door and helped her in, before going to the driver's side. We rode in a comfortable silence before she said something.

"Can I be honest with you about something?"

I glanced over at her.

"Absolutely. I'm all ears."

"I think you're way out of my league."

"What makes you say that?"

"You could have any woman in the world, but you asked me out."

"I did."

"Why?"

"I like you, a lot."

"Ugh, I'm over here like a damn teenager."

I chuckled.

"Nervous getting back out there, huh?"

"Yes! If anyone understands that, you do. Our situations are different, yours more sensitive than mine."

I placed my hand on hers.

"Hey, we don't have to go tit for tat about it. Yes, as devastating as it was to lose my wife, that doest make your divorce insignificant. Amicable or not, it changed your life. McKenzie, this is an even playing field between us. We're friends, well obviously I'd like to be more than friends someday since I asked you out. It took a lot for me to get up the courage to do so, but I'm glad I did."

"I'm glad you did. I've only had a crush on you from the moment I met you three years ago."

"What? You're joking."

"Nope. It was easier to forget you because I didn't live in Houston. Still, Trevor being such a huge fan of yours, I'd watch old games. You're hot."

We shared a laugh.

"Why, thank you."

We continued chatting the remainder of the drive and I pulled up to valet as we reached the restaurant.