The Oaths We Keep

Chapter 42

That evening, Barnes rushed to her apartment to prepare for her date with Miller. As she tried outfits, Barnes changed her mind several times about what to wear. She initially styled her hair in a bun with strands hanging around her face, but she didn't like what she saw. After trying a couple more times, Barnes decided to wear it down. She heard the knock on her door as she combed out her hair. 

Barnes ran barefoot to the door. Looking through the peephole, she saw that it was Miller. She opened the door and invited him in. "Sorry, I'm running late. Big day at the office."

"Yeah, I heard. Rutland confessed to the whole thing and started talking to the DEA guy."

"That's right. He's pretty much the feds' problem now. They also started rounding up the people in the office in on it with him," she said. "Give me about five more minutes, and I'll be ready. Promise." It was more like ten minutes by the time she finally was ready to leave. She wore her hair down with a party dress and heels. "Are you ready?" Barnes asked as she emerged from her bedroom.

"Barnes, you look beautiful."

"Thanks, but I'm hungry, so let's go," she said, then closed her eyes and shook her head. "You look great too. I'm sorry, I'm bad at this."

"It's fine. Not exactly the meanest thing you've ever said to me."

"I know; I'm sorry. I promise no more."

"You know, maybe you shouldn't go that far. Some of the things you said were funny."

"Really? Can't say the same for yours."

"Ouch," he said playfully. "Shall we?"

"Yes." Miller walked out the door and waited for her a short distance away. She emerged out the door and then locked it behind her. "So where are we going?"

"Well, I thought we'd go somewhere we haven't been seen getting into an argument before."

"We may have to drive a while for that," she said.

"Depends. Do you like pizza?"

"Who doesn't like pizza? Are we going to a chain restaurant because I'm totally good with that?"

He playfully responded, "A chain restaurant for pizza. Not a chance. You ever been to Giordano's?"

"Never, but I've heard some friends say it's good."

"It's better than good. It may be life-changing."

"Sounds good to me."

They chatted away on the ride to Giordano's. The restaurant boasted a wood-fired pizza oven and an open kitchen. They took their seats and ordered their drinks. "You were right. This place looks amazing."

"You would think it's really expensive, but their prices are very reasonable. The Old World Pizza is the best thing on the menu."

"Okay, so tempt me," Barnes said, "What's on it?"

He smiled and answered, "Well, it has two kinds of cheese: pepperoni, black olives, peppers, and Italian sausage. It comes highly recommended."

"Alright, I'll give it a try."

"You won't regret it." Miller flagged down the waiter and ordered their pizza. Soon, he disappeared into the kitchen.

"This is nice," she said after the waiter left. "It's been a while since I've been out with someone other than Sky or someone in our friend's group."

"Sky? She was at the Mexican place a few nights ago, right?"

"Yes, she's like a mother hen to me sometimes. She's my best friend but likes to live it up more than I do. She brings me out of my shell from time to time."

"Have you told her about our date?"

"No, she would insist on being here, and I just wanted this night to be us."

"It's what I've wanted too. I never wanted to say any of those mean things to you."

"No, stop. I'm the one who's responsible for that. I took out my frustration about everything that's happened over the last several months on you. I've had a lot to deal with, but I was wrong to take it out on you. I'm sorry."

"I'm good, Barnes. As stupid as it may sound, I'm glad to be here with you. I don't know what will happen, but I'm happy to be here now." He thought for a moment. "Okay, that sounded weird, didn't it?"

"A little, but it's okay." Now, it was her turn for a momentary silence.

"Miller, I was wrong about you. You are a nice guy. I hope I'm not too damaged for you. I put up defenses to keep myself from getting hurt. I want to go slow and take my time. The last thing I want to do is jump into a relationship I may not be ready for right now."

"We don't have to be in a relationship. I can be patient and am okay with taking things slow."

Before she could respond, the pizza arrived. By the time they finished, there were only two slices left. She had to admit that it was everything that Miller made it out to be. They sat and talked the night away for another hour, taking time to get to know each other better. Eventually, they left and went to a little doughnut shop in town.

They bought half a dozen glazed doughnuts inside the shop and returned them to Miller's car. They sat in the parking lot chatting longer before calling it a night. On the drive home, they talked back and forth about nothing in particular. She tried not to stare at him as he returned to her apartment.

Pulling into the parking lot of her apartment, Miller got out to walk her to the door. As they walked, he gently took her hand. She looked over at him and smiled as they walked hand in hand to her door. Finally, they stood in front of the door. "Well, I had a great time tonight," he said, not knowing what to do next.

"So did I. Do you want to do this again sometime?" she asked.

"Yes, I would like that. Next time, though, you have to pick the place."

"You got it," she said. They both stood there staring at each other, seemingly not knowing what to do next. Slowly, almost simultaneously, they moved slightly toward each other, their lips meeting briefly but still forming a connection they could both feel.

Miller smiled as he backed away to make his way home. "Goodnight, Barnes," he said as a smile crossed his lips.

"Call me Laura," she said. Smiling back at him, she opened her door, waving to him before closing it.