The Flashbacks

Chapter Ten: First Date, New Beginnings

            I got ready for my first date with Ethan, sitting down to curl my hair. Elyse helped me pick out my outfit since she knew where we were going. I went to the living room after swiping on some lipstick.

"How do I look?" I asked Sarah, doing a little twirl. She was sitting with Jax and Luna on the couch. The kids were eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches while watching a movie. Luna was spending the night while I was on my date.

"Gorgeous. Are you going to be coming home tonight?" Sarah asked with a teasing smile.

"If it goes well, I hope not." I winked at my sister and grabbed my purse when Ethan texted me he was down the street. I grabbed my denim jacket and slipped it on. I walked over to Jax and gave him a big kiss on the cheek. "I love you, I'll see you later."

"Have fun. I love you." Sarah told me when we heard Ethan's truck pull up outside.

"Love you too, sissy." I opened the door just as Ethan was coming onto the porch. He had a huge bouquet of lilies and roses.

"These are for you." He held them out to me. He looked nervous. It was adorable.

"They're beautiful, thank you." I smelled them and Sarah was already behind me, ready to take them.

"I'll put these in water. Have fun you two." She smiled and Ethan took my hand as I stepped out onto the porch. Sarah closed the door with a quiet click behind us.

"So, where are we going?" I asked Ethan once he had helped me up into the truck. He got into the driver's side and pulled away from the curb.

"Don't judge me when you hear it. I promise we'll have a good time. We're going to Dave & Buster's." He told me and I started laughing. He still looked nervous.

"Why would I judge you? That sounds like so much fun. They have good food, fun games, we're gonna have a great time." I told him and I don't think I've ever seen him grin that big before. He drove to the Dave & Buster's not far from our houses. He helped me down from the truck and held my hand the whole time.

"For two?" The hostess at the front asked. Ethan nodded his head and she showed us to an available booth. "Enjoy your time here." She handed us our menus.

"I figured we'd eat first and then go get a game card to play games." Ethan sat on the same side of the booth as me, resting his hand on my thigh.

"Yeah, of course. That sounds great." I looked over the menu. I had been here before, but it had been a while.

"Do you like fried pickles?" He asked me. I hoped I didn't nod my head too fast. I did like fried pickles.

"Yes, I do." I cleared my throat quietly. I was just as nervous as he was. I tucked some hair behind my ear and Ethan gave my thigh a soft squeeze. It was good that we were both nervous.

"Hello, my name is Carter. I'll be your server for tonight. Can I get you started with something to drink and any appetizers?" A young man in his early 20s came over to our table. Ethan looked at me politely.

"Can I get a Diet Coke, please?" I asked and he smiled, nodding and writing it down. He looked at Ethan.

"I'll also take a Diet Coke. Can we also get an order of fried pickles?" He asks and the waiter smiles, nodding his head.

"I'll grab those drinks for the two of you. Your appetizer should be out shortly." The waiter left our table and Ethan looked at me.

"You have no idea what torture it's been, waiting for today." He picked up my hand and kissed the back of it softly. My skin burned where his lips touched. I loved it. He leaned in and pressed a sweet kiss to my lips. The waiter brought over our sodas and left us alone for a little while until our fried pickles were ready. I ordered the Manchego chicken and Ethan ordered boneless wings.