Incandescent

CHAPTER ELEVEN.

She's moving faster than normal, no doubt dying to continue our conversation. I hid my smile behind my hand and glanced at my phone for the eleventh time in the last five minutes. Still no messages, he must be busy. David and I have been texting each other since I got home last night and we've been texting on and off all morning. He hasn't replied in over two hours and I already miss talking to him. As pathetic as that sounds. We exchanged embarrassing childhood memories, our interests and yes there was a bit of flirting here and there. Every time I see his name on my screen I get butterflies and my heart flutters. Texting him makes me feel like an awkward teenager again and I kind of....like it.

I glanced at my phone and slumped in my seat. Though I know that we want different things in the relationship department—I can't help but be hopeful he'd change his casual ways for something serious. I rolled my eyes. Relationship? It hasn't been two weeks and here I am talking about relationships. Get a grip Charley, it won't kill you to be single for five seconds. "Bye Mrs Roberts." Marie trilled as the elderly woman pushed her cart to the door. Mrs Roberts waved. "Back to you missy—spill!"

"I told you everything."

She made a face. "No kiss?" I shook my head, "or..." she made a blowjob gesture.

"Marie! No! None of that!" I exclaimed and looked around to make sure no one was nearby. "We parted ways at the parking lot." She threw her hands in the air.

"I can't freaking believe this," she began, "you went out with a guy like that and you didn't even try to see the inside of his apartment?" She questioned in disbelief.

I rolled my eyes. "Dates don't have to end with anything sexual." I pointed out. She rolled her eyes.

"Then I must be doing it wrong, right?" She said sardonically. We looked to the door when it opened and in came David with a large bouquet of white and burgundy pansies. "Maybe...I am doing it wrong." She said in disbelief. One of my favourite flowers. My heart skipped and my smile mirrored his. He's dressed in a dark suit today.

"Evening ladies." He said, looking to Marie then to me before handing me the flowers.

I gasped. "They're beautiful....thank you." I told him.

"You're welcome." He said. "I was going to have them sent to you but I thought I might as well come since I'm leaving tonight." My heart fell. Leaving?

"You're heading back to Manhattan already?" I said in disbelief.

"Yes, my sister has brutally informed me that I've over stayed my welcome." He replied nonchalantly. He laughed at the look on my face. He glanced over his shoulder at Marie. "Can I speak to you in private?" I blinked.

"S-sure." I said and jumped off my stool and locked my station. As I was removing my apron I got a glimpse of Marie doing another blowjob gesture and I glared at her. "This way." I said. I took him to the back of the store where we receive our deliveries. It was a small secluded spot next to the bathroom and the large steel door. "What's up?" I said, turning to him and stuffing my hands into my back pockets. He leaned against the wall hovering over me. He looked nervous which worried me. I have a feeling I'm not going to like what he's about to say.

"I know this is very short notice but...would you like to come with me? To Manhattan?"

I froze. "Come to Manhattan with you?" I questioned in disbelief. I can't do that....I barely know you. I have responsibilities, I can't get up and leave town on a whim. "Dave...."

"Hear me out," he began, "you won't have to stay at my place—you can stay in a hotel. Wherever you like—"

"I can't." I cut him off. "We barely know each other! How would I know you're not a psychopath trying to make me your next victim?" I exclaimed. "Besides I can't leave the store or my cat."