Birthday Surprise

Chapter 2

Carmen
"Hey," I say.
"Hey. Nice," Josh says, looking down.
I look down and am suddenly reminded that I'm in my pajamas. Great.
"We're having a sleepover," I explain awkwardly.
"Yeah. Miranda told me."
"Listen, I only made the call because of a dare. I don't actually..."
"No. I've seen it. You do get nervous around me. Is it the drug thing? Because I haven't done it again."
"No. That's not why."
"Then what is it?"
I sigh.
"I'm attracted to you. It feels wrong because of Andrea. I know it's... different now, but it still feels like I'm betraying her."
"Wow. That wasn't what I was expecting."
"Yeah. Me neither."
"Well, hey. Thanks for being honest. Since we're sharing, I'm attracted to you too. But I don't want to push you if you're uncomfortable. I understand if you don't want anything right now."
"I do. That's the problem."
"We'll take it slow then."
"Yeah. That sounds fair."
In the silence that followed, I feel potentially more attracted to him than ever. He stares at me silently. I glance down at his lips for a split second. He must've gotten the memo because he kisses me. I put my hand on his face as I kiss him deeply. We pull away.
"Is there a way to go slow after that?" I joke.
He chuckles.
"We can try."
"Okay. Maybe we can start by actually getting our numbers directly."
"Sure," he says with a grin.
We send each other simple texts and save the numbers.
"Alright. I'm going to head home before it gets too late. This was worth the visit though."
"Alright. Good night."
"Good night."
When he says good night to my friends, it was then that I realize that the door was open the whole time. I had meant to step out but was clearly frozen in place. Oh well. They're going to find out anyway. I shut the door and join them.
"You're welcome," Miranda says.
"For what?"
"For daring you to call him. You wouldn't have gotten to say that you made out with him otherwise."
I roll my eyes.
"I didn't make out with him."
"Carmen, we saw you," Courtney says.
"That hardly counts. It wasn't the make out that I imagined."
"Oh. You've imagined really making out with him? You could barely admit that he made you nervous an hour ago," Miranda says.
"Alright, that's enough," Claudia says lightheartedly.
She looks at me.
"So, how was it?"
"I'm not gonna lie. It was really nice. I forgot how to breathe. I still feel kind of weird about going after Andrea's ex."
"Hey, it's okay. I don't say this to be a dick but they weren't that serious. I don't think she would've held it against you if you liked him."
"Still. As her best friend, it feels like I'm betraying her."
"You're not. I'm sure that she would've let you do it if she knew it would make you happy."
"Yeah."
"So, try not to worry about it. Embrace it."
I nod.
"Thank you, Claudia."
"You're welcome."
I give her a quick hug and she hugs me back. We settle into the couch and continue the movie. They had apparently paused it to watch us instead. I fall asleep before it was over and needless to say, it was pleasant.
When I wake up, I stop to figure out if any of last night was a dream. I look around and see that I'm still at Claudia's house. I grab my phone and see that I have a text message from Josh.
"Hey. I don't know if you have anything planned for today with your friends but I'd like to have lunch with you if you're free."
My heart feels warm after I read the message. Last night clearly wasn't a dream. His text message was sent ten minutes ago so hopefully he isn't busy.
"Hey. Our parents are going to start picking us up around noon so no, we don't have plans. I'm free if you want to come to my house at like one or so."
"Great. I'll see you then."
"Yes, you will," I reply cheekily.
I put my phone down and sit up. Miranda wakes up next, followed by Claudia. Courtney wakes up last.
"Hey guys. Josh texted me asking if I wanted to have lunch," I say happily.
"Did you accept?" Courtney asks.
"Yeah. He'll come at like one after my mom takes me home."
"Cool."
"Great. You're going on your first date and as far as I know, I'm not going to do much of anything when I get home," Miranda says.
I chuckle.
"You can get ready here if you want," Claudia offers.
"Thanks. I'll only be able to get half ready. My makeup is at home."
"Carmen, he already saw you in your pajamas. I don't think he cares," Miranda says.
"Still. I want to look nice."
"Alright."
I go into Claudia's bathroom with a set of clean clothes and turn on the shower.