One Night Only

6 | dinner disaster

Billie and I have been hanging out a lot recently and I've tried my best to be more open to her. It's proving to be quite the challenge because she makes me incredibly nervous at times but I'm working on it. Today she said she wanted to take me to dinner which isn't an uncommon occurrence. I suggested having dinner in or even getting cheap take out, but Billie being Billie wanted to try some new restaurant that just opened.

I agreed because, after all, I wouldn't be the one paying. She told me to dress how I always do so I put on some casual business clothes, of which I pretty much only wear with Billie. I double checked everything and then headed over to the location she sent me. I see her text saying she's here but I take a moment before getting out the car. My feelings for the blonde have begun to develop rapidly over the past few weeks.

She hasn't been sending many signals as to whether she's interested in me and trust me I've been paying close attention. I slowly walk up to the entrance, trying to hold my composure as my nerves rise. "You're here for Howard, right?" the hostess asks and I just nod, confused as to how she knows me. "Right this way, ma'am" she leads me over to a more private dining area and I see Billie touching up her lipstick in a little compact.

She glances over and we lock eyes, she smiles and puts her things back in her purse as I take a seat. "Can I get you anything to drink, miss?" another woman who literally appeared out of nowhere asks me. "Umm... water is fine" I say politely and she nods before leaving. "Hi there" Billie greets me and I smile, "hey" I reply softly. "How's your day been?" she inquires, "it's been ok. What about you?" I mumble.

"Pretty good. You seem... different" she hums and I just shrug. The first few buttons of her shirt are undone, clearly showing her cleavage, I've been trying this whole time not to look down. Billie is what you would call the perfect specimen, she's always dressed immaculately and her presence is impeccable. I'm sure appearance is very important in her industry but she takes it above and beyond.

"Did something happen?" she asks concerned, "no I'm just... a little off today" I force out as my eyes momentarily drop to her bosom. "Oh, we could've rescheduled if you weren't feeling it today. I can have them come back and we can set a different reservation" she offers but I shake my head. "Really, I'm fine. I'll feel better once everything is done" I assure her, she opens her mouth to speak but promptly closes it and puts on that perfect tv smile.

"Kenzie, it's ok if you need to do this another day. I don't want to make you feel like this is an obligation or something" I can hear the sincerity in her voice, this really bothers her. "Can you just — I just need a minute. I'm gonna go to bathroom, I'll be right back" I state and she nods. I get up and look around for the restroom, I make a direct and quick path once I find it and I let out a deep exhale as I lock the stall door.

Usually my nerves subside once I look at her but today it's like they just keep getting worse and worse. I take deep breaths as I lean my back against the door, reaching into my purse for god knows what. I find a pen, and though I usually hate when people click them, I need something to distract me. If nothing else, it'll aggravate me back to sanity so I pull it together.

"Kenzie?" I hear her voice and the cease my anxious clicking immediately, holding my breath for a few seconds. Logically I would think, hey idiot she can see your feet — but my brain isn't really working right now. "I can see your shoes, darling" her voice is closer now and I let out the breath I was holding. "Tell me what's going on; this isn't like you" she whispers, "maybe it is" I mutter in reply.

"In all the time I've known you-" "there was a time before you knew me, you can't forget that" I interrupt her and it's silent for a moment. I close my eyes, mentally kicking myself, there's no need to be so defensive and I know that but I'm spiraling. "Did I do something to upset you or..." she prompts, "no. I'm sorry, that was unnecessary. I'm not mad at you, I'm just... weird" I chuckle humorlessly.

"You're not weird, Kenzie. I know there's something bothering you and if you need time to sort that out, we can really do this another time" she reiterates, I bite my lip harshly as I stare at the wall in the confines of the stall. "Can I have hug?" I whisper almost silently, "of course, sweetheart" she echos at the same volume.

"You'll have to unlock the door first though" she chuckles softly and I smile at the sound, turning around and opening the door. I lock eyes with her and she smiles softly, opening her arms for me which I happily fall into. She kisses my head and rubs my back soothingly as I close my eyes and breathe her in.

"I'm sorry I've been so bitchy; I'm not used to people being so nice to me" I admit, "it's ok, I understand. You'll have to get used to it though, because I'm not going to stop" I can hear her smile which makes me do the same. I pull away and get caught in her eyes, allowing their warmth to fill me. "Is it ok if we just leave? I wanna spend time with you, but I'd prefer if we went somewhere more..." I pause as I can't find the words I'm looking for, "less fancy?" she guesses and I nod while grimacing.

"I forget sometimes that you're not... like other people" she mumbles, "I sincerely hope that's a good thing" I smile nervously and she places a hand on my lower back as she leads me to the door. "A very good thing" she confirms and I grin which makes her laugh. She grabs her purse and then we head out, with her briefly speaking to the hostess about rearranging the reservation for a later date.

"Soooo where would you like to go, babydoll?" she asks sweetly, "umm what about that diner down the street? I've heard it's good" I answer hopefully. "Alrighty" She agrees, "Are you sure? There's probably other places that are more your speed, it was just the first thing that came to mind" I ramble as I take out my phone to look for more places but she places her hand over it making me look back up at her.

"Wherever you want is fine with me" she assures me, her hand moving to my forearm and giving me goosebumps. "Ok" I whisper and she smiles before gesturing for me to lead the way. "We can take my car and I'll bring you back, unless you wanna drive" she offers, "No I'll go with you" I tell her and she smiles even wider than before.