Breaking The Ice

Chapter 2~ First Impression

Today is the day of my date with Hailee. I've never met anyone quite like her—she's beautiful, funny, and kind. It feels as though I've known her for years, but we've only talked for a few hours.

I'm getting ready for the date, and now I understand how women feel about the preparation. I have no idea what to wear. I want to look good, but not overstep. Maybe I should call Jack. Yeah, I'm gonna call him.

I grab my phone and FaceTime him. Not long after, he picks up. "Hey, what's up, man?" "Okay, I need your advice on something. Do you have time, or am I interrupting something?" I ask.

"No, not at all. What can I help with?" "I don't know what to wear, man. I have a date in like half an hour and—"

"You have a date? With who? Why don't I know about this?" he says, really excited and shocked, which makes me laugh. "Ava, darling! Noah has a date!" he yells to his girlfriend.

"Oh my god, really? I'm so happy for you, Noah! I'm rooting for you. Good luck!" I hear her say. "Thanks, Ava. Now Jack, focus. I need help with what to wear, and then I'll tell you about her," I say.

"Okay, fine. Where are you taking her?" "To Azure & Vine." "Ooh, nice man. Just go with that dark blue sweater, some neat pants, and those white sneakers you never wear," he says. I grab the suggested outfit and put it on.

"You sure about the sweater? Shouldn't I be wearing a shirt or something?"

"No, yeah, the restaurant is fancy but not that fancy. Plus, leave the look of you in a shirt for another date. Apparently, you look real good in a shirt, so save that look for later. Trust me," he says, making me laugh a bit. "Okay, thanks."

"Okay, now tell me about the woman," he says as I grab my stuff and get in my car. I put in her address and start driving with Jack on speaker.

"Look, I can't really tell you much. I want to say things, but I've only talked to her for a few hours. Hopefully, I'll get to know her better tonight."

"So, she could be future material or what?" he asks, making me chuckle. "Who knows? Maybe. I guess tonight will tell me if she is or not."

"Good. I'm gonna let you go, man. Me and Ava are eating at her parents' tonight. But catch me up tomorrow at practice, okay?"

"Sure, I will. Have fun with the fam." "Thanks. Good luck, man. Don't mess it up like last time, okay? Or I'll kill you for real this time," he says, making me laugh.

"I'll try my best. Bye. Thanks again." "Don't worry about it. Bye," he says before hanging up. Then I arrive at her house. I drive up the driveway and time it perfectly, as it's 5 on the dot.

I get out of my car and knock on her front door. After about a minute of waiting, she opens the door barefoot with mascara in her hands.

"Shit," she says, making me laugh a little.

"Can you give me five minutes? I promise I'll be done by then. I'm so sorry," she says. "Sure, take your time," I say with a smile, but she seems a bit embarrassed.

"Come in, though, it's cold outside," she says, so I walk in. Damn, her house is beautiful. I wish my place looked like this.

"I'll be right back," she says, and I give her a smile and nod before she runs up the stairs as fast as she can. While waiting, I walk around a bit. She really knows how to make a place feel like home.

After a few minutes, I hear her coming down again, so I turn around and look at her. She sits on the couch and puts her heels on.

"I'm really sorry. I have an explanation, though," she says. "It's okay, Hailee, you don't need to explain yourself. We have time."