Mr. Navas

7

"Alright, I'm on my way."

I had just texted Jesús my address and was going to start getting ready.

Honestly, I was nervous. Was this some sort of date or just two friends hanging out? I liked to think of it as the second idea. We were only friends. I don't like Jesús and I'm almost,positive he doesn't like me, right? Still, what should a person wear for this type of thing...

At the moment, I was dressed more sporty today. Loose red shorts, a black sports bra, with my hair tied in a ponytail. I didn't want to change, but I knew I had to.

Walking to my room, I thought about what I wanted to wear. I opened my closet and looked at the two dresses I owned. One wasn't appropriate for this day. It was more of a work dress, one that I'd wear to an interview or fancy dinner. I wouldn't wear this to go out with a friend for the day. It was black and tight fitting. The sleeves were at t-shirt length and the dress reached above my knees with a skinny belt around the waist. The second dress was a sky blue summer dress with white polka dots. Oh, and then there was the red dress that wasn't technically mine.

I tried on the blue dress and looked at my appearance in the mirror. Hmm... I didn't wear dresses that often, but maybe I wanted to dress up a little more today. Never mind, I don't like this look for today.

I took off the dress and searched through my dresser for something else to wear. I skipped the skirts because if I couldn't be bothered to wear a dress, why would I opt for a skirt? I picked out black skinny jeans and a light denim shirt. No... Not that for today.

The next outfit I chose was a pair of leggings and a thin grey sweater. In my opinion, it looked too casual and kind of for a lazy day. I took that off.

Finally, after a long process, I found something to wear. I chose jean shorts and a grey top. Also, with a black and white flannel. Good enough for me, I was too tired to find something else to wear and this should be fine. I left my hair up in the ponytail and quickly put on mascara.

Soon enough, I got a text saying that he was waiting outside. Good,he wasn't coming in. I quickly grabbed my iPhone off the counter and headed outside to find his Audi R8 parked and waiting for me. I hopped into the passenger seat and greeted him.

"Hello, how are you?"
"Good, good. Now put these on."
"Oh- ok?"

He handed me a pair of sunglasses which I put on like I was told to. He was wearing sunglasses as well. He also had a black baseball cap on.

"Sorry, just I don't think you would necessarily enjoy a mob of fans surrounding us," he chuckled.
"You're right, I wouldn't."
"See," he said, emphasizing that he was right.
"Um... Can I say something?"

I was nervous. I could feel my heart pounding in my chest.

"Of course, what is it? Does my breath stink? Is there something in my teeth?"
"No!" He made me laugh.
"Sorry, I'm just joking around. Tell me."
"I just wanted to apologize-"
"For what?"
"Let me finish, oh my gosh. Ok," I said looking at him to make sure he wasn't going to idiotically interrupt again, "I wanted to apologize for that call. I know I can't tell anyone I was just in a bad mood."
"Seriously," he said.
"What?"
"That's what you wanted to tell me."
"Yeah..."
"I moved on from that ages ago, it's no big deal. Don't worry about it."
"Oh ok."

Jesús was cool with things. He was understanding and I liked that.

"So, where to?" He asked me while driving.
"Uh... I don't know."
"Well? I'm just going to keep driving until you choose somewhere."
"That's fine with me."
"You're telling me you just want to drive?"
"Yeah."
"Wow."
"What?"
"I try and be nice and let you choose what to do and then you tell me you just want to drive around all day."
"Nothing wrong with that," I smiled.

Jesús just grinned and tried to hold back a laugh. I stared out the car door window and watched us drive down the streets. I found something relaxing and calm about driving. I liked it. A comfortable silence soon washed over.

"Oh crap."
"What?"
"I forgot to fill up on gas before I came here, you don't mind going to get gas?"
"Doesn't matter."
"Ok, sorry about that."
"Don't worry about it."

He drove to the nearest gas station and filled up the tank. Before going into pay he opened the door to ask me something.

"Do you want anything in there? A drink, chocolate, candy?"
"Um, a chocolate bar sounds good."
"Ok."
"Wait!" I said before he shut the door, "Here take this."
"No, I'll pay."
"I insist-" he was already shutting the car door, "Jesús!"

I sighed. He'd already left. I stared out he window and lost track of time. I was startled when the car door opened.

"You scared me," I said putting a hand over my chest.
"Sorry, I didn't think I was that scary," he chuckled.
I grinned, "I just wasn't paying attention."
"I got this, here."

He handed me a Reese's peanut butter cups. I took the package and held it lightly in my hand. He also had one for himself. I knew I couldn't eat it. I was allergic to peanuts.

"These are my favourite, they're so good," he claimed. I would never know since I could never taste one.
"I can't eat it... I'm allergic."
He was about to open his, but then stopped, "Oh my god, uh- I'm sorry. Here, give that to me."
"Ok."
"Is it like bad? Will you get a reaction from touching it?"
"No, calm down. Only if I eat it."
"I'm sorry, I didn't know."
"It's ok."
"Do you want me to go back and buy something else?"
"No, I'm good. You enjoy both of them."
"I'm not going tot do that, no. I can only imagine all the times you've been left out and had to watch people eat things you can't have because of your allergy."
"Finally, thank you. Someone understands."

I was actually quite surprised at his answer. I always just said for them to go ahead and eat whatever it was that I couldn't have. They normally listened and didn't think twice about me. I knew I couldn't have what they were having, but a slight part of me wished they'd just go get something else for me. What I hated the most was people getting me something different. I just wanted to be like everyone else and fit in.

"Let's go get something else. You choose, so we can both have it."
"Really? It's fine, just have the Reese's."
"No, let's have something together."
"Oh ok... Um, I feel like a latte," I laughed at how random that was.
"Well Starbucks is near, do you want to go there?"
"Sure, what are you going to get?"
"I don't know yet..."

We drove over and decided for me to just go in and order the drinks. It was probably best and the smartest idea to keep Jesús in his car. I went in quickly and came back out. I got back into his car and we drove off, hoping not to be spotted by anyone.

I had gotten a vanilla latte, while Jesús wanted a cappuccino.

For the rest of the day, things went pretty smoothly. We talked, laughed, and just drive around. After a while, it was time for him to bring me home. He insisted on walking to the door, but I told him it was fine.

"Jesús, you don't have to."
"But I want to."
"No... It's ok."
"Alright, text me to see when we can get together again. This was nice."
"Uh ok," I smiled, "Definately, there will be a next time."

He smiled back at me and then got out of the car. I thought he was going to try and walk me inside and to my flat, but instead, he just hugged me.

His warm embrace. His arms were wrapped firmly around me. I wasn't expecting this. I hugged back and closed my eyes. I inhaled deeply. I felt so calm. I laid my head in his shoulder before he released me from his comforting grasp.

I gave a small smile before turning around and walking away. Before disappearing, I turned back to see him still waiting. I waved and in return he waved back. This time, I turned around and continued to walk inside, not looking back.