Pure As Vodka

Scene 8

I try not to look up from my current studies and get distracted by the prettiest boy that ever laid in my bed. But it's hard knowing he's laying there with no shirt on, throwing a ball up in the air and stretching his muscles while doing so. Oh these stupid muscles, I wonder where he got them from...

"Hey sweetie!"

I snap out of my daydreaming and throw a quick glance at my watch before turning in Ashton's direction. Damn it, I spent the last half hour drooling over a mental image instead of actually studying for my test next week.

"What do you do Friday night?"

I raise my eyebrow questioningly like he would really need to ask. "Not much. Probably redoing these studies since I can't seem to concentrate today."

He just winks and I can't help the grin forming on my lips.

"Good, then I'll leave you alone now so you can get those done and are free Friday since I booked us a table."

The days seem to last forever that week as I look forward to something big: my first date with Ashton Fletcher Irwin. But it's finally Friday now and I'm panicking since I don't exactly know where we're heading so I've got no clue what to wear.

Adding up to that problem is that I can't even ask Allison or any other friend of mine because I'd have to tell them with whom I'm going out and I can't do that. It's still our little secret.

Maybe we'll make it official after a few dates.

After hours and far too many outfits I settle for a tight black skirt and my favourite blue top. It still doesn't feel right but time is running out and this is something I feel comfortable in as I'm not really that used to skirts.

I let out a little shriek when Ashton suddenly stands in my room. He gets quicker and quieter every time he climbs in here.

"Hey, sweetie."

"He-ey."

"Ready to go out somewhere nice?"

I can only nod and grab my black purse since my nerves once more get the better of me.

He opens the door for me and as I go by he lets his hand run down my back, barely touching causing goose bumps to run down my body in anticipation. He leans in and softly whispers: "You look beautiful."

My face is red within seconds and I can't help the dumb smile forming on my face.

Ashton proves to be a real gentleman today, helping me into my jacket, opening every door for me and even letting me pick the music in the car even when in reality I'd never be brave enough to change it anyway.

After an half hour of watching houses pass by and light chatter and mostly him talking I can't withstand my curiosity anymore: "Where are actually going? I don't know this part of town."

"I thought we could go to this great restaurant on the outskirts of town. We'll be there in a few minutes so just wait a little longer and see for yourself." He winks at me before turning back to the road.

The car finally halts in front of a tall brick building getting a lucky parking spot exactly in front of a small Italian restaurant. Seconds later Ashton is at my door opening it and helping me out of his car like a real gentleman would on a date.

I shoot him a soft smile and thank him in a murmur as my cheeks tinge pink as he doesn't let go of my hand.

He leads me into the restaurant and tells the waiter his name while I just stand there and look around. the atmosphere here was really nice it looked like you truly were in Italy. The walls made of the same bricks that I saw outside with circular arcs as doorframes leading from one big room into the other.

Wild flowers and a deck of silvery lay out on each small table, even those that weren't occupied yet. However the waiter that led us to our table didn't stop at one of those tables instead he leads us through a door.

I look around in amazement as we walk out into the small garden that is in a small patio. There is a huge pergola extending over the small tables with beautiful flowers ranking over it, a few of them being clematis in different colours.

While not the whole thing is coated with the plants so you could still see the sun fall through the spaces between the vines spending warm light. The setting sun is bathing the whole scene in a soft yellow orange light making it seem even more beautiful.

I've never seen such a beautiful little place up until now. It wasn't perfect and quite chaotic but it was stunning in its entirety.

After ordering our beverages as well as choosing our meal the waiter left the table and we were left to wait. It was silent for some time but not the awkward kind of silence but a comfortable kind.

The sky had gotten darker while we flipped through our cards and now the light was nearly gone all the way.

Suddenly lights flip on shining soft light on us. There are small garlands and fairy lights all over the place which I definitely hadn't noticed before.

"This place is beautiful." I state at a loss of words. I didn't know this whole place could get even more stunning than it had been before.

Ashton shoots me a soft smile.

"I know, that's why I chose it."

After that we talk a little about our families and childhood and like everything that was important. I learnt that his father had left his mother when his siblings were still very little and that he kinda slipped into the father role after that always looking out for them.

When we finish our main meals we order a shared dessert which consists of chocolate mousse with a raspberry sauce and some raspberries.

My heart is beating fast while we share the dessert. I just can't believe it: Ashton has taken me out on a date. Me, the awkward nerdy little girl, out with the jock. This whole thing was like some totally sappy romance movie. All I've ever imagined it to be in love.

Later when we arrive at home he even brings me up to my door like a real gentleman and gives me a short kiss before he goes over to his house.

This is the best date I've ever had and I couldn't wait for more dates like that. Maybe we would make this official soon and then we could be together all the time.