Begin Again

Chapter 24

"Mornin', Trys." Isabel chirps as she plops down beside me. She has a Dunkin' Donuts coffee in one hand and a paper bag in the other.

"Mornin', what's in the bag?" I pray that there's something shareable in it.

"A chocolate chip muffin. You wanna bite?"

"Yes, please! This is why you're my best friend."

She chuckles, "I know, I'm awesome."

Pulling the muffin out, she hands it over to me and I take it from her. It's a monster muffin. I take a decent sized bite before handing it back. Amazing flavors burst in my mouth, it has such a rich taste. This muffin is like heaven to my tongue. The chocolatiness washes over my taste buds and brings me joy.

"Mmmm, this is so amazing." I put an emphasis on the "so".

Isabel takes a bite and makes the same noise I did. "This is the best muffin ever."

"I agree."

She finishes off her muffin and starts sipping her coffee.

"So, I kinda have somethin' to tell you," I say slowly.

I didn't tell anyone anything about what happened with Erik. Well except my mom, but she doesn't count because she bombarded me with unavoidable questions. I only gave her the most basic rundown though. The whole weekend I kept it to myself and reveled in the fact that Erik Carson kissed me. I know, I'm a terrible friend; I should've called her screaming. I just couldn't bring myself to share it though. It's like if I kept it a secret, it was more special.

"It sounds like you've been keepin' a secret girl so spill." She gives me a sort of disapproving look.

"Well, Erik kind of showed up at my door with flowers and took me on a date and kissed me," I say in a rush.

Isabel lets out a little squeal. "Oh my gosh! No way! I told you he would show up like a knight in shinin' armor. I so called it."

Her excitement rubs off on me and I let out a little squeal myself and a huge grin spreads across my face. "Yes way! It was so amazing! It was seriously perfect."

Before I can go on and give her the juicy details there's a figure standing in front of us. Pausing, I look up and see Erik standing there, a smirk on his flawless face. I can feel a slight blush coat my cheeks.

"You thought Friday night was perfect?", he drawls in his sexy southern voice.

My blush deepens. "Yeah.", I say softly.

A smile overtakes his face, "Well good because I did too." He sits down next to me close enough for our shoulders to touch.

The smell of his cologne overtakes my senses making me relax. I can tell he just showered after his practice because the ends of his hair are damp and slightly curled. Today he's dressed in a red and white button up plaid shirt, dark boot cut jeans, and a pair of square-toe Justin work boots.

"Mornin' Trystan," leaning forward he waves at Isabel, "Mornin' Isabel."

Isabel waves back and takes a sip of her coffee before saying, "Mornin' Erik."

He settles himself next to me and gives me a smile. "So since you had such a good time Friday, how would you like to do that again tonight?"

My heart flutters and butterflies fill my stomach. Smiling I say, "Sounds like a plan."

His smile gets bigger and excitement laces his voice, "Cool. I'll pick you up at 6:30 then. Be ready."

"Okay, I will."