Blackout

6) Concupiscence

SIARA LYNN DUPONT

I wished that Jacob were here.

Right now, I was currently deliberating what to wear for my dinner date with Lux. I still had no idea how I managed to say yes, but it was intensely difficult to say no to him, I realized. There was just something so alluring about being near him.

We had later scheduled to meet on Friday afternoon. I had known Lux for a grand total of two days now, but it felt like a lifetime. I knew close to nothing about him, but I hoped dearly that tonight would bring us closer. We had been texting constantly and each moment I shared with him felt like an eternity. I hadn't felt this way since my first crush, and that was almost ten years ago. His name was Charles and I was enamored the moment I laid eyes on him. With sunny blonde hair and ocean blue eyes, he was a magnet for all the ladies—myself included. The only problem was that he was an immature jerk, so I quickly lost interest after two years. Thinking back, it took forever to get over him.

I wouldn't be as nervous if Jacob were here. He just left his mother's place an hour ago, but that was all the way in Virginia. It would be hours before he got here, and by then the date would already be done. I could call him, but I didn't want to risk him using his phone while driving. I always had this paranoia that someone dear to me would crash because they were too distracted using their phone. Bona always teased me about it, but I guess in his own way he understood why I was so strict about it.

I blinked at myself in the mirror, torn between a classy black dress that revealed my curves, or a black skirt tied with a ruffled white silky blouse. Both were an elegant choice, but I wasn't sure if one was too showy or if the other made me look like a nun. I debated texting Jacob, but the thought was immediately gone the moment I reminded myself that he was driving. I partly regretted not getting a vehicle that was Bluetooth compatible with my cell phone, but it was too late to think about the other 30,000 car I turned down.

I let out a sigh and settled for the black dress. The skirt and blouse made it seem as if I was going to a late job interview. The dress, though, covered my skin far too much. I didn't like either of the choices, but it was too late to go to the mall and buy another dress. My phone vibrated and I rushed to it.

Lux: I'll be there in five minutes.

Grinning absentmindedly, I ushered towards the bathroom and double checked my makeup. I settled for mascara and eyeliner with black and dark purple eyeshadow. I chose a shade of lipstick that was three shades darker than my original lip shade and added a bit of blush. As for my hair, since it was short I couldn't necessarily do much with it, so I straightened it and pinned a few locks into a clip. I thought that I was perhaps dressing up too much, but Lux and I discussed a few hours earlier that he was taking me to a fancy place because I deserved all things high class. I was too flattered to be offended by his statement, so I merely laughed at his compliment and told him that I would dress up.

I slid on my black heels, grabbed my pea coat and tread towards the door. Lux and I had argued that he should pick me up, since the place was pretty far away, but I had insisted that I met him there. Suffice to say he did win the argument, but we compromised to meet at the local bodega a couple blocks away from my apartment. I still wasn't comfortable with him knowing where I lived. I mean, I've only known him for two days. Surely, I wasn't wrong in that aspect, was I?

Once I finally arrived at the rendezvous, a sleek black sedan pulled up. The passenger window slid down and I locked gazes with Lux, who was already grinning animatedly at me. I felt my heart pound in anticipation as I approached the passenger door. My fingers clutched the handle and within seconds, I was inside.

"You look enticing, Lynn," Lux breathed out, staring at my attire. Looks like I chose well.

"Thank you," I responded, flushed. I was surprised he had such a strong effect on me—honestly, it was quite embarrassing. I took that moment to check him out. He was wearing a silky dark red button down shirt that was a few buttons open near the collar. Paired with black denim jeans and a flashy belt, he looked dazzling. "So," I said after a moment, hoping that he didn't catch me staring at him. "What is the resturant called?"