Lily of the Valley

Chapter 13 | And That's the Story of How "It's a Date!"

“Are you ready to go?” Mason asked me, his backpack on.

“How cute!” I said, “You look like a college student again!”

“Yes, I know I look cute.” he said.

“Of course you do, Dr. Keats.” I said sarcastically.

I grabbed my bag from the nurse’s station and i said my good-bye’s to Rita and Tony. 

“So where are we gonna eat?” I asked Mason.

“I have no idea. What do you want to eat?” he asked.

“I want a cheeseburger combo with Coke.” I've been craving for a burger since yesterday.

“Right, where’s the closest In-N-Out here?” He was asking himself. I just smiled, waiting for him to remember the last time we were there together.

“Oh, the one by the high school!” he said, then his expression changed, and he looked at me with an embarrassed expression. I couldn’t contain it anymore, and I bursted out laughing hysterically in the elevator. The memory of Mason flirting with a high school student, who he thought was a teacher, flashed in my mind like it was yesterday.

“That was a dare, and I wasn’t the only one who thought she was a teacher!” he said, defending himself all over again.

“I know, it’s just too funny! You were a pedophile for about 3 minutes!” and I continued my laughing until the elevator door opened to the designated floor.

“I parked at Edgemont, what about you?” he asked me, still flustered from our conversation in the lift.

“Same, but let me get something from the cafeteria first.” I said. And we walked to the cafeteria silently, greeting some people we know on the way. When we reached the cafe, i immediately went straight to the tea maker and got my favorite white citrus iced tea.

“I should have known.” Mason said from behind me, giving me a fond smile.

I gave him my biggest grin and took and long sip of the tea. “Why don’t we just eat here? I think Billie’s still here, and he makes the best burger.” I proposed.

“Yea, I’ve been smelling it since we entered the caf.” he closed his eyes, and took a whiff of the grilled burger smell. I couldn’t help but laugh at how ridiculous, but adorable he looked. 

We both ordered a cheeseburger with fries, and enjoyed it on one of the outside tables where we get a beautiful view of Downtown Los Angeles. We ate in silence, only grinning at each other once in a while when we catch one another’s gaze. It was only when we were finishing up our fries that we started a conversation.

“How was your day?” Mason started.

“It was good. I just found out that Rita and Dr. Patel are engaged!” I said excitedly. 

“Wow. Many weddings this year.” he said.

“Yup, and I’m glad I'm not one of the brides. I am not ready to get tied down.” i said as I put a french fry in my mouth.

“You sound like a man.” he laughed.

“Haha, very funny.” I said sarcastically. I looked at the city lights and saw a helicopter roaming above it. I didn’t realize I voiced my thoughts: “How awesome would it be to go on a helicopter ride and just fly over Los Angeles?” 

“Why don't you ask yourself that after Saturday night.” Mason said, and he slid down two tickets down the table.

“Oh my gosh! Are you a psychic?” I could not believe my eyes as I looked at the helicopter ride tickets in my hand.

“I ordered them last week, and came in today.”

“What’s the occasion?” I asked, still amazed by the tickets, and the thought of being able to see the beautiful City of Angels beneath my feet.

“I was thinking we could celebrate our getting hired, and maybe my 30th birthday. No big deal.” he shrugged, but it was obvious he was excited about it.

“Yes! Definitely! This is so exciting!” I stood up and gave him a big hug.

“It’s a date!” he said with a huge smile.

“And that’s the story of how I am going on a date with Mason tonight.” I told Brittney, as I finished brushing my hair. 

“That hot blondie better have a brother! He is such a sweet heart!” Brittney exclaimed.

“Sorry, he doesn’t. But I can ask about cousins.” I winked.

“That would be perfect!” she giggled.

“I have to stop by the hospital first though, because I left my house keys there. I had to ask the landlord to open the door for me earlier.” 

“Well, you gotta get going then! You wouldn’t want to keep the birthday boy waiting.” and it was her turn to wink.