Frightened Mate

A Phone Call

Thank you for your patience with me! Enjoy the chapter!

XOXO

As I sat at the table trying to edit, two hours later, my mind was still reeling from my last encounter with Caden. It was so unlike me to show interest with someone, especially someone who I literally don't know, not to mention how does he keep on popping out of nowhere. Also, why did he leave so quickly? It was obvious that he had been waiting for me, so why would he leave practically right after I get there? Why am I so concerned with this anyway? It shouldn't matter at all.

I sigh, shaking my head to try and remind myself that I need to be focused on editing. I try to turn my full attention back to the photos, not that the photos had my full attention in the first place at any point since I saw Caden earlier. Luckily, my phone buzzes, breaking me out of my once again wandering thoughts.

Dad: Hey, was wondering if you'd like to go get some ice cream?

I grin, my dad knows me too well, he knows one of my greatest weaknesses is ice cream, and that it is an easy way to get me to stop editing pictures for at least a little bit of time.

Me: Yeah, I'm at the café right now, but I'm up for some ice cream! Meet there or go together?

Dad: How about we go together. See you soon?

I send a quick reply to him saying that I'll leave right away. I pack my stuff up and head back to my car and start it. Even while driving, my mind is still thinking about Caden. There was just something different about him, clearly, since I hadn't been able to stop thinking about him.

Before I realize it, I'm back home. I open the garage door and pull in, turning off the car. As I get out, my dad opens the door and heads to his car. I hold back a grin, knowing how excited he is about getting ice cream. I leave my bag in my car, knowing I'll get everything out when we get back from ice cream. I hop into my dad's car and greet him.

"Hey daddio, how's it going?" I kiss his cheek.

He starts the car and answers, "It's goin' pretty good!"

He backs the car out of the driveway, and I turn on the radio for some background noise. I quietly hum along to a popular song. The first few minutes of the drive are silent, as I look out the window at the trees and farms that we pass by.

"You had a late night I noticed" my dad breaks the silence, "did you have fun?"

"Yeah it was a ton of fun, I didn't even notice how late it was and then I wasn't feeling it until this morning when Chloe and I went hiking. It took like everything out of me" I groan, stretching now feeling how tired my muscles felt.

"Best way to end an unintentional workout is to get ice cream" My dad jokes.

I laugh along with him and roll my eyes. We pull up to the ice cream parlor and I hop out, excited for some cookie dough ice cream. My dad meets me as I walk up the stairs. We open the door and get in line, both already knowing what we'd get since we come here so often.

"Did you get any editing in today?" My dad makes conversation as we move up in the line.

"Only a little" I sigh. "I just couldn't get into it today for some reason"

"Well maybe you just need a little break from it. You've been pounding out sessions for a while so you may be a little tired from it. Maybe try focusing on something else for just a day" My dad advises.

I nod my head thoughtfully. Maybe that's just what I need; a little break from editing. He's right, I do tend to work on pictures nonstop and I've been working on them a lot lately, so I should just take a little break. My dad and I reach the front of the line and we order our ice cream and stand off to the side waiting for it to be brought to us. As we get the ice cream, we find a table and take a seat.

"So, how's work going?" I lick my ice cream cone savoring the taste.

"Well" My dad sighs "It's a bit crazy. I have events going on for the next few nights, so it'll be late nights for me."

We spend the rest of the time talking about what all he needs to do for work. Usually when he has the events he won't be home until 2:00 AM. It's rough on him sometimes, but he's one of the best at his trade.

We finish the ice cream and head back home. Once home, I grab my bag from my car and head up to my room to do whatever I decide. I close the door and lay the bag on the bed and pull out my laptop. I hesitate before opening it up though, my mind flashing back to the conversation I had just had with my dad. I need to take a break from editing I know it'll do me wonders. I sigh and turn my back to my bed, wondering what to do instead of edit. My eyes wander around my room and my eyes finally rest on my guitar. I smile, but continue to look at it.

It had been a decent amount of time since I had played. It used to be a therapeutic type thing for me when I had been busy dealing with everything, but ever since I was focusing on photography more, I had let it go. I shrug and pick it up, sitting down in my chair. I quickly go down the strings and tune it by ear. I strum a few chords and hum a little. As I begin to sing though, I hear my phone buzzing. I groan, but put the guitar to the side and go over to it. A glance at the screen tells me that I don't know the number, and I debate answering it or not, but something inside me urges me to answer.

"Hello?" I ask.

"Is this Holly?" A deep, familiar voice asks.

"May I ask who this is?" I inquire, shifting on my feet.

"Oh right, sorry. It's Caden"

"Oh, hi!" Suddenly breathless. "How are you?"

"I'm doing well, thank you" He hesitates. "I wanted to apologize for running out on you today. I uh, forgot to do something."

"I-it's no problem!" I stumble on my words.

"There's actually another reason as to why I called you. I was wondering if you would like to go on a date. I know at the café, you showed interest in going to the swing dancing event that is in two days and I would like to take you there, and then out to dinner" Caden says in one breath.

My own breathing hitches for a moment as the rest of my body shakes in excitement, "Yes! Yes! I mean, yeah! That could be fun, I would love to!"

"Really? That's great! I will call you tomorrow with more information!" He says.

I can barely even pay attention to everything else he said, I just couldn't wrap my mind around the fact that he wanted to take me on a date. A breathless goodbye is all he gets before the call ends and I fall back on my bed squealing.

I quickly grab my phone and text the group chat.

Me: GUYS. GUYS. OH MY GOSH, HE ASKED ME ON A DATE"

I squeal once again, covering my eyes in disbelief. Now I just had to figure out what to wear. 

I hope it was worth the wait! Next chapter is their first date! 

What are your favorite ice cream flavors?

What are your favorite break up songs? 

See you guys soon!

XOXO