His Girl

2. 1st Date

After that night at Molly's, Lauren constantly kept her phone close. She'd been so sure he would call her, but doubt was starting to creep in. Maybe she'd been too forward? Maybe he hadn't liked her at all? Maybe she'd imagined the whole night. All these thoughts were starting to drive her crazy because it was the first time she'd ever put herself out there with a guy. 

The first half of the week, Kelly had taken off to spend time with her. While she was with him, the crazy thoughts had stayed away. Kelly had taken her to Navy Pier and the Bean. He'd even drove up to Kenosha on Tuesday to see their dad. That had been an interesting meeting to say the least. Benny, their dad, had wanted nothing to do with Lauren claiming she was not his. They hadn't stayed long, Kelly having enough of Benny's behavior. He believed Lauren when she claimed to be his sister because Benny was always with different women. 

When they'd left Kenosha, Lauren had convinced Kelly to run her by Med to get a paternity test to prove to Benny she was his. Kelly tried explaining to her Benny probably wouldn't care either way once his mind was made up, but Lauren wanted to try anyways. 

On Wednesday, Kelly had apologized profusely that he needed to sleep because he went on shift that night, but Lauren had told him to stop. She understood that he still had to work this summer, even though she was there, and that she would be fine. That's when the worrisome thoughts started creeping in. She'd really liked the guy and he was definitely easy on the eyes, but he'd obviously not been into her as much as she thought. 

......................................................

Jay waited an entire week before he convinced himself to call her. He wasn't sure it was the right thing to do since he would be shipping out in a few months, but he couldn't quit thinking about her. She invaded his every waking thought and even some of his dreams. He knew this was crazy, but he had to see her again. 

He dialed the number and listened to it ring. He had to stop himself from hanging up several times, but when he heard her southern drawl, it was worth it. 

"Hello?" she said. 

"Hey. This is... It's Jay from Molly's last week," he said feeling like an idiot. 

"Oh," she said surprised. 

"I know. I should've called sooner and if you'll go out with me I'll explain why I didn't. I just.... I really want to see you again," he said mentally smacking himself for sounding so dumb.

Lauren let out a little giggle and Jay felt it all throughout his body. "Ok. Yea I'll go out with you," she said making his smile grow. 

"Ok... ok good. I can pick you up tomorrow at six. I know this great restaurant and place we can go just to talk." 

"I'll be ready.  I'm staying with my brother. His apartment is in the Cobbler Square Lofts. Do you know where that is?" 

"Yea my brother and I are renting an apartment not far from there." 

"Oh. Cool," she said. He made her nervous and she wasn't sure what to say. 

"Lauren?" 

"Yea," she said loving the sound of her name from his lips. 

"I only have a motorcycle so.... can you ride?" 

She let out a little squeak before she could stop herself. "I've never ridden before.... but.... it... well it can't be that hard right?" 

Jay held in his chuckle at the nerves he heard in her voice. "No, it's not. And I wouldn't let you get hurt. I swear. Jeans and boots will be best if you have them."