Something Great (Sequel to Something Borrowed)

Chapter 6: Falling

“Will you be alright while I’m gone?” I asked Harry as I stood in the door frame of his bedroom. He lay across his bed. Harry’s long, plaid pajama clad legs stretched out in front of him, his eyes glued to the screen of his laptop. A bowl of popcorn sat protectively in the crook of his arm. I was a little uneasy about leaving him at home. I never really went out by myself so I couldn’t help but feel uneasy about leaving my only child home alone. I’d told him I was going to a staff party for my job. It was a lie I know but how do you tell your fourteen-year old, protective son that you’re going out with his uncle? You don’t. Besides, it wasn’t a date, it was just a friendly get together right?

“Mom, I’ll be fine. I promise you won’t come home and find me brutally murdered.” Harry replied before shoving a handful of popcorn into his mouth. I chuckled nervously. “I’ll take your word for it.” Harry playfully rolled his green eyes. “You never go out and enjoy yourself. Don’t worry about me. Go out and have fun. But not too much fun.”  He warned with a smirk. I chuckled. “Watch it, Mister. Remember to lock the door when you go to bed if I’m not back before then. And do not open the door for ANYONE. Understand?” I asked. “Yes Mom.” He replied.

I drew in a nervous breath and stole a glance at the digital clock on Harry’s nightstand. It was 7:15. I was supposed to meet Michael at a diner downtown at 8. I’d have to leave now if I wanted to beat the traffic. “Well, I have to get going. Remember what I said and be good. I love you Harry.” I spoke placing a quick kiss on his forehead. “Love you too Mom. Enjoy yourself.” He replied with a smile before turning his attention back to his laptop. “I will!” I called to him as I grabbed my jacket and headed out the door. If this was just a friendly get together then why do I feel so bad for lying to Harry and why am I so nervous?

By the time I arrived at the diner it was ten minutes past eight. Traffic was backed up as usual. I pushed open the heavy glass door of the diner knowing that Michael would probably be inside waiting for me. Sure enough Michael had already made himself comfortable at a booth. His warm brown eyes scanning over the menu in front of him. I smiled making my way over to the booth. “You, Erin Shields, do not understand the principle of punctuality.” Michael spoke, a playful smile on his lips as he switched his attention from the menu to me. He was dressed so simply but still managed to look incredibly gorgeous. I could feel butterflies swarming in my stomach. I just couldn’t seem to help it. I smiled. “Well, blame New York traffic on my poor sense of punctuality. So, how are you?” I asked, sliding into the booth.

“Better, now that you’re here.” He replied. I could feel a blush creeping across my cheeks. What are you blushing for Erin? This is not a date! He always says things like that to you. He’s your best friend.

“Well, that’s good to hear for a change.” I replied letting out a breath I didn’t know I was holding in before picking up the menu and looking at it. Michael shoots me a worried glance. “You seem tense. Is everything okay?” He asked concern evident in his voice. I sighed. “I’m just a bit worried about Harry. I’ve never really left him at home by himself.” I admitted. Michael smiled sympathetically. “He’s fourteen Erin. He can handle himself.  Do something for yourself for once.” He replied before turning his attention back to the menu. Funny, that’s the same thing Harry told me.  I watched Michael in adoration as he read over the menu. The way his slender fingers flipped the pages and the cute way his eyebrows furrowed together.  Erin what is wrong with you?? This is not a date!! This is a friendly gathering.

 “So, see anything you like?”  He asked me suddenly. You have no Idea. Wait! I did not mean that!

  Before I could reply a waitress came over to our table and took our orders.  I cursed myself for wasting my time drooling over him when I clearly told him that we were going out just as friends. I was supposed to be playing hard to get and here I am acting like a school girl!  I took a deep breath and decided to stir up more conversation.

“Well, I suppose you’re enjoying the single life?” I asked with a slight smile after the short interruption.  “Hell yeah. Brooke took fifteen years of my life and I’m determined to get them back.” He replied. I smiled. “See that’s the sprit!” I exclaimed. “Of course, I don’t plan on being single forever.” Michael spoke staring directly into my eyes. I knew exactly what he was talking about. I felt uncomfortable under his gaze. I sighed. “Michael, please, let’s not talk about this tonight. Can it be like old times? Can we just be friends for tonight? “I pleaded placing my hand gently on top of his. Michael sighed. “Fine, but the more you resist, the harder I’ll try.”

                                                           *****

“You know, I was super jealous when you told me you gave your virginity to Todd Johnson that prick in our math class.” Michael spoke as we walked side by side on the New York City sidewalks. Luckily Michael cooperated with me during dinner and things turned out great.  After dinner we had decided to take a walk downtown, we’d ended up reminiscing about High School and that’s how we got on the subject.

“Oh really?” I asked, stuffing my hands in the pockets of my jacket as the cool night air brushed against me.  Michael’s doe eyes feel to the ground in slight embarrassment. “Yeah.” He admitted. “Was it because you were still a virgin then?” I teased. Michael smiled. “No. It was because Todd was a jerk and he didn’t deserve such a precious thing.” He replied. “So that made you jealous?” I asked, tucking a stray strand of hair from my face.  Michael stopped walking and turned to face me.“No. I was jealous because, I wanted to be your first.” He admitted softly.

I simply didn’t know what to say. This was such a sincere and direct confession. A number of many feelings washed over me. All I could do is stare at Michael as tears slowly pooled in my eyes. He reached out and cupped his face with his large hand. “But, if I couldn’t  be your first, I can certainly be your last if you just give me a chance.” Michael finished staring deep into my eyes. All the anger that I felt from the previous week seemed to have gone straight out of the window.

I took a deep breath. “Michael, I had a really great time tonight. It’s been a very long time since I’ve just been able to go out and have adult conversation. Thanks for tonight.” I spoke before leaning into give him a hug. I pulled away. “Erin-“ He spoke. “Goodnight Michael.” I called before turning on my heel and walking away.

I could feel myself falling in love all over again. It was both exhilarating and terrifying.