The Beautiful & Damned

06 - Date

date - /deɪt/
a social or romantic appointment or engagement

I was buried in a pile of papers and folders, finishing a report for a case we're tackling next week. It was almost 9pm and I've been working for hours, with small breaks of course.
I was also thinking about Gerald, debating with Lana if I should text him or not. She said to wait but even if I wanted to, I had no idea what I'd write. I was kind of waiting for him to make the first move.
I made myself a nice cup of coffee and folded the papers neatly, putting the report in my briefcase. Yes, I had a briefcase for work because it's way more practical than carrying all that shit around in your hands.
Grabbing a pack of cigarettes and coffee I took a seat on my comfy chair on the balcony. I smelled like a piglet; it's always like that when I sit in the same spot for hours, fully invested in whatever I'm doing; it's kinda like playing video games.
I closed my eyes and leaned my head back. It was nicely warm, slight breeze in the air and all that chatter from the streets audible in the background. There's just something about a city located by the ocean; something in the air that you could never feel elsewhere.
My cellphone started vibrating halfway into my first cigarette.
I checked who it was; it said Gerald. Shit!
I picked up. "Hello?"

"Cutie! How you doin?"

"Gerbear! I'm good, you?" I didn't plan to make a joke, it just came out.

"Gerbear? You know... I kinda like that name. And I'm solid, a little tired but okay."

"Good to hear." I usually know how to converse with men I find cute, with him I've been babbling a whole lot for some reason. "So what can I do for you?"

"Well, I'm actually calling to ask you out, what does Harvard think about that?"

Honestly, I was and wasn't surprised; 50/50, him being a player and all.
"She would like that very much."

"Alright alright; it's not burgers on the beach but you don't have to wear heels if you don't want to."

He chuckled and I already imagined what he looks like when he does that. "Well, I'll try my best to look decent. When did you have in mind?"

"I was thinking tomorrow if you're free; at 7?"

"Sure, I don't have to be at work until 9 on Tuesday."

"Great, I'll make reservations."

"What do I wear?" I asked.

"Whatever you want, cutie."

I blushed when he called me that.
"That really doesn't help me at all but I'll make it work." I chuckled.

"No doubt. Pick you up at 7?"

"Yeah, perfect. See you tomorrow then."

"Can't wait. Good night cutie."

"Good night Gerbear." I said and he chuckled before saying bye and hanging up.

I admit I had trouble sleeping that night, I was looking forward to seeing more of him, wondering what else he has in store for us.
Of course I texted Lana about what happened and she texted me back heart emojis and wrote I told you so. Then I teased her about Owen and she stopped.

Work wasn't as hectic as it usually is so I had time to think about my date outfit choices. I assumed that we were going to a fancier restaurant, due to the fact that he made reservations and asked me a day before. Maybe it would be more appropriate to wear a dress or a skirt or something. I got off at 4 so I went straight home and grabbed a bag of donuts on the way.
An hour later I was at it again; standing in front of my open closet with a donut in my hand, listening to blackbear and combining pieces of clothing in my head, mumbling the lyrics.
Of course I had cigarette breaks.
I checked the clock when it was already 6, so I pulled out a few coat hangers and in the end decided to go with black straight highwaisted pants and a matching sleeveless bodysuit with sheer fabric in the back. I jumped into a pair of nude pumps, checking my hair in the mirror. What to do with it?
I had no time to wash it so I neatly put it all in a big bun.
For makeup I went with the usual, a little highlighter and some mascara, but this time I also decided to add some fine red lipstick, it also matched my purse.
I topped my look off with a classic thin black leather jacket and I was ready.
My phone buzzed at exactly 7pm.
The message was from Gerald and it said Waiting. Come down.

I stepped out of the building, walking to his car. I couldn't believe it, he was driving a black Chevy Impala, it was one of the most beautiful cars I've seen. He was standing next to it, checking me out.

"Whoa, who dat? Where's cutie?" He was joking. He was probably expecting sneakers and jeans.

"Hello to you too." I said, as he stepped closer and pulled me into a gentle hug.

"You're gorgeous." He said and opened the car door for me. I thought I was hallucinating.

"Thank you." I said and jumped in the passenger seat. "You as well."
And he was, he looked so good. He was wearing a white button-down shirt, a blazer and some nice straight black pants, along with some boots. It was hot and classy as hell.

"Thanks cutie." He replied as we drove off. It took us solid 10 minutes to get to a place I've never been to before. It was close to the beach and it had a huge terrace outside, practically next to the water. It was beautiful.
We had reservations on that terrace which really surprised me; I like how he remembered that I love the beach.
After we were seated, he ordered me a martini and whiskey for himself.
We ate, we talked, we drank to many more moments like that one. Later, we took a walk on the path next to the beach and ended up at his place again.
I slid off my leather jacket and kicked off my heels before heading to the balcony.

"I can never get enough of this scent; the sea is a harsh mistress but I love her." I quoted every pirate movie ever.

He chuckled, handing me a drink; this time I also chose whiskey. We were just standing there, looking around.
"So, did I do okay, you had a nice time?" He asked.

"I did; the restaurant is beautiful, I've never been there before, thank you." I said, raising my glass and taking a sip. He did the same and put the glass down.
"What?" I asked after noticing he's looking at me funny.

"What are you?" He grinned.

"I'm cute." I joked. "Why do you ask?"

"I don't know, I feel oddly relaxed when I'm around you." He stepped a little closer, so I put my glass down on the table as well.

"That's a good thing, right?" I said. He moved his hand, caressing my cheek a little then he moved it to my shoulder; sliding it down my arm and up again. For a second there I noticed he was a bit nervous but I didn't mention it. I had a great time with him, again, which is why I went along.

"Yeah, it's a good thing." He was leaning closer and closer until his lips were just an inch away. "It might be a great thing."
He then pressed his lips to mine, wrapping his arms around my waist.
My arms did the same; I squeezed him, eliminating even that tiny space between us.
It really was a great kiss, he even smeared my lipstick a bit. After he pulled away, his eyes were looking into mine and no more words were necessary. We both knew what we wanted; and I did want him.
I wanted him bad.