Truly Safe

THREE

"Oh shussssh! How many times do I need to tell you, I am getting my coat, not a date!" I sighed, not knowing how I was ever going to get Millie to shut up about Luke, and I hadn't even met the guy yet! "I am starting to think I made the wrong decision!"

"Oh, no no no!" Milly was begging me.

"Well, look I know things were not working out with your parents, a bit cramped and all... But letting you move into mine... My place is quite a bit smaller than your parent's house, do you really think that this can end well?" I asked, whilst trying to keep my attention on the road.

"Yes. And my parents will be fine with taking me back if anything does go wrong!" Milly said cheerfully.

"One thing I do know is that you must have very understanding parents." I replied, no one else's  mum and dad would put up with what Millie's did.

***

As we entered the pub I looked around, looking towards the bar for the deep blonde hair I knew meant Luke was serving. I found it.

"Hi."

"Huh? um..." Luke finished pouring a pint for a man who looked around 110 years old, handed it to him and only then did he finally look up at me, "Oh, hi!" He said, looking surprised to see me.

"My coat," I said, and was rewarded with nothing but a confused look from Luke. "I have come to get my coat... Cropped, black with pink buttons." I smiled at him.

"Oh, sorry I was just, um..." He looked down, then away, like he had done something he shouldn't have. I looked down, and I knew what he'd done. I should never have listened to Millie! I told her my top was too low!

I began to nervously tug my top back up so it covered all of my bra again as he went to get my coat.

"Here you go!"

"Thanks." I smiled and tugged my coat on, covering my low-cut t-shirt.

"Are you..."

"Yes?" I asked.

"What are you doing on, I mean are you um, free on... would you like to do something on..." Was he trying to ask me out? Did I want him to?

"Want to get a drink sometime? Would Saturday be good for you?" I asked for him, hoping I hadn't just made a complete fool of myself. Luke looked me in the eye for the first time, seeming shocked by my question. I noticed the colour of his eyes, a soft hazel that made me want to trust him instantly... But I could not fall into that trap again.

"Yes. I am, free... How is lunch time for you? around one o'clock? We could... Do you like pizza?'

"Meat feast!" I smiled, "I know, such a perfect choice for an elegant young lady!" Blank look from Luke, "You know, all them skinny girls who refuse anything more than a handful of salad!?" This wasn't going well. I could feel his interest slipping away, time to go before i dug my hole any deeper.

"So yes. I love pizza! See you Saturday!?"

"Yes!" He smiled, making my confidence return... A little bit of it, anyway.