Cardiac Arrest

Chapter Seven: The "Date"

What? Am I reading this right? I tried hard to sound confident and cool, which was pretty easy over text.

*Sure, does Springer's sound cool?*

Springer's was this cute little ice cream place. It was amazing. I had some in my last trip. Just then a *ding* interrupted my thoughts.

*I was thinking something a little more fun.*

*Oooh, sounds interesting. I'll be waiting.* I decided I needed to up on the flirtation. I bet I sounded like i completely different person over text compared to when I could barely make out a word to him earlier.

*Alright, I'll pick you up then. Don't dress too nice. ;)*

Winky face? Adrienne would be so proud of me.

*No promises (;*

What am I supposed to wear? I put my already straightened hair in a ponytail and slipped on some jeans and a v-neck. I hope this is what he meant.

I looked at the clock. 7:07. Just then I heard the doorbell ring. Whew, this is it. Wait, what is this? A date? A hangout thing between two friends? Oh God.

Another ring from the doorbell shattered my daydreams.

"Coming!" I ran to the door.

"Hey, what took so long?" He smirked. "I thought I said not to dress too nice."

"Um, it's just jeans. I can go change if you wa-" he grabbed my arm and pulled me back to the hallway.

"Nah, it's ok. It won't matter soon anyway."

Wait...what? Does he expect me to hook up with him?

"What do you mean...?"

"You'll see," he said, with a smirk.

"O-okay."

Wow, this was awkward. Why couldn't I manage a single word? The car ride was silent. Suddenly I got a little annoyed with myself and decided to start a conversation.

"So where are we going?"

"Wouldn't be much of a surprise if I told you."

"Am I worthy of a surprise?"

"Of course you are."

I hoped he couldn't see me blushing.

We finally parked at his "surprise" place. It was a cute little dock on the lake with a gazebo-type thing at the end of it.

"Here we are," he smiled. By now, it was a little dark. I didn't want my quote "newly" found confidence in front of Patrick to go away so soon, so I stepped out my comfort zone a little.

"Race ya to the end!" I took off.

"You're on!" He shouted behind me. Somehow, he cut in front of me and beat me.

"Hey, you're pretty fast for a guy who skates around for a living," I laughed.

Patrick and I talked under that gazebo for a while. We were just getting to know each other. After a while we both just looked off a little and looked at the stars.

It was really a little bit weird. I just met him like eight hours ago, and I'm going on a date with him. Wait. Is this a date?

"Sure."

"What?" I was confused.

"You asked if it was a date."

"Oh, I, uh, that- I didn't mean to say that out loud..." I am so embarrassing.

"Hey, you know what? We came out to have a good time and, don't get me wrong, it's been great, but let's make it better."

Before I could answer, he took his hat and shirt off. Wow. I was afraid he'd catch me staring, which he did.

"Like what you see?" he winked.

"I, uhh..." I was embarrassed, again.

He continued to get undressed until he had just his boxers on.

"Well? Are you coming?"

"Coming? Oh. That kind of come. Um, where?

"Skinny dipping."