BAILE (Where We Come Home)

Chapter 23 First Date

Riley called me back after class to talk. I clutched my books to my chest as I glanced through the open doorway. Surely he wouldn't try anything in the open. Would he?

"I was wondering-I mean if you're free." His fingers shook his he toyed with a pen. "If you wanted to go on a date tonight? I know you have to leave early tomorrow to catch your flight back home, that's why I thought of asking for tonight." He sighed at my silence. "If you don't-"

"-No, I do." I stopped him. "I just don't know how we'd get away with such a thing." I bit my lip.

"I was thinking we could go to a pub I know a few towns over, no one should know you there."

"Should." I repeated.

He adjusted his glasses. "If you don't want to go-"

"-I'll go." Sure I was nervous but I did not want to miss this.

Riley smiled, relieved. "I'll pick you up down the first turn off to the right, the woods will provide cover."

I nodded. "What time?"

"Six."

I nodded, sending him a smile before exiting the classroom.

"Why are you so happy?" April studied my face during lunch.

"Can't a girl be happy these days?" I sipped from my juice box. I looked up, catching Riley's eye as he entered the cafeteria and he winked in recognition.

"You're blushing." Charlotte observed.

"No I'm not." I defended.

"What did you and your sugar daddy do?" April licked her spoon suggestively.

"He asked me on a date." I kept my voice down.

"Awww." Charlotte smiled, glancing his way. "That's so sweet."

"Where are you going?" April asked.

"Somewhere away from here." I replied.

"That's good." I was glad for my friend's support. I knew they were still a little wary of my relationship with Riley, but at least they were trying to show their support and be there for me if I needed them.

I studied my reflection, tugging at the dress April had picked out for me. I held my hair up on top of my head, checking to see whether leaving it down was a good idea.

"Isla, are you ready?" Charlotte knocked on the bathroom door.

I opened the door.

She smiled. "You look beautiful."

"Do I?" I was too nervous to judge at the moment.

"Well, the dress makes your legs look longer, which can only ever help." April looked over her phone at me.

"The colour brings out your eyes." Charlotte complimented.

"My eyes are brown." My dress was an emerald green, falling just above my knees and with a lace neckline and back.

"Still." Charlotte gave me a hug.

April made her way over, running her fingers through my straight hair. "Knock him dead."

"I'll try." I slipped my arms through a tan leather jacket before fetching my purse and phone and heading out. I scaled down the steps in my heels, dreading the walk all the way down the hill and into town.

I stopped in the car park, locking eyes with Callum. I removed my eyes, attempting to walk past him without having to converse with him.

"Nothing to say?"