The Art of Letting You Go

ready for our date?

It's 5:53 P.M and I've been getting ready for about an hour now. My mom has taken her time to capture as many pictures as she can whilst I run back and forth between hair styles and dresses. Olly said he'd be here at six, so my time is limited.

"Just go with the black one, sweetie." My mom comments, finally setting her camera down.

"Mom, it's too short!" I exclaim, rummaging through the pile of clothes again.

"The beige one?"

"Too long. Too puffy." My mom chuckles as I begin to panic more. I don't want to be too fancy, but I also don't want to show up under dressed. 

Why am I panicking so much? We've already had our first date, I shouldn't be so nervous. Perhaps it's because he's taking me out to dinner instead of a fair.

"This one, Av." My mom's voice pulls me from the thoughts swimming around in my head. I turn to face her as she holds a dress I had thrown across the room several times. I hadn't even given it a second thought before tossing it all over the place.

"Yes it's perfect!" I nearly scream, rushing towards her to grab the dress from her hands. I quickly make my way to the bathroom and change, the dress slipping on to me with ease and outlining the features of my body like a glove.

"How does it look?" I ask, walking out of the bathroom and into my closet. "Oh, beautiful sweetie. Oliver is a lucky guy." My mom replies, making my cheeks blush. I shake the burning sensation from my skin and continue my search for shoes. I decide on a pair of tan wedges, seeing as they match and I can't really walk in heels. No matter how much I tell myself I can.

I strut for my mother as she takes my picture before we both hear the doorbell ring. I let out a squeal, my mom walking down the stairs before I get the chance to. Maybe she's more excited for this date than I am.

She stops before the door, turning to face me as she places her hands on my shoulders. 

"Don't get too steamy." She looks me in the eyes. I laugh and attempt to brush her hands off, but she doesn't budge. "I mean it Avery." She says and I freeze. I am not in that place yet, confidence wise. I didn't think my mom thought of me that way.

I nod my head and she steps back. I take a deep breath before opening the door handle. My eyes meet Olly's and trail to his outfit. He's wearing a black button up shirt, paired with dark skinny jeans and a black pair of shoes. Perhaps I did come under dressed.

"You look gorgeous Avery." Is the first thing he says to me, and I can't help but hide the smile he's placed upon my lips. I open the door wider and let him enter my home. He hugs my mom, which I think surprises the both of us. 

He says something to her which I couldn't really understand. It sounded like he said thank you but I have no idea what he could be thankful for. I push the thoughts to the back of my mind as he turns to face me.

"I'm not under dressed, am I?" I let my anxiety make an appearance, giving Olly a look into the real me. 

"Of course not. I can't take my eyes off of you," He pauses and scans my body with his eyes. I laugh and swat at his chest. "I mean it Av. You are the most beautiful girl I've ever seen, and you don't even know it." His voice falters towards the end of his sentence, probably acknowledging that my mother is still in the room. Hopefully she can't hear our conversation as she snaps pictures on her camera. 

I take the opportunity to sneak a peck to his cheek, knowing my mom will always gush over such a picture.

"Ready for our date?"Olly takes my hand in his and brings it to his lips, kissing the skin and calming my nerves. 

"Yes."

-

Olly climbs out of the car and makes his way to the passenger side, opening the door for me.

"M'lady." He announces and bows as he holds the door for me.

"Oh stop it," I giggle, closing the door before he can. A gasp leaves my lips as I look at the restaurant. Damn, this place looks expensive.

I hold Olly's hand as we make our way towards the building. He opens the door for me, letting me make my way inside first. The waiting area is dimly lit, creating a romantic atmosphere. It smells amazing, and is decorated with a bunch of tiny flowers every where. 

"Table for two, Dixon." He even made a reservation for us, for me. 

"We'll be seated in a few." He says, pulling me from my thoughts. 

"I can't believe you, or this place," I gesture to the room we're in as we take a seat on a couch. He looks over at me, grinning wildly. "Only for you." He says, making me blush. He lifts a hand to my cheek, caressing it before a waiter makes his way towards us. I lean into Olly's touch before he stands up, me following.

We're seated across from each other in a booth. On top of our table is a candle stick, decorating our menus with candle light. I couldn't describe a more romantic place if I tried. 

I ordered some type of pasta as Olly ordered some type of steak. He continued to hook his ankle with one of mine, resting his head on his hands as we play footsie in a fancy restaurant. 

"You're so pretty, Av." His compliment makes my cheeks heat once again. I tuck my hair behind my ears and look down at the table, smiling. "I mean it," He says again, picking my head up by placing two fingers under my chin. I gaze into his crystal blue eyes and can't help but showcase my smile.

"There's been something I've been meaning to tell you." I'll admit my heart kind of dropped when he said this, I really hoped tonight would be drama free. I didn't want to bring up any ill-placed kisses, or the week he spent away from me, even if it was killing me not knowing where he was.

"What is it?" I ask, against my better judgement. My head is still resting in his hand as his feet glide against my own.

"I know I said it before, but I've been beating myself up about how I said it." He starts. "I meant it then, and I mean it now Av."

"Olly, just say it." I plead, not wanting this perfect moment to be interrupted by our meal coming in the midst of it.

"I love you Avery."