Right In Front of Me

Chapter 9

I'm heading out quickly on Friday afternoon. I have to run errands for my mom before going to the away game at Tucker High. I need some extra cash, so she's paying me to go do her errands.

"Lauren!" I hear a husky voice behind me and see John Mitchell.

"Oh hey John. Ready for Tucker tonight?"

He nods. "Yeah." He seems flustered. He's rocking on his heels, has his hands in his pockets, and isn't really looking at me. It's kind of entertaining to be honest to see a big football player like him being flustered.

He stands there not really saying much. I stand there for a minute, wondering if he'll fill the silence. "Well I better go. I'll see ya," I say, turning away to go to my car. I really can't stand here forever this afternoon.

"Do you want to go on a date with me?" He says it so quickly, I swore I heard him wrong.

"What?" I turn back in shock. Don't get me wrong. John isn't a bad looking guy by any means. He's got this dark brown hair and nice chocolate brown eyes. I know his body is amazing. I can just see it through the tight shirt he's wearing. He's nice, too. Really nice. But John Mitchell wants to go out with me? Lauren Jacobs? The girl who punched her ex then cried in front of half the school?

He finally looks at me. His eyes meet mine and he gives me a small smile. "Would you want to go on a date sometime?" I'm standing still, shocked. I didn't think he was interested in me. He hasn't shown any interest really. We talk sometimes, but it's just a passing or in conversation when Mason or Chase is there, so we're never alone. But he's always been nice and cool. He's funny too. "Shit, sorry," he says, starting to walk away, thinking that I'm not wanting to. I just realize I haven't answered.

"Wait," I tell him. He stops and turns back. "Yes." I give him a small smile. "I can't tonight, obviously. Football game and all and I have plans afterwards. I babysit during the day tomorrow, but I should be free tomorrow night."

A smile grows on his face. "6:30 sounds good?" I nod, smiling. We say our goodbyes before heading off in opposite directions.

≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈

"No way!" Kayla and Bailey practically screech at the same time. Eyes in Clark's look at us. They were loud.

I just told them about John asking me out. They were just as shocked as I was. I think going out on a date will be good for me, as do they. I was humiliated by Tanner and my actions afterwards. But obviously I didn't put anyone off since John asked me out. I'm pretty sure John was at the party when I punched Tanner and he saw my complete drunken state after homecoming, so I really didn't put him off.

I nod. "Yeah, he came by after school."

"Who?" I hear. I look and see Chase is already sitting down on one side of me. Alex is sitting down next to Kayla, giving her a kiss before settling in.

"John Mitchell. He asked Lauren out on a date this afternoon," Bailey says before I can answer.

Suddenly, Chase and Alex give each other this look. It's like a knowing look between them. I look in confusion between them. "What?" I ask, but soon Mason is sitting on my other side.

"Didn't Mason do great?" Alex asks, right when Mason sits down, changing the subject. He gives him a high five from across the table.

"He killed it, right Lauren? Tucker didn't stand a chance," Chase says, nudging my arm.

I look at Mason and smile, "Yeah, you did great." They obviously don't want to talk about John in front of Mason. The two of them keep giving each other looks. Kayla and Bailey can feel it too, but none of us say anything.

I order my usual chocolate milkshake and fries and enjoy the night with my friends. I practically forgot I was having a date tomorrow. Being with friends, especially Mason, just puts me into a trance. We're having a good time, just chilling and eating at Clark's. Suddenly, I hear my phone ding with a text message.

John: that new action movie sound good? There's a 7pm showing. Maybe we can get ice cream somewhere after

I smile and reply.

Me: sounds good :) can't wait

I feel a nudge on my side. I look at Mason. Everyone else is in a conversation. He obviously noticed I took myself out of it. "What's got you smiling like that?" I must have a big grin on my face.

"Oh, um, nothing," I say quickly, putting my phone away. I saw the looks Chase and Alex were giving each other when I said I was going on a date with John Mitchell. I'm not sure why they were looking like that, but it just seems like I shouldn't tell Mason about John asking me on a date.