Problems Anonymous(complete)

Chapter 12

"And you're going to wear the pink dress?"

"Ya. What else was I going to find to wear, Austin? Rags?", I wrapped the phone cord around one of my fingers, while pressing the phone between my ear and shoulder so I could hold up the dress with my other hand.

"Ok, good. You looked great in it anyway", I blushed and felt embarrassed, even though he couldn't see me.

"The date is at La Boulange downtown. It's at eight, so be ready then ok?"

The restaurant's french title immediately reminded me of la vie en rose, and I was glad my dress was pink. But its fancy title also made me extremely self conscious,  there was no way I could afford a meal there! I kinda felt like backing out, but I didn't know how to tell Austin. He'd tried so hard to make this happen, oblivious to my obvious feelings towards him. He said I had tried to hit on him when I was drunk!

"Are you sure you can't come?", I squeaked. He laughed.

"Maisy, it's a date.Duh I can't go. And I'm working, anyway. I got a new client who wants a song."

The line stayed quiet. He sensed my fear, since I hadn't been on a date in so long, and sighed sympathetically.

"Just take the subway, or a taxi there, and then I'll pick you up at ten, ok?"

It made me feel a little better.

"Alright."

"K.See you tonight."

I hung up the phone and sighed. I would have already started getting ready if my dang phone cord could reach the bathroom. Austin was lucky and had a cellphone.

I added a bit of mascara, and some blush to compliment the pink of the outfit. I didn't know what to do with my hair, so I just left it in its natural wavy state. I slipped on some heels, and a simple gold necklace. This was it.

***

"Um, I'm looking for Ari Gene, please?", I timidly asked the host. I felt small in this big, odd room. The lighting was low, but from what I could see, it looked all high class.

"Ahh yes, Mr.Gene told me he'd be expecting a ravishing young lady to join him.Follow me Madame", his mustache twitched as he talked, and he bid me follow him. We stopped at a table where a man with slicked back hair was reading a menu. My jaw wanted to drop; he was so much more gorgeous than in the papers. He was definitely dressed to impress in a grey suit and black tie. I wouldn't be surprised if he changed his profession to model.

"Mr.Gene, Madame Maisy.", the host gestured to me, as if I was a big gift being presented to Ari. I blushed, as the host pulled the seat opposite from Ari for me to sit in. He left us alone, and it was as if my mind had gone completely blank; I just stared at Ari. He chuckled.

"Hi.", he tried to break my trance.

"Hi.", I fidgeted in my seat.

"Maisy", he reached over to place his hand over mine,"you don't have to be afraid. I'm just an ordinary guy." He flashed me a smile and I just about died. I nodded an ok, and tried my best not to hide behind my menu.

"So, tell me about yourself."

"Well, there's not much to tell. I kinda just do nothing. I hang out with Austin.", I rubbed my shoulder.

"Austin.", he beamed," man, I love that guy."

"How do you guys know each other?"

"Oh, it was a long time ago. I met Austin when J&G invested in music for a while."