Second Chance

Chapter Seven

Chapter Seven

Throughout the rest of the week and the next week, Mallorie and Austin had lunch together frequently. And grant it, Mallorie enjoyed herself each time, Austin was a really great guy. Mallorie felt like their relationship was no more than a friendship but, something in the back of her mind told her that Austin wanted more. The way he looked at her sometimes when he thought Mallorie wasn't looking told her of his admiration of her. Or, when he talked to her sometimes, his voice would drop to a mild seductive tone. But, truth be told if Austin really liked her, Mallorie wasn't completely adverse to trying something new in terms of a romantic relationship. If Austin liked her, so be it. It's time for me to move on from James anyways Mallorie thought.

The following Thursday, Austin caught up with Mallorie a few minutes before her next class.

"Hey Mallorie, heading to lecture?"

"Yeah, but I have a few minutes to spare."

"Alright, so I wanted to know if I could take you out on a date this Friday night."

Mallorie was surprised, she definitely didn't see this coming, "Sure, I don't mind." she smiled. "Just text me the details."

"Okay, I'll text you all the details."

"Alright, see you later then." Then Austin walked off, but as she watched his retreating figure she couldn't help but feel like she was betraying how she really felt about James.

The next day, Mallorie got up and did her usual morning routine and got ready for her 11:00am class. She only had two classes total today and would be done by 1:25 pm. After her last class, Mallorie and her friend went and got some lunch. Afterwards, Mallorie did her laundry and started getting ready for her date that night with Austin. Austin was going to come to her room at seven and he was taking her to a Mexican restaurant about 15 minutes from the campus.

When Austin came to pick her up, Mallorie was wearing beige skinny jeans with a light fitting leopard print blouse. Austin was wearing dark denim jeans with a black dress shirt that showed off his muscles underneath. When Austin saw Mallorie, he smiled and whistled as he took in her appearance .

"You look beautiful." said Austin.

"Thank you." she smiled, however Mallorie wished Austin's comment would affect her and make her feel giddy on the inside, but it didn't.

"Let's go." then Austin and Mallorie got into the cab and took off for the restaurant. When they arrived at the restaurant, they ordered their appetizers and proceeded into a comfortable conversation. But, at this point given their history and how well they've gotten to know each other in the past few weeks, their conversations came quite easily. When their meal arrived, they took a break from talking and enjoyed their savory dinner. After their dinner, they talked some more and then left the restaurant and headed back to campus. Overall, Mallorie enjoyed herself concerning the fact that this was her first date ever. Before Austin dropped her off at her room, he kissed her goodbye on her cheek.

That night, Mallorie tried to assess her feelings for Austin. Austin really was a handsome and great guy, but she just didn't seem to feel any romantic feelings for him. And that night, Mallorie was just too tired to think through her feelings so before she knew it, she fell asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow.

The next morning, Mallorie got ready for her class and the weather was beautiful outside so she wore a light blue maxi dress with a light beige jacket with beige booties. When she finished all of her classes during the day, she realized that she didn't see Austin at all during the day. After she got back to her room after her classes, she went to the gym for an hour and half. After, her workout, she took a shower and got ready for bed so Mallorie doned on her spongebob squarepants pajama pants & shirt; but before she went to bed she saw her overflowing trashcan and decided it was time to take out the trash. The dumpster wasn't too far but it wasn't close to her room either. When she reached the dumpster, she grabbed the trash bag and reached over her head to throw the trash bag in but it fell to the floor.

"You need help with the that?" A deep masculine voice said from behind her.

Mallorie quickly spun around and saw Austin walking towards her with a grin on her face, "Austin!" Mallorie gasped, "You scared the crap out of me. What are you doing here?"

"I was hanging out with some friends and I'm about to go home now. You need some help with your trash?" He smiled.

Mallorie blushed and laughed, "No thank you, but I got it."

"So you're about to head to bed?" Austin asked

"Yeah, I'm pretty tired." Mallorie yawned.

"Well then, I'll let you go." He paused and look her over, "By the way I like your pajamas" He grinned.

Mallorie looked down at her nighttime outfit and then met Austin's gaze, and sure enough he was smiling with a twinkle in his eyes.

Mallorie smiled, "Why thank you Austin."

"Goodnight Mallorie."

She smiled, "Goodnight Austin"

Afterwards, Austin left and Mallorie went to bed. Strangely enough as soon as she was sleeping, the man who dominated her dreams wasn't Austin.

It was James.