The Art of Late Blooming

Chapter Four

When I get to the Tex-Mex place, I park in front and head on inside. I immediately see Kyra and two men at a table and head over. During my commute, I take a moment to assess the situation. The guy sitting next to Kyra on the right is obviously James, they're talking and laughing. He's cute, not really my type but definitely someone I can see Kyra being into. They make a cute couple. Across from James, the other guy sits and man am I caught off guard. He's smoking hot. Not in the same way as Matthew of course, but this man could possibly be his equal. He's got reddish brown hair. It's short and curly. Not what I would say the perfect mans hair would be but on him it totally works! Luckily, from the door I came in I have the best view of him. I can see his eyes from where I am crossing the room and they're an amazing green. Completely unique, I'd never seen green eyes like these before. So admittedly this guy is beautiful but I remind myself that I am still on the track to Matthew Hansen, my childhood dream come true. I reach the table and take the seat left for me across from Kyra. "Hi everyone, sorry I'm late." They all say their hellos and we have the typical introductions. I learn that Mr. Green Eyes name is Noah. Noah Scott. Simple. Sexy. Love it.

I resolve myself to being fun and nice while keeping my guard up, as always. I learn that James works for an auto body shop and races as a hobby (completely legally he assures me.) he invites me to come with Kyra to a race of his sometime. He seems really great, and I can tell that he and Ky are super into each other. They're very flirty and he's actually able to take her sarcastic brand of flirting and give it right back to her. They're well suited, I give Ky a quick nod and smile to let her know I approve. I notice that Noah is quiet. He doesn't speak much while we order drinks and talk about what food we're all going to order but I guess he just needed time to get comfortable because by the time our food is out he's going on with the rest of us. I learn quite a bit about him. He's a first responder, a paramedic. He says he loves the job but doesn't really say much else about it. He mostly talks about what he does in his free time. He plays guitar and loves music, he likes to go fishing when he can, and he does volunteer work with the county he works for. He really seems like a good guy. We laugh a lot, the four of us. We all have the same silly sense of humor and I find myself actually having a great time.

When we'd all had enough to eat the checks came. James took his and Ky's and Noah had his but mine never showed up. I turn to get the waiter's attention but Noah stops me. "Don't worry, before you got here I told her we'd be on one. I've got yours." Well, what a gentleman. Normally I wouldn't protest but I was adamant that this was not a date and as much as I liked Noah, I didn't want him to get that idea. "Oh no, you don't have to do that Noah. I really appreciate it but I can get my own." But of course, he insists. I let it go and thank him with a smile. He really was a sweet guy. Apparently, he and James had ridden together so we walked over to where they were parked. The car was a black Jeep, immediately I knew it was Noah's. It had an American flag decal on the black with an extra thin white line, showing support for Emergency Medical Services. I've always believed that the kind of car someone drives says a lot about them. Noah's car suited him. Cool but not flashy. We said our goodbyes and gave hugs. Ky and I walked over to where she was parked (champagne colored Chevy Cruise, pretty and simple, perfect for her). "I actually had a great time Ky. James is so great, I like you too together." She beams, "I am SO glad you two got along so well! This went better than I hoped. Noah is just smitten with you!" Oh boy. "Kyra. He's great, but you know me. I don't date." She huffs at me. "Anastasia, you need to get out there. You're great! You need to let people in and you have no idea how happy you can be! Noah is awesome. I really think you guys would be amazing together. You both need each other. So, stop being stubborn and forget about the 8th grade. We're 23 now and you're a whole new person, Matthew would probably shit a brick if he knew you now!" And just like that, again, I realized that I hadn't thought of Matthew all evening. Maybe she's right.

On the drive home I thought about Matthew more than I had since seeing him again. I remembered how amazing he seemed in school. Also, how fantastic he looked at the party. He's still the rock star I remember and I still feel the same way I always had. Giddy and excited whenever he was around. By the time I arrived back home I had my mind made up. I was calling Matthew, tonight. I run inside and tell Luna my plan and pick up the phone before I lose my nerve. I only consider hanging up four times while the phone line trills. "Hello?" Oh, the sweet and sultry voice of Mr. Matthew Hansen. My insides lurched. "Hey Matthew, it's Anastasia. Kelsey gave me your number and said you wanted me to call? What's up?" I hope to God he doesn't hear my voice shaking. Although, at this point I'm not sure if it's due to nerves or excitement. Maybe both. "Oh! Anastasia, I'm so glad you called. When I didn't hear from you I thought maybe you didn't want to talk to me. Or that you were still mad at me." Bless him, so sweet. "No, of course not. All water under the bridge now." "Great, great. In that case. I was hoping I could take you out sometime?" OMG. My inner middle school me was screaming. Finally, after all this time. Matthew Hansen could be mine! "Yeah, sure. That could be fun. I'd love to." I reply. So cool, like I'm not exploding. "Really? Awesome! How's this weekend? I can pick you up Friday at 5? We could do dinner and maybe see a movie?" Yes. Yes. And YES! "Sounds perfect, I'll see you then." I barely remember saying goodbye, I just know when the phone clicked and he could no longer hear me, I did happy squeals. The 3 days til Friday seemed like such a long time.