From Geekville To Gorgeous Town

Chapter 38

We made small talk along our trip to his home town. I admit I was rather nervous riding along. It was not that Tristen was a bad driver, it was that this was my first time riding with someone other than my parents or Aunt Trudy.

My stomach was starting to growl after smelling my mothers wonderful cooking for so long. I did not think a hot dog would fill me up. I did not want to say anything to compromise Tristen's plans. I would make do.

Tristen was either a focused driver or nervous, because he would have long moments of silent pauses. The radio was turned way down as well. I could catch an occasional chorus line or random high beat. I was feeling a little uncomfortable. I guess my expression must have gave it away, because he squeezed my hand and began talking again.

The trip felt long. I suppose it was the antsy and overwhelming sensations that made such an impact. I kept swallowing hard trying to be patient.

Tristen surprised me when we stopped by a small store. I was a little relieved. My racing thoughts was running wild in my mind. He looked over at me and smiled.

"You look like you have been on your first roller coaster ride." He joked. I playfully swatted at him, and he made a pretend playful grunt as if he was in pain. I shook my head with disbelief. He reached for my hand and we entered the small store.

I looked around checking out all of the merchandise. It reminded me of a bait and tackle store. It had a similar smell. Tristen went to the soda cooler and grabbed a soda.

"Are you thirsty?" He asked with a twinkle in his eye. I warmed up inside feeling wanted and I nodded my head yes. I picked out a soda as well. We walked down the aisles looking at the snacks. Tristen grabbed the manly choice, a bag of beef jerky. He reminded me of my father. I smiled at the thought of my father always doing the same thing when he was with my mother and I. There was so many choices and I had a hard time making up my mind. I was really hungry, but snacking would spoil my appetite later and leave me wanting to snack the rest of the evening. I ended up choosing a pack of peanut butter and cheese crackers. Tristen smiled and shook his head in disbelief.

"That's all you want?" He asked with a concerning look,

"I don't want to spoil my appetite." I spoke honestly. He shrugged it off and took our items to the cashier. After paying for our drinks and snacks he reached for my hand again, and we went back to his car. He sat on his trunk and opened his drink and beef jerky. I followed his lead and sat beside him. We ate in silence until we was both finished.

"I think this area is so peaceful." Tristen said to lighten the mood. I smiled in agreement. It was a rather secluded area in the middle of the woods. You could hear nature all around us.

Tristen hopped down and offered his hand to help me down. He threw away our trash and opened the passenger door for me to get back in. I smiled at him through the window as he closed the door. He winked at me and walked around to the driver seat. We both fastened our seat belts and he started the car.

"We don't have too much further to go." He said patting my hand and stealing a quick glance at me.

"I thought you played softball?" I asked curiously.

"I normally do, but I want to keep you company." He answered smiling. I liked that answer. I would have felt out of place by myself watching him play. Although I bet he would look amazing in tight softball pants.

"How long is the games?" I continued to question him.

"Usually an hour and 15 minutes. If you don't enjoy it then we can leave early. The best part of the ballpark is the delicious hot dogs and snacks." He said smiling but not taking his eyes off the road. I was starting to feel more at ease.