'Tis confusion!

champagne and shadows

When I finally pulled into my driveway, it was after seven-thirty. I went inside and fed my pets, then plopped onto the couch and scrolled through my Facebook feed. My profile picture had over six hundred likes, and I had twenty-three new friend requests, including ones from Sal, Joe, Barbara and Murr. I added them all, and within five minutes, I had also received requests from Bessy and Emily. I added them, too, then went to Q's page. The likes count on our photo together was at over three thousand. I was floored. I sat on my couch, just looking at the picture for what felt like an eternity, before my phone buzzed rapidly in my hand and I almost dropped it from surprise. It was a text from Q.

"Hey dollface, just making sure you got home ok. I didn't hear from you :( "

Crap. He was right. I quickly sent off a reply.

"I'm sorry, just walked in the door. Wanted to kick my feet up for a few. Didn't mean to worry you <3"

Less than a minute later, my phone buzzed again.

"No need to apologize. Just making sure you're safe. Be there soon, I already miss your beautiful face <3"

I blushed, then sent back , "Aww, you're too sweet. I miss you too, hurry back :D"

I settled back on the couch and closed my eyes. As incredible and mind-blowing as these last couple days had been, they'd also been a little...tiring. I just needed to rest my eyes for a minute...

No sooner had my eyes closed (or so I thought), my phone buzzed angrily in my lap. I shot straight up and looked at the time. Eight fifty-two. " Shit, shit, shit! I fell asleep!" The buzzing kept going. I answered. "Hello?"

"Mara? It's Brian. Everything ok?"

"Yes and no. I must have dozed off on the couch, and I literally just woke up..what about you, what's your status?"

"I'm right around the corner from your place, actually," Q said. "I was calling to make sure you were ready." I could feel the blood rush to my face. "Uhm. Heh. I mean, I guess I'm technically ready, but I really wanted to take a shower before we headed out..I can't believe I fell asleep."

"Don't worry about it," Q said. "I don't mind waiting if you want to shower. The surprise can wait for a few minutes."

"Q, you're the best. I'll leave the front door unlocked and you can let yourself in. I'll be quick."

"You got it, baby." We hung up, and I ran to the front door to unlock it. Perfect timing, because Q was just ascending the stairs as I did so. I threw the door open and pulled him inside. He gave me a hug, then followed me into the living room and sat on the couch. 

"I'll be right back, I promise." He nodded and smiled. I hightailed it to the bathroom and proceeded to take the world's quickest shower. I then stood  in front of my closet, surveying my options. I plunged my hands into the mess of clothes and thumbed through a few outfits before deciding on a black and white striped mini skirt, black lacy tank top, and my black Doc Martens with the purple shoelaces. Quick mascara and eyeliner finished the look. I ran back into the living room, dragging my hairbrush through my hair as I went. "Almost ready. Just another minute."

"Mara, would you relax?" laughed Q. "You're making me a nervous wreck watching you. I promise, I really don't mind waiting. "

"But I mind making you wait. I should have had so much time to do all this before you got here."

"It's alright, honest. And you look stunning. Honestly, if you can take five minutes and look like this, I don't see why you'd need any more time. You look wonderful." I smiled. "Well, thank you. That does make me feel better." Q stood and extended his arm to me. "Shall we?" I smiled. We walked arm in arm to the door.  He led me to his car and opened the door for me, then reached into the backseat and handed me a rainbow rose. "Woah. This is incredible...Where did you get this?" He smiled. "I bought a white rose and dyed it at home. I figured you'd like something more...unusual. "