Before us...

Chapter Sixteen

From one end to the other, the overwhelming fear and stress of a date swept over two residence of the small cul-de-sack located in Saratoga Springs. Lila's hands had shaken non-stop since Milo had called her after their initial conversation to inform her that he would pick her up at seven on Friday to take her to dinner. Milo had pondered over what to say to her for hours understandably not wanting to make a mistake. It had crossed his mind many times to just send her a text with the details, but he felt that he would come across as rude or lazy. He would like to avoid that. They had each calmed when they heard the others voice but as of now, they were rushing about their respective homes trying to find something acceptable to throw together in preparation for their night.

Jensen had helpfully made himself available to Lila earlier that day walking himself over to her house after Grace had made himself and Nathan aware the events of the evening. Tears of happiness had almost escaped Lila's eyes as she watched him ruffle through her closet and drawers before pulling out a pair of deep blue skinny jeans and a sweet plum shirt that ruffled nicely around the neck. He insisted she wear the pair of brown leather boots he found at the back of her closet insisting that 'every man goes mad for a girl in boots' and he left with a flourish almost as quickly as he came.

Milo, however, was going at it alone, struggling with his own attire. He had an abundance of jeans in a variety of colours laid out on the bed, each paired with a different coloured button down he felt matched. The night called for casual and comfortable they both felt. His eyes scanned the various options that he had as he stood with a towel around his waist another being used to dry his hair and one eye on the clock watching time tick by. His nerves were getting the best of him and he knew it and he quickly choose the outfit closest to him which consisted of black jeans that he would tuck into his usual boots with a light blue button down to match.

He was aware that he would never be adequately happy with his appearance tonight, far too eager to impress, far too worried about messing something up he knew he had focused on that one small detail to avoid what was to come next. The restaurant he had chosen was small and had a homey vibe that he felt Lila may appreciate. When he had called ahead to make his reservation it had dawned on him that he should investigate the place before they go on their date but he had no cause for worry. He was excited to see that the place was all but abandoned. He felt that Lila would appreciate that, he knew he did. Milo slicked his fingers with some product and ran it through his now dry hair, sleeking it up lightly at the front as to not hide his face before slipped his leather jacket up his arms. Wallet and keys were pocketed, his phone remained in a pot in the oven where it was quietest, and with a deep breath he exited his house to then be forced into a jog to get to his car. The snow was heavy today.

Pulling out of the drive, he inhaled deeply and exhaled lightly through tight lips eager to calm his rushing heart. He drove the short distance to Lila's house swinging the car round so he had an easy exit. Shutting off the engine, he sat briefly in silence to calm himself as his hands gripped the steering wheel tightly, glancing at his reflection in the mirror. A sleepless night had haunted him, but he was thankful that his eyes were for once capable of keeping that to themselves and with one last glance, he turned away, grabbed his keys after he opened his door.

Snow continued to fall to the ground around him as he marched up to the front door, his fist rising from his side to tap against the wood before he could run away. Lila jumped when she heard it, her eyes darting to the sound of Milo outside. She stood up, slowly smoothing her hands over her shirt as she rose. Zar walked with her to the door watching with interest as she pulled a deep brown leather jacket over her arms forcing her keys and purse into the impossibly small pockets.

Her heart was pounding as she reached out swinging the door open. When he smiled at her she calmed instantly feeling herself mirror the action.

"Hi." Her voice was quiet and sweet to his ears.