One Chance

Chapter 7

We rummage through my wardrobe for almost an hour and decide on 3 outfits.

"Well, this is tiring. It's just a bookstore opening, do I really have to put in so much effort? I mean he should like me for me right ? My flaws and all ! If he really doesn't like me then all of this will be for nothing ", I say trying to convince myself while sighing at all the clothes scattered around my room.

" Stop being so dramatic. It's good to feel your best when you need courage to ask someone out. Think of it as making an effort rather than trying too hard. Plus it's nice dressing up once in a while. If you need company, I'll do it too. Plus if our plan fails which I'm sure it won't , because I have a feeling he likes you too, it'll be a win-win situation", Amanda replies with as much optimism as she could muster up.

" I guess you're right. So which one of these three is the winner? " I say looking at the three outfits on my bed.

" Well, let's see... I think the red dress is pretty sexy but too much for a casual opening, the blue one is really pretty but i think it'll be better for an actual date. The last one ..... I think this is the best... Yellow summer dress,. I think this is the winner. It's goes so well with your brown eyes and brunette hair. " Amanda says picking up the dress and twirling with it all over my room.

" That settles it then!.I'm sleepy now. Since the opening is around 11,I can get up late finally. Can you please make the breakfast tomorrow please....", I ask Amanda with the best pleading voice that i can manage.

" Sure..... What would you do without me as your best friend ",replies Amanda. She then laughs and goes back to her room.

I clean up the mess around my room and finally go to sleep.

I wake up the next day with the fresh smell of waffles. "Amanda...." I scream with joy and join her in the dinning area.

" Someone is excited for today... does it have anything to do with a certain bookstore owner ?". Amanda says with an accusing tone but starts laughing the next second like it's very funny.

" I don't know what you are talking about ... I'm just happy to see waffles in the morning. I'm completely innocent" I argue back, while holding back a smile on my face.

We finish eating and get ready soon after and head to my parent's house.

My mom takes one look at me and I can see the huge smile on her face. She comes up to me and says," I have always told you you are very pretty but there's something about you today that is making you look prettier. "

" Mom, I just got a little dressed up today because I felt like it. Look at Amanda she is looking really pretty too, don't you agree?" I say quickly trying to divert her attention.

My mom then goes to talk to Amanda, while I go chat with Dad for a while. After half an hour all four of us head towards the bookstore. By the time we reach there are already many people inside.

We head in while greeting everyone on our way. The best part about living in a small town is that, you definitely know everyone. My parents quickly go and mingle with others while Amanda and I try to search for Toby or Mark whoever we can spot first.

In a few minutes we spot Mark talking to Toby, that's just our luck I guess or in my case I am relieved Toby isn't alone. I already feel my palms sweating and my heart racing a bit. I am definitely nervous and I secretly make it a point in my head to not back down no matter what happens.

Mark hugs both Amanda and I as soon as he sees us. Meanwhile , Toby who looks really good today in his white and black shirt and his perfect smile waves at us. Amanda immediately gets into a conversation with Mark and leads him away from us.

Finally, it's just Toby and I standing there with a smile on both of our faces. He is the first to speak and I am super grateful for that because I am a little too nervous to say anything.

" You look really beautiful. I am glad you are here, I was actually waiting for you. " He says still with a smile on his face and also if I am not hallucinating,looks really happy to see me.

" Thank you, you look great too. The store looks really nice. The turnout is awesome. I hope things go well for you in our town. I was looking forward to coming today", I say looking right at him and his blue eyes.

" Well, why don't you stick around after the event is done. Maybe we can grab some late lunch together. I mean only if you are free that is, I know it's very last minute",he says taking me by surprise.

" Yes, I would like that", I say, a little more enthusiastically than I should have.

" Well, see you then, I have to go mingle now but I'll come find you right after okay? Don't go anywhere. If you need to find me then send me a text I'll come to you. " He says waiting for me to give him an answer.

"Sure.. see you then!", I reply with a nod.

He then walks away to talk to other people while I find my way to Amanda and Mark.

" Soooooo, did you ask him?", Amanda asks even without a second thought.

" I didn't..." I say to tease her a little.

" What..... but I really thought, this is your chance . I mean it's not too late yet , you can still go ask him", she says with a little worried look on her face.

" Hahahahaha, awww Amanda I didn't ask him because he asked me first. We are going for lunch after the event. I just want to tease you a little but your reaction is so worth it. " I say almost laughing in between my words.

" So mean, I am your best friend and this is how you treat me.... I will get my revenge on you someday, hehehe but you are going on a date finally , yaaaay I am so excited", she says clearly happy for me.

" Well, till then let's take a look around then." I say while I take her hand and we go around the store taking a look.

Amanda ends up buying a couple books, while I get two. The store is clearing out now as the event is dying down. Soon almost everyone leaves and only Toby,Mark, Amanda and I are left.

Amanda then grabs Mark and tells him " You should treat me to lunch, why don't we go to the restaurant ? I know it has been a while since we have spent time together and you cooked for Toby and Lucy when they visited you,I feel so left out. "

" Sure, I don't mind, but shouldn't we ask Lucy and Toby if they would like to join too" Mark says not realising the situation.

"I have something to do later " , Toby says quickly .

" Me too", I add.

" Okay, well I guess we will get going then," Mark says and he leaves with Amanda.

Toby then looks up while I wait for him near his car. He meets me a few minutes later and then I ask" so where are we going ?"

" You'll know when we get there", he says and we both get in his car.

We ride off and I sit there unable to wipe the smile off my face and by the look on Toby's face it feels like he feels the same way.