Separated

Part 9

Stevie hadn't been on a date in a very long time. She wasn't even sure if it was a date, Lindsey asked her to dinner, there were no specifications. Still, Stevie spent most of her time at work or at home with Jade, she didn't have too many friends nor did she go out that often, so she was going to take the opportunity to dress up. 

Lindsey was supposed to show up at 7 pm, it was just after 6 and Stevie was ready. Nervous energy probably helped. Sara agreed to babysit Jade, letting Stevie know that it was okay for the girl to spend the night if needed. Unsure of when the last time was, when Stevie was by herself, she realized how quiet her home seemed to be. The time went by extremely slowly. Every few minutes she walked up to the floor length mirror in the hallway and checked her appearance. Stevie studied her reflection from every side, wondering if she should redress. Being cheated on by her husband was the last thing from a confidence boost and since she found out, Stevie had been self-conscious about every tiny detail.

The doorbell rang less than fifteen minutes before 7. Stevie instantly became nervous again as she went to answer the door. When she did, she fought back a dissatisfied groan. 

"Good evening." Jack smiled, his hands in the pockets of his jeans. He was slightly taken aback by Stevie's appearance, he wasn't used to seeing her in a figure hugging dress, which came down to just above her knees. The V-form neckline showed off her cleavage, were his eyes mindlessly drifted, before focusing on her face; darker eyeshadow, red lips. Jack hadn't seen her wearing lipstick before, ever. Stevie's hair was loose and wavy, pushed to the beck. "You look stunning."

"Thank you." Stevie said as the two of them stood in the doorway awkwardly. "It's not a very good time, Jack."

"And here I was thinking that you got ready for me." He attempted a joke, to which Stevie forced a smile. "Where are you going? Who are you going with?"

None of it should matter to you, Stevie thought. "I'm just going out with a friend."

"Oh, who?" 

Stevie gritted her teeth, wanting to roll her eyes. "You don't know her." She wasn't sure why she chose to lie.

"Maybe we could see each other later then, when you come home?" Jack pushed and Stevie didn't appreciate it. 

A car pulled into the driveway and Jack looked over his shoulder. He frowned as soon as Lindsey got out of his car. Stevie felt relieved and slightly embarrassed that she was caught in a lie. 

"A friend I don't know, huh." Jack faced Stevie again. "I think, you're making a mistake."

Jack left with that as he turned around and passed by Lindsey without even uttering a hello. 

"Problem?" Lindsey asked, approaching the house.

"No." Stevie shook her head, willing herself to forget all about Jack and his persistence, even though she quite clearly showed him that she wasn't interested. "It's good to see you."

"It's very good to see you, too." Lindsey replied, holding out his hand. 

"A sunflower?" Stevie chuckled, taking the flower from him.

"I don't know why, but it reminder me of you; just as bright and beautiful." 

"You're making me blush again." Stevie cast her eyes down. "Thank you." She said. "Give me a minute, I'll put my shoes on and we can go."

"No rush." Lindsey shrugged as he waited. He would have waited as long as needed.

Lindsey acted cool, calm and collected. The truth was, he was just as nervous if not more so. He liked Stevie from the first time they got to actually talk to each other and got to know her even if just a little bit. One thing Lindsey was sure of was that he wanted to get to know Stevie a lot better. When asking her out, he didn't specifically ask her out on a date, afraid he might scare her off or that she didn't feel the same way. 

"Ready." Stevie announced, bringing Lindsey back out of his daydream about none other than her.

"Well, then..." Lindsey offered his arm to Stevie. "Shall we?"