The Best is Yet to Come

Eighteen: Noah

I think this girl was made for me.

I'm smiling like an idiot. That was by far the best date I've ever been on. I barely even touched her and yet, I feel a connection to her unlike anything I have ever felt before. I don't understand it. I've only spent a few hours with Emma but I can already sense something growing between us. All I can think about is when I'm going to see her again.

I was surprised at just how much her body could affect me. Even just being in her presence, I felt more alive, I felt more me. We could have sat in complete silence, just being together and I bet today still would have been amazing.

The Uber pulls up to my apartment. I thank the driver and, feeling generous, give him a sizable tip. I can't wipe the smile off my face when I enter the apartment and Chris definitely notices. One look at my face and he knew something was up.

"Woah, someone looks like they've just been laid," he snickers as I walk into the living room. I plop myself down on the couch and lay back against the cool leather, closing my eyes and still feeling blissful.

"Even better" I say. "I've been with Emma all morning. We met for coffee and talked until after lunch. She's incredible." I open one eyelid, taking a look at Chris who just shakes his head in disbelief.

"Just talked? Boy, you've got it bad. You're worse than a hormonal tween." Chris leans over to pat my back. "I'm glad you're feeling better though. One more day of that and I was ready to call Evelyn."

"You wouldn't dare." I challenge.

Chris rolls his eyes until his gaze rests on the video game controllers sitting on the table. He looks at them with longing, then back at me with puppy dog eyes. He looks ridiculous and when he starts whimpering like a dog, I snatch up the controllers and toss one at him.

"Shut up already!" I laugh but I'm thankful I can share this moment with Chris. Joy feels so much better when you can share it with someone else. I feel great and lay back, falling deeper into the couch.

Two pizzas and a side of mozzarella sticks later, the evening ends with the game scored at thirty to twenty-one, with Chris in the lead. I'm out of focus tonight, my every thought inevitably leading back to Emma in some way. Her laugh, her hair, her lips. I can't get her off my mind and eye my phone resting beside me, my fingers twitching.

I want to talk to her so badly, but I don't know if I've waited long enough. Typically, I would wait a day or two before texting after the first date, if it ever got to that. And besides, I don't want to bother her at work.

But I really want to text her.

This is so novel to me. I've never wanted anyone like this before. I've never wanted to talk to someone so badly but I don't want... no, I can't screw this up.

My phone vibrates beside me, and I smile, a familiar name flashing across the screen. What perfect timing. I swear this girl was made for me.

I open her message:

My cheeks are sore from smiling so much today.

I actually feel giddy and quickly type my reply.

Should I apologize?

I already know the answer to that. I learned very quickly how easy it was for me to make her smile and I love it.

Never.

Her response is fuel to the flame and I type my next message, trying to write what I've been dying to say to her all day.

Good. You have the most beautiful smile in the world and I won't apologize for gracing the world with it.

Completely distracted now, and definitely not in the right headspace for video games, I say a goodnight to Chris and seek privacy in my bedroom, closing the door behind me. My phone buzzes with another incoming message:

Can I make you dinner tomorrow night?

I couldn't think of anything I'd rather do tomorrow... well nothing else that didn't involve her, so I quickly agree and ask about her address and what time she wanted me there. I feel the buzz of her next reply:

Thank you for today. I haven't been this happy in a long time.

The heat in my chest blooms, practically cooking me from the inside out. I feel like her message makes me happier than it should but I don't care. I'm elated that I have the same effect on her that she does me. I feel exactly the same way about her.

I can't stop thinking about you. I write.

I can't stop thinking about those ducks. She includes a duck emoji in her response and I laugh.

I'm still surprised that I told her about my dad and the ducks. I don't know why I wanted to take her there; a place so sacred to me. I shared more about my dad with her than I do with most people. I didn't intend to but it slipped out. I felt so comfortable around her, like I could tell her anything.

I feel the buzz of another text.

Truth Game?

There was no way in Hell I was going to pass up an opportunity to learn more about her so I quickly send a response.

Of course! I believe it's my turn...

I roll over on my side and get comfortable, trying to decide what to ask her first.