Earlier today me and Conner discussed another date after his work, being his boyfriend and everything I got excited and agreed. We don't go out on dates very often so I went with it and didn't question it. I was such an idiot, here's why.
I arrive at our favorite restaurant, only 5 minutes early considering I'm an early bird. Connor always calls me something with a bird in the name since I love trees so much and it's like I perch myself on a branch. I walk through the doors and sit at a booth next to the window so I can see when he starts to walk up. Almost immediately a waitress comes over, excellent service as always, and asks to take my order. I politely ask for more time, knowing he isn't here because I'm early.
A few more minutes go by and I don't worry too much, it's not bad if he's only a few minutes late. His boss usually gives him a hard time anyway so it's understandable, then the waitress comes back over and I ask for a little more, he should be here any minute. They nod and walk away to serve other tables.
Even more minutes pass by and he still isn't here, now I'm worried. He's never this late unless it's an emergency- did something happen? He would've called if something did, still I get a bit anxious. As expected the same waitress comes over again with an apologetic expression as a few others who walk out. I just feel bad now, it's like I'm wasting the waitresses time. I'll leave a decent tip before I leave to hopefully make up for it. I look at the clock again and it's been almost 45 minutes... he isn't coming.
I give up and finally decide to leave, I'm not even hungry anymore. Just as I pick up my jacket, a boy I've never seen before sits in front of me. I give a confused look before he speaks up quite loudly, "sorry I'm so late, babe, traffic is crazy right now." Then he talks regularly and adds on, "I'm Jared, just go with it yeah? Whoever didn't bother to show up is a dick." He smiles as he looks at me, I go with it because it's sweet and he's the cutest thing I have ever seen.
I set my stuff back down and act as if nothing ever happened. The waitress comes back smiling, "I see he finally showed up." She cheerfully announced as she took our orders, I didn't realize how nice everyone is here. I talk with Jared quite a bit throughout our 'date' but this feels so much like cheating and I feel bad. Connor has always been almost the perfect boyfriend, it's so unlike him to not show up for something.
I assume Jared notices my guilty look as I pick at the table because he spoke up about it. "Hey, I know how it feels to be stood up, it hurts. So having some fun is completely understandable." He plays a genuine smile as reassurance, it almost immediately makes all my worries fly away.
As we're leaving the restaurant after the best non-planned date ever, Jared stops me right in front of the window where our booth was. He grabs my hand and holds it, his hands are so soft. I look at him and he smiles nervously, is he doing what I think he's doing?
"Evan, will you go out with me?" I stare at him as my mouth opens, leaving me with a shocked expression. I pull myself back together and just smile, I guess I'm having a talk with Connor.
