And They Were Roommates

San Francisco

"You love me?" Hearing him say I was the one he loved left the biggest smile on my face. My face was red, and I could see Samuel starting to blush as well. This was the first time he ever told me he loved me or anyone who wasn't my parents. Hearing those words left butterflies in my stomach, and I didn't want them to go.

"Hunter, I really do love you. I've never said that to anyone before, but with you, it feels right." I was speechless. I never really thought about if I loved Samuel. Don't get me wrong, I really like him. He's perfect in every single way. I was just scared. Love is a strong word, I'm just afraid if I say it now, it won't be right. I like him a lot, but I don't know if that's love. I've never been in love before, so how would I know I love Sam?

"You don't have to say it back right now, but I bet by the end of the night, you'll know. Let me take you out for a night you'll remember. I promise at the end of the night you'll say it back." I couldn't help myself from giggling. "Is that a challenge? What are you gonna do, sweep me off my feet and fall madly in love with you?" Samuel grinned and nodded. "That's the plan."

He started up the car to begin our journey. "Tonight, I will be taking you to one of my favorite places in the bay, San Francisco." All of a sudden, I got really excited. Even though I had been here for about six months, I never left Santa Cruz. I've always wanted to go to San Francisco, but I was always too busy with school. Technically, I've been there before because of the airport, but I don't think that counts.

"Why didn't you tell me beforehand? I would have brought a camera to take videos and pictures." Samuel laughed and placed one hand on my thigh. "Honey, I didn't know this was happening until now. On the bright side, we will only have this day in our memories." We aren't even in San Francisco, and he's already sweeping me off my feet. I could get used to being called Honey.

The drive was pretty boring until we got to the Bay Bridge. I could see the famous skyline perfectly. I rolled down my window and let the cool seaside air into the car. It was the perfect temperature. Samuel made a silly comment about how it was freezing. I forgot he's not used to the cold. I could see boats out on the water and even the infamous Alcatraz. I've seen many movies that take place in San Francisco but actually being here is fantastic.

"Welcome to the city. You're gonna love it." We were finally off the bridge and in the city. There was so much going on. I looked over at Samuel with the biggest smile on my face. I was genuinely excited for whatever Sam had planned. Like he did with his hometown, as we passed by things, he would tell me small stories. Something about his tone told me he liked San Francisco more than home.

He parked the car on some random street that didn't have a parking meter. I was starting to get nervous, but my excitement killed the nerves. "You ready to walk?" Walk? I did not sign up for that. "Are you really going to make me walk? Don't you have a car for a reason?" Sam chuckled and shook his head. "You can't get around the city efficiently in a car. We'd spend all our time looking for a parking spot. If you want, I can carry you?" I was going to agree until a guy in a pedicab stopped by us.

"You boys want a lift? I'll take you anywhere for a price." Before Samuel could reject him, I hopped in. "I guess so. Take us to Pier 39." Samuel got in, and the guy started pedaling. Sam put his arm around me and gave me a kiss on the head. I rested my head on his shoulder as we were taken around the city. We would pass by statutes and famous buildings, and our driver would give us facts about it.

It wasn't too long until we got to our destination. I was going to pay, but Samuel beat me to it. "I'm taking you on a date, not the other way around." I just rolled my eyes at how cheesy he was being. From the outside of the pier, there was already a lot going on. They had double-decker busses giving tours, a live jazz band, and so many people. Samuel took my hand as I let him lead the way.