for, liar

Chapter 22

"I haven't talked to Ben since then. He's out of my life now and I'm fine with it." I tell Maddy and walk past her towards the bathroom.

She follows me to the door and slaps her hands on the frame as I go to close it. "Wait, so you're finally over that douchebag? It's about time!"

I roll my eyes and push the door more. She puts her hand on the center of it to stop me again.

"When can I meet this mystery guy?" She asks all giddy.

I groan and let go of the handle. "He's not a mystery guy! You'll meet him if this goes well. Let me get ready please!"

She laughs, taking a step back from the doorway. "Fine, fine! Can I do your makeup?"

"I'm not wearing makeup tonight."

She crosses her arms and raises her eyebrows. "You're going natural on the first date? Don't you think that's a little...risqué?"

"No, because then he'll know what he's in for." I say and wink at her before pushing the door shut.

I hear her laugh hysterically walking down the hallway.

My nerves are shot at the idea of going on a date again. I take extra time in the shower just to soothe my anxiety if that's even possible. I sit down on the shower seat and lean my back against the wall as the water runs down my face. Hot water and steam never fails to relax me. This was a great decision.

I don't even know why I'm so nervous about tonight. I guess because I barely know this guy and Ben was really the only other guy that I've actually dated. After we broke up I was too distraught to try to put myself out there again, which is no surprise and supposedly pretty common. It's a cliché to think Miles will be different that I'm not wasting my time. He's unbelievably attractive and polite so I have no problem with getting to know him better. Even if it does end badly, I can say that I really tried this time.

As the day drags by, I finish the movie on Netflix I had started watching and get up to search for something to wear. I decide to dress semi casual to fit the no makeup vibe, but I get self conscious about being too underdressed that I change out of my jeans and put on my black leggings with a white cardigan. I finish off the look with my pair of black Roxy's and just a tad of mascara.

Maddy is sitting on the couch eating popcorn when I come out of my room around 5:30 P.M. She looks away from the TV to take in my appearance and grins.

"Well don't you look cute! Are you guys going to the bouncy house or the ball pit?"

I roll my eyes and toss a couch pillow at her face. She chuckles, gripping tightly onto the popcorn bowl in her hands.

"I'm joking! You look great, seriously. Very comfortable."

Maddy has such charm and makes a person feel all warm inside until she says shit like that that makes me want to pummel her.

"You're an ass." I laugh and flick the back of her head.

"I'm just saying! I'm assuming you're not trying to get laid?"

"Dude!"

She laughs even harder and shoves another handful of popcorn in her big mouth.

"I told you I wanted to dress as normal as possible. I'm not going to a red carpet, just a casual outing with a casual guy." I try to explain.

"But it's a date. The whole point of a date is to find out more about each other in order to start a relationship in which they want to sleep with you. You're not giving Mike even a little taste?"

Why does she say things like that?

"It's Miles and no, I'm not. If I want to dress like a hooker I'll just grab something from your closet."

"Ouch." She hisses.

"You started it. Love you!" I yell and walk into the kitchen to get a drink.

"If you're pouring wine you should pour me a glass!"

I chuckle and grab the bottle of orange juice out of the fridge. If I do decide to drink on my date, it won't be until later. I want to actually remember everything about tonight.

The next half hour flies by and soon enough the doorbell rings. I quickly get up from the couch before Maddy is able to and jog towards the door. I pull it open, not really giving myself much preparation or even a glance in the mirror to make sure I don't look too horrendous.

Miles stands about a foot away from the doormat with his arms behind his back. He's wearing a nice light blue button down with black slacks and converse. A little less casual than me, but still not overly dressy.

"Well don't you clean up nice." I blurt.

Is that really all I can think to say? I can't just assume this is him dressing up and I also can't just say he cleans up nice without saying he looks dirty any other time. Granted, any time I've seen him he's either covered in dirt and blood from an assault or sweaty from whatever he does during the day.

He smiles and returns the compliment. I know he can see that I'm nervous so I really need to try not to be distant and quiet. For someone who works at a coffee shop where we can literally yell at customers, I'm not a very social person. It isn't too bad because it means I'm less likely to be confrontational, which is Maddy's excuse for why her past relationships haven't worked out. According to her, guys hate when we talk so she lets the "rest" of her do the dating.

I don't take Maddy's advice.

"Are you ready then?" He asks and motions his head over to the car.

I wanted to invite him inside and be welcoming, I just feel like inviting a guy inside should be saved last in case the date doesn't go well. Also, I'm hoping when I do have him inside that Maddy will either be asleep or gone.

"Yes! Let me just get my stuff."

I jog back to the couch and grab my keys, quickly tossing them and my wallet into my purse. I catch Maddy's eyes locked on the doorway.

"Should I meet him now or later?" She asks, schemingly.

"Later. Please." I beg and rush out of the door.

Miles smiles at me again and walks me down the sidewalk to his car parked a few spaces from mine. He opens the door for me and I can feel my cheeks turning pink. Not many guys try to use the gentlemen's tricks so it's nice to be reminded that there are some still out there.

The seats and floorboards in his Dodge Challenger are completely spotless. He obviously has put plenty of effort so far to impress me. The night is just getting started.

Revised;