FIRE | H.S.

Chapter 5

Evan and I have been texting for about three weeks and he occasionally goes to the spa just to see me, although he doesn't stay for long because he knows I've got too much work.

He sends memes and always makes me laugh, I don't think there's been a day since I gave him my number that he hasn't made me laugh or smile with something he's said. He also sends me good morning and good night texts and always asks me about my day and how work went.

Sometimes he calls me and we talk about movies we've recently watched and which ones we recommend.

Whenever I get a text notification my stomach fills with butterflies and my heart does a little cartwheel.

Evan: Are you sure you don't want me to pick you up?

Me: I'm sure! I'll meet you at the restaurant!

Evan: See you soon!

We're going on our first date tonight. I finally feel ready for it, however, like in other first dates I've been to, I will drive myself to the location. Just in case the date goes wrong and I need to leave.

But I have a feeling it will go just fine.

Like always, I look at myself in the mirror, making sure my outfit, hair, and makeup are perfect. My hands begin to sweat and I feel lightheaded.

I walk towards my bed and sit on the edge, breathing in deeply but it feels like the air has become thicker. I can hear my erratic heartbeat.

I place one hand over my chest as if that were to help relieve the pressure I'm feeling. "Not now," I whisper, closing my eyes. "Please, not now." I gasp for air, silently pleading for the anxiety to go away.

I stand back up and manage to make my way to the chair where my purse is. With shaky hands, I pull out my little lamb, quickly hugging it to my chest and letting my back fall back against the wall. "I'm okay, I'm okay, I'm okay," I whisper.

I hug my lamb tighter and keep telling myself that I'm safe. Little by little, I can breathe again and my heart rate slows down.

I feel the tears threatening to fall but I blink them back and keep trying to control my breathing.

After about five minutes, I feel better. Not great, but better. I consider texting Evan and canceling our date but I stop myself from doing so. I can't keep letting my anxiety stop me from going out.

My little lamb goes back into my purse and I walk out of my bedroom. I let Evan know I'm on my way and once I make sure my house is locked, I get in my car, start the ignition and drive to the restaurant.

Evan is waiting outside the restaurant for me and once he sees me, a big smile appears on his chiseled face.

"Hey, beautiful," he says, causing my face to heat up.

"Hey," I smile, briefly looking away from his charming smile.

Why does he make so nervous? He's attractive as hell but it's not like he's Chris Hemsworth or Tom Hiddleston.

"Shall we go in?" I nod and he opens the door for me.

The hostess takes us to our table and tells us our waiter will be with us soon.

I find myself not knowing what to say or how to act. It's been a while since I've been on a date, but Evan and I text all the time and we never run out of things to say. I really thought it would be just like that in person.

Lucky for me, he's the one who speaks first.

"I must say, I've been looking forward to this date since I asked for your number."