now or never - charlie gillespie

chapter six

After a five minute lecture from Ava on my wardrobe choices she reluctantly helped me fix my hair and makeup. It was getting chilly outside so I opted for a white oversized hoodie and some jeans. Honestly, knowing how nervous I was going to be I wanted to at least be wearing something I would be comfortable in. Also, I'm such a cold person. I didn't want to be complaining about the weather to him at all.

Ava gave me a hug. "Have fun girl! You deserve it," she said squeezing me tighter. "Don't worry about anything. I've got you covered." She said giving me one more squeeze and walking off to do my shift. Gosh I loved my friends so much.

As I stood in the lobby waiting for him, it hit me how pathetic I probably looked. I was in way over my head, wasn't I? What if he didn't show? How embarrassing would that be? My stomach started to hurt. Oh no, not my stupid nerves again. I started to feel nauseous. Maybe I should have grabbed something to eat before leaving my house this morning.

Suddenly I heard the elevator ring, and then Charlie came walking out. He stood there for a second letting his eyes scan all across the lobby looking for me, I hoped. His eyebrows furrowed. I smiled at the ground. He probably thought I stood him up. When he finally saw me, his face lit up and he smiled so big. Suddenly all the nerves I had went away. I was mesmerized by him. Man, that smile is going to be the death of me I just know it!

"Lake..." he said as he got to me. "You ready?" I nodded my head and he smiled, holding his arm out so I can walk in front of him. He led me outside and I stopped, waiting for his directions. I had no idea where we were going. "Oh I thought maybe we'd walk to where I wanted to go. It's not far from here at all. I saw it while we were driving home yesterday."

"Is it that lake down the road?" I happened to ask. His face dropped and he looked at me. He's so adorable! I couldn't tell if my cheeks were red from the breeze or from my constant blushing at every single word he said.

"Damn it! How'd you know? I wanted to surprise you," he said looking genuinely upset.

"I've never been there, don't worry. I always pass it on my way to work. It's gorgeous." I said and I began to walk. He suddenly stopped walking so I stopped at well.

"I feel like we've never properly introduced ourselves." He said. He held out his hand. "Hi. I'm Charlie. Charlie Gillespie." I just stared at his hand. I looked back up at his face and realized he was being 100% serious. I giggled and tucked a strand of hair behind my ear.

"I'm Lake. Lake Baker," I said taking his hand and shaking it. Woah there, I thought to myself. Those butterflies in my stomach need to calm down. I don't how I was going to make it through today.

"I like your laugh, Lake. It's cute," he said still holding my hand. We stood there for a full minute, just smiling at each other, shaking each others hand. And then finally I let go and began walking.

"So are you liking it here so far?" I asked thinking that maybe if I was about to spend the rest of the day with him I'd have to get my nerves out of the way now.

"Is Lake Baker actually asking me a question?" He asked.

"Ha ha very funny," I said sticking my tongue out at him. Shit. What was that? And then he giggled. Maybe I hadn't ruined it yet.

"Honestly I'm loving it so far. I really wanted to surf but it's a bit cold now. I guess I'll just have to come back when it gets warmer," he said looking straight ahead with a big smile.

"You'd come back?" I said and I almost cringed at how squeaky my voice sounded. Way to not sound desperate.

"Are you kidding me?" He said as we finally approached the lake. "Of course i'd come back! Look at this view!"