What The Heart Wants (Stereo Kicks/ James Graham)

Chapter 78

Thursday went by as expected. Our morning was spent at the studio working on both of our songs, and then we learned the rest of the choreography for the performances. Since Just The Way You Are had acting and whatnot, our staging and 'choreography' for Run was really simple that way it was easy to remember. I think this is going to be a good week for us. I can feel it. When we got home, James told me to get dressed in something nice and be ready to leave by 4pm. It's 3:15pm now. "What? Where are we all going?" I asked him. "We all aren't going anywhere. Me and you are going on a date. Our first date to be exact and we have dinner reservations at 5pm, so chop, chop gorgeous." He smiled brightly and then left my room. Our first real date. I got excited butterflies as I dug through my closet looking for something to wear. We're probably doing the basic dinner and a movie so I don't have to look too fancy. In the end I decided on a cute and simple black lace dress. Every girl should own a little black dress, and now I finally have a reason to wear mine. I laid it down on my bed and ran to the bathroom to begin curling my hair. I decided loose waves would look best with this particular dress. Once my hair was done, I applied my make up and then put my dress on. I found my black pumps, slipped them on, and checked myself out in the mirror. I looked pretty. It wasn't anything special, but I certainly wouldn't wear this just anywhere. I checked my phone, which I bought when me and Layla went shopping the other day. I had left over stripper money and I needed a phone, so I caved. It's 3:54pm. I'm amazing. Only a true genius could pull of this look in less than forty-five minutes. "Aria you ready?" James knocked on my door. "Coming." I said before grabbing my purse, and my coat from the closet. When I opened the door I almost 'awed' outloud. James was in a black suit, with a red dress shirt and a black tie underneath. He looked handsome and sexy at the same time. "You look perfect." He smiled, but I was too busy checking him out, to notice him checking me out. "Thanks. You look...adorably sexy." We both chuckled. "Why thank you my love." He said dramatically, like he was in an old movie. "Shall we be going now?" He had a fake sophisticated accent and I couldn't help but smile. "We shall." I mimicked his accent and behavior, and we walked arm-in-arm down the stairs and outside. When we got outside, I was in awe of the car that was waiting for us. It was a black, 2014 Camaro. "It's beautiful." I admired. "But uh, where'd you get it?" I asked after the awe wore off. "It's mine. Well, my parents. They let me borrow it for the night." He smiled and walked me to the car. "Wait, you don't have your license." I stopped. "No, but I have my permit." He replied. "Your parents are seriously gonna let you drive this with just a permit?" I asked, astonished at his parents trust. "Yes. Now will you let me open the door for you? Can't be late for our reservation." He said. "Fine." I gave in. He smiled and opened my car door for me, then shut it once I was seated inside. "Here we go." He said excitedly as he started the car and pulled out of the driveway. I tried my best to enjoy the ride, but it was really hard with James driving. "You are seriously the worst driver I have ever met. How the hell did you get your permit?" I asked, tightening my seatbelt. "I passed the written test. Now shush, no passenger seat driving." He said and turned the radio up so we could hear the music. For a minute I was actually afraid we would never make it to the restaurant. But we did. And when we walked inside, I was so glad I chose a dress and not leggings and a dress shirt. This place was so extravagant I was scared I would break anything I touched. I continued to admire the decor while James informed the girl of our reservation. "James, this place has to cost a fortune." I whispered as the hostess led us to our table. "Yes, but the food is delicious and I want you to have the best. Only for tonight though, after this it's McDonals and Wendy's only." He joked. I love this James. Don't get me wrong, I love every side of James, but playful, lighthearted James is who I fell in love with. "Here you are. Your waiter will be right with you. Enjoy." The hostess said before walking away. James politely pulled my chair out for me to sit and then sat down himself. "Such a gentleman. Where has this man been since bootcamp?" I joked. "Ha, you're so funny. I can be a gentleman when I want to be, I just don't have many reasons to be." He said. "Fair enough." I smiled and looked at the drink menu. I knew right then and there that I would be drinking water because everything else was ungodly expensive. "Good evening. I'm javier and I will be your server for tonight. Can I start you off with something to drink?" Our waiter, Javier, asked. "I'll just have a water." I smiled. "I'll have a water as well, but can I also get two glasses of your best champagne, please and thank you." James ordered. My eyes widened at the word champagne. When Javier was out of hearing range I looked at James. "What?" He asked. "You can't afford champage. We'll barely be able to afford the freaking water." I whispered loudly. "Will you just calm down and enjoy this night. I have enough money, trust me." He said calmly. I took a deep breath and picked up the food menu. My eyes immediately gravitated towards the chicken penne. It looked at sounded delicious. But it was seventeen dollars. "Stop worrying about the price." James said from the other side of his menu. "How did you even-" "because I know you. Get whatever you want. Please." He said, all while looking at his menu. "Fine." I sighed and set my menu down since I knew what I was getting. A few moments later James set his down too and we looked at each other. "My parents really like you." James said after a few minutes. "I really like them, they're great. I definitely see where you get your personality and sense of humor." I complimented. Just then, Javier brought us our water and champagne. "Here you go. Are we all set to order?" He asked. "Yes, I'll have the 8 ounce steak, medium rare, with mashed potatoes and can I get asparagus instead of broccoli please?" James asked. "Of course. And for you?" Javier looked at me. "The chicken penne please." I said quietly. "And would you like your chicken grilled, or breaded?" Javier asked. "Grilled, please." I smiled politely and James and I handed him our menus. "Anyway, where were we?" I asked once we were alone again. "You were just telling me how amazing you think I am." James answered. "Mmm sorry, that doesn't ring a bell." I smiled. "Rude." He said, and placed a hand over his heart like he was wounded by my words. "You are such a diva." I rolled my eyes and chuckled at his childish behavior.

***

Dinner was amazing. The food was great, the champagne was even better, and me and James had an awesome time. I really needed a night out with just him. "Ok, it's almost 6:30pm. What do you want to do? We could go see a movie? I know dinner and a movie is kind of the cliché first date, but there aren't many other options." He said as we sat in the car in the parking lot of the restaurant, debating on what to do next. "Oooor, we could go home, get in our sweats, get cozy under the blankets, and watch a Disney movie on your laptop." I suggested. As much as I love being alone with James, doing actual couple things, I was super tired and really wanted to get into some yoga pants. "That sounds, amazing." He grinned and started the car. It purred to life, and we regrettably began our drive back to the house, and back to chaos.

AAWW JARIA'S FIRST DATE :') IT'S A LITTLE SHORT, I KNOW. BUT I HOPE YOU LIKED IT NONETHELESS! :D DON'T FORGET TO VOTE AND COMMENT YOU BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE! ♡