Page 41 of Trial and Error

bridget

I’m watching the latest episode of Kardashians when my phone buzzes.

It’s Monday evening, and after a long day at work, I wanted nothing more than to come home and veg out on my couch, which is exactly what I did. Natalie’s been busy recently, and I haven’t talked to her much other than a few texts here and there. Since her trip to Nashville and getting back to work, she’s been spending most of her time trying to get back into her routine.

I haven’t really spoken to Imani since we went to dinner, but we text every now and then. I can’t shake the feeling that something’s going on, whether it’s her being upset with me because of Malik or something else entirely, but I know something’s up. She barely responds to my messages, and normally when I call she answers on the first ring, but recently she’s been just sending me to voicemail.

I reach across and grab my phone from the coffee table, hoping it’s her but it’s not. I feel myself sitting upright as I see Elias’s name on my screen.

Elias

Are you busy?

Me

No, I’m in my pyjamas.

Elias

Do you think you’d be up for ditching the PJs and meeting me for a drink?

Me

Are you asking me on a date?

His response comes through immediately.

Elias

Yes. Meet me at Retros at 8PM.

I stand from my couch and make my way to my bathroom as I reply.

Me

What’s the dress code?

I step out of my pyjamas as my phone screen lights up.

Elias

Surprise me ;)

A wink. Elias sent me a wink. I bite my lip to stop the smile from spreading, shaking my head over the fact I’m getting butterflies over a flirty message. I open my closet, and my eyes immediately find the dress I was looking for. It was a little black dress that Imani insisted I buy myself after my breakup, one that I haven’t yet worn. It’s perfect—not too tight that I can’t move, but tight enough to highlight my assets. It falls an inch or two under my ass, and I step back and admire myself in my mirror.

Oh, he’s going to be surprised, all right.

It’s not often that I get dressed up for anyone but myself, but his message makes me want to put in an effort for him. As I run my hands down over my hips, I smile—it feels nice having someone to look good for, even if it is only temporary.

By the time I get to the bar, I’m a bundle of nerves. It’s busier than I figured and when I head inside, I find myself struggling to find Elias. I make my way through, peeking at the tables in an attempt to find my date. I puff out my cheeks as I look around and I’m about to pull my phone out to call him when a hand snakes around my waist and the familiar smell of pine wraps around me.

Elias keeps his hand on my waist as he turns me to face him. Our chests are inches apart and I have to tilt my head back to look up at him. His hair looks messy, and I decide that I like it this way—unkempt and disheveled.

Elias smiles as he looks down at me, and I find myself mirroring his expression.

He dips his head, his lips brushing against the shell of my ear. “You look beautiful.”

I blush at his words and thankfully, the dim lighting keeps the heat of my cheeks hidden. He takes my hand in his and twirls me, taking a look at my dress from all angles. I giggle and his smile widens at the sound.