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Theo stopped the car outside of her house, leaving the engine running.
“I actually had a really nice time.”
He’d taken her stargazing. They had sat on the hood of his car, on a blanket, and he pointed out each of the stars. He also brought with him some binoculars to make it easier for her to see. She loved the date. Much to her surprise, he was very romantic.
Now though, her nerves were back.
End of date jitters.
“I want to take you out again,” he said.
“You do?”
“Yeah. How about next Friday? We don’t have a game, and we can, I don’t know, go to the mall.”
“The mall?”
“There’s a movie place. They’re playing something good, I’m sure. Not for stereotypical jock types either.”
“I don’t mind the movies. How about going paintballing?”
“You’d like to do that?”
“Hell, yeah, it’s always a lot of fun. I’ve gone with my mom a few times. I love it. You can shoot at me and teach me sports.”
“Consider it a date.”
“I will.”
Theo reached out, stroking her cheek. She didn’t know what to do. His gaze went from her eyes to her lips, then back. Ruby knew what he wanted, but she also knew she couldn’t exactly give in to him. Not yet.
“Erm, I better go.” She pulled out of his hold, and climbed out of the car.
“Ruby, wait.”
She stopped on her front steps, waiting. “What is it?”
“Look, I was just going to kiss you.”
“I’m not ready for that.”
“Okay. I can wait. Whenever you’re comfortable, I can wait. You still don’t trust me.”
“It’s not that. Please, don’t think that. It’s a lot to take in, and it’s like, wow. You’re blowing my mind right now, Theo. A kiss is … it has to mean something. I don’t know. I don’t go around kissing random guys.”
“Then these lips are for you when you’re ready. Can I coax a cheek kiss from you?”
“A cheek kiss?”
“Yes.”
He took her hands. She tensed up as he moved in close. His lips grazed her cheek. “A cheek kiss, nothing more. I had a wonderful night, Ruby.” She watched as he stepped back. “I’ll wait for you to go in.”
“Oh, right.” She pulled out her key, unlocking her front door. She turned to him and gave him a wave. “Goodnight.”
“Goodnight.”
Closing the door, she flicked the lock and stared at her mother, who was waiting, arms folded, against the doorframe.
“I like that smile.”
“Mom?”
“I got ice cream, and it’s ready for us. Go, get changed. Tell me all about it.”
Her mother rushed her upstairs, and Ruby took a quick shower before changing into a pair of pajamas. She found four different ice cream flavors waiting for her.
“All of these looked amazing, and I didn’t want us to go without. It’s not every single day my only daughter goes on a date. What do you want?”
“I’ll take the chocolate,” she said.
“Good.” Her mother didn’t scoop out ice cream. No, she handed her the tub, and Ruby loved her even more for it.
“Tell me every single part.”
She told her mother everything. From the pizza, to their talk, and then the stargazing, plans for the future, and then the kiss.
“Why didn’t you let him kiss you?”
“I don’t know. I mean, I do, but it’s stupid.”
“Come on. I’m your mother. You can tell me everything.”
“I wonder if you’d be this cool when I have sex.”
“I’d like to think I’ll be.”
Ruby chuckled. “Fine. Fine. I’ve never been kissed before in my life. You and Dad don’t count. Neither do any of my teddies or anything that is not breathing.”
“You kissed a tree once, that was breathing.”
“I was five, and again, doesn’t count. Please, don’t ever mention that.”
“You fell in love with trees. It’s sweet and cute.”
“It’s weird.”
“Not for me.” Her mother smirked. “I get it. Your father was the only guy I kissed throughout high school.”
“Do you hate him?”
“No.”
“Why not? He just got up and left.”
“I know, but it was time for him to leave. I know you’ll never understand it, but your father and I, we work the way we do.”
“You’re dating him?”
“No. He calls often asking about you. We talk. It works for us, especially now. He wants to be involved in your future.”
She didn’t know her parents talked.
“When are you going to move on?” Ruby asked.
“When I’m good and ready. You know me, honey. I’m happy the way I am.”
“I know. It’s what scares me.”
Her mother smiled. “I can meddle in my daughter’s life, just fine. I like the sound of this boy.”
“I promised him you’d make him some pizza if we were still dating.”
“I’ve got a feeling you will be,” Callie said.
“Why?”
“Just a hunch is all.” Her mother winked at her. “Enjoy your ice cream while it’s still cold.”
Chapter Four
Theo: I loved spending time with you.
Ruby: I did too. You’re not so bad.
Theo: You looking forward to next week?
Ruby: School or date?
