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I told the hostess my name, and she led me to a darker area of the restaurant.
There, sitting alone at a high top near the bar, was a beautiful blonde. She stood up immediately upon seeing me, a dazzling smile on her face.
I thanked the hostess before walking up to Jessica. I offered her my hand to shake because what the hell else was I supposed to do on a blind date? Instead of taking it, Jessica moved in, wrapping her arms around my shoulder. Her body was pressed up against me during the hug, and I awkwardly wrapped my arms back around her. She was tall, but thin in my arms.
"It's so nice to meet you," Jessica gushed, pulling away from the hug but staying close to me. I smiled at her charmingly, knowing that I needed to put my best foot forward.
"You too, Jessica." I walked to her chair and held it out, even though she'd already been sitting, and helped her into her seat before moving to the other side of the table.
I looked at her some more, appreciating the way she looked. Her lips were painted red and turned up at the corners as she looked me over as well. Her eyes were a beautiful brown color, and her makeup only made them stand out more. Long blonde hair was curled perfectly as it fell around her shoulders, long enough to reach her waist.
When she was standing, I briefly noticed the dress she wore and how it clung tightly to her backside. View I wouldn't mind seeing again.
"Sorry I was a little late," I told her, knowing that I probably shouldn't tell her that I was late because of Belle.
She picked up the martini that was already in front of her. "It's not a problem." She smiled as she sipped daintily from her glass.
"Tell me about yourself, Jessica," I asserted, knowing that wasn't the smoothest way to get to know someone. But again, I had no idea what the normal blind date protocol was.
She grinned and leaned her forearms onto the table. "I'm twenty-six, originally not from the island, but I moved here four years ago for a job. I'm a fitness trainer for the biggest gym on the island and have a ton of clients that I get to help every day."
"Oh, that's super cool," I said, trying not to just leave her talking without my engagement. "Have you—"
"Thanks!" She interjected, cutting me off. I brushed it off, even though that was a huge pet peeve of mine. I'm sure she was just excited. "It's really great to show others how to work out properly! Other than training, I also do a lot of modeling. I've worked super hard for my body, and obviously, I want to show it off. I work with some fitness brands and even some swimsuit brands through social media."
When she paused to take a drink, I decided to talk. "Modeling. That's really great. How long have you—"
"It's something I've always dreamed of doing, ever since I was a little girl. Now, I'm living my dreams!" She grinned at me and paused, as if giving me permission to speak now.
I gritted my teeth, trying to remind myself to do my best on this date. "That's great that you've gotten to follow your dreams. Where did you grow up?"
"I grew up in a small town just thirty minutes outside Tallahassee. Then after I got my bachelor's in exercise science and passed my certification, I knew I wanted to move somewhere coastal. So when I found Monster Mega Gym here on the island, I knew I would move here."
"How do you like—" I was trying to ask her how she liked Amelia Island, but I didn't get that far.
"Honestly, I always knew I would get to model. And I worked so hard for my body that it was bound to happen. It's amazing to feel so right in my own body."
"Mhmm," was all I could respond. I really hated getting blatantly cut off in conversation. It was rude, and honestly, I didn't understand why she wasn't cognizant of what she was doing.
Finally, the server came and took my drink order, but I couldn't even do that without getting cut off.
"I think I'd like to have a—"
"You should really try their old-fashioned! My brother says that it's amazing here." Jessica smiled enthusiastically, as if she didn't just interrupt me to tell me what to order on our first date.
I turned my eyes to the waitress, who was looking at me curiously but expectantly.
And because I occasionally had an asshole streak, I answered, "I'll have water."
"Sparkling or flat?"
"Flat. With lemon."
The waitress nodded, shooting a side glance at Jessica before walking away. Slowly, I turned back to her, bracing myself for the rest of the night. I hadn't gotten a word in edgewise, and she'd only cared about talking about herself. I hoped that these first few minutes were only a product of nervousness and eagerness.
5
Isabella
