“My brother is picking me up and taking me home.” I don’t want to mention that my brother is also sleeping on my couch to protect me from the craziness that may be following me once again.
“Go out for a drink with me.” He’s not asking. At the same time, he’s not really demanding it either. His voice is raised ever so slightly, hoping I’ll agree.
“I don’t know,” I hedge. As badly as I’ve dreamed of this moment, I’m not sure it’s a great idea right now.
The girl he’s tattooing lifts up just a bit, enough that she can see me without exposing herself. She nods her head and mouths, “do it,” with a wide grin. Why is this girl I don’t even know invested in me saying yes?
“Come on, Soph,” Adrian argues his point. “What are you going to do when you get home? Watch some TV then go to bed? Having a drink with me won’t put much of a delay into that, and I’ll drive you home.”
Biting my lip, I weigh the options in my head. Go home and hang out with my brother. Or… go have drinks with the man I’ve wanted so desperately to see me. I’d be insane not to take him up on his offer. “Okay.”
He smiles so big you can see the happiness in his eyes. “We’ll go across the street. They probably have a band coming in tonight.”
Without saying another word, I take my pizza directly to my desk. Screw the plate. I’ll eat straight from the box. Besides, that’s where my phone is, and I need to text my brother.
Sophia: Don’t worry about picking me up.
Jay: Why?
Sophia: Because I have a date. I think?
Jay: Be careful. Keep aware of your surroundings, and call me if you need rescuing.
Sophia: Yes, sir.
Jay: I’ll be here when you get home.
I can’t believe this is happening. Screaming from a mountain top couldn’t make me any more excited than I am right now. Too bad Jay will be in my apartment when the night is over.