Page 8 of Gabriel's Album

This is ridiculous. I barely know this woman. Isn’t that the point, though? If we spend more time together, I can get to know her more, and goddamn do I want to get to know every inch of her. I run out to the valet area and see that their car is being brought around.

“Ariana, wait!”

I jog over to her before she can get in the car.

“What’s up?” she asks me with a massive smile lighting up her face.

“I just wanted to know if you want to go on a date on Friday?” I ask between breaths, panting from the dash to catch her before she leaves.

Her eyes widen as she takes in what I’ve said. “I thought you were going on your big tour?”

“It doesn’t start for another month and a half; Friday’s only this week!”

Ariana hesitates for a moment. I can see her thinking it over, and I’m struck by a very real fear that she is about to say no. The thought of not getting to spend more time with her makes me sadder than it should. Her emerald green eyes meet mine, and something seems to change in her.

“Okay, sure, why not?” she says while smiling her breathtaking smile at me.

We exchange phone numbers quickly as her aunt makes huffy noises about wanting to leave.

“Bye, Ariana.” I give her a stiff hug, unsure if this is appropriate or what she wants.

“See you, Gabe.” She smiles at me again, and I feel myself melt.

Then she’s gone. The door closes behind her, and the car drives away. I look at my phone, her contact details are still up on the screen, and I open up a message to her. She hasn’t been scared off of me yet, but just in case, I want her to know how much I want to spend time with her.

I can’t wait to see you again.

I’m pleased when her response comes through seconds later.

Me either. Tonight was awesome. Thanks!

I’ve got a date.

2

The Second Song

I parkmy Vanquish in a spot across from her apartment building. I was surprised when she gave me the address because she doesn’t live in an upmarket area of Chicago. I guess because of where I met her, I assumed she’d been born with a silver spoon in her mouth.

We’ve been texting since we met last weekend and I’m really looking forward to seeing her again. I cross the street and press the button for her apartment. She answers and lets me inside.

“Hi, Ari!” I use the nickname I’ve given her with a grin as I walk inside.

She’s wearing an emerald-green, silk sheath dress that matches her eyes. It’s short and makes her legs look amazing. It also hugs every curve of her body, and I’ll be damned if I’m not enjoying the view.

“Hi Gabe,” she says, and gives me a hug.

“Are you ready to go? We have reservations in twenty minutes,” I remind her.

“Sure, just let me get my jacket; it looks like it might rain.”

“It’s a shame you have to cover up.”

I look her over appreciatively, and she turns pink, which is pretty cute.

“I’m sorry, did I embarrass you?” I ask as she returns from her room wearing a green jacket over the dress.

“A little bit,” she admits.

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