Page 56 of Studious
Much to my delight… and disappointment. Because someone else is going to get the benefit of those skills. Oh well.
I click off the camera, review the video and edit it lightly, and then send it to Alden.
Danny: Is it okay if I post this?
I wonder if he’s going to play it cool, but he surprises me by reading the message right away, and after enough time for him to watch the video passes, the dots start dancing.
Alden: Yes.
I laugh hard. Alden is just so… Alden. There’s no bullshit with him. No games.
Alden: And wow. Best kiss ever? You’re really playing this up for your audience. That’s fine. You can make me sound better than I really am.
Shit. Do I assure him I meant every word? Or do I laugh it off and let it go?
Danny: You’re good, Alden. I’ll follow up with you on Friday to make sure we’re still on for the weekend. My usual hangout is One. Will that be okay with you, or do you want to go somewhere else?
Why is my heart racing? This is no big deal. Everyone knows me at One.
But I never show up with anyone except Charlie. And the thought of Alden going home with some random guy makes my stomach churn. Still, I need to follow through with our arrangement.
Alden: Should I drive on Saturday? I don’t want to walk into the club by myself.
Danny: I can pick you up.
Alden: What if I end up going home with someone?
Danny: Are you ready for that?
Alden: Not really.
Danny: If it happens, you can take a Lyft. Otherwise, I’ve got you.
I rub my face, questioning yet again what I’m getting myself into.
* * *
When I pick him up Saturday night, Alden opens the door wearing one of his new outfits. He takes my breath away.
“What is it?” he asks, picking at the brightly patterned dress shirt. “Is something wrong?”
I shake my head slowly. “No, not at all. Quite the opposite. You look gorgeous.”
A grin spreads across his face, and his cheeks go pink. “Oh. Thank you.”
“Ready?”
He nods. “I think so. I’m a little nervous.”
“Don’t be. I’ve got your back.”
This past week, I’ve been exceptionally busy in court, although I made it a point to stop by Alden’s office every day to check in on him. Everyone’s noticed his makeover, and Charlie took me aside to ask if Alden was the subject of my Ad/VICE videos. He also made fun of my 103 followers.
“It’ll snowball, my friend,” I told him. “Like compounding interest. It just takes time.”
“Uh-huh. Early adoption is a thing, too, and you’re late to the party.”
“Pfft,” I said. “I got this.”
