Page 18 of Jake

“You have no idea.” He cleared his throat. “I sound like a terrible person, sorry. My friend had set me up with someone that he knew I wouldn’t get along with as a joke. No hard feelings on either of our parts.”

“Oh, that’s awful,” she told him but couldn’t help the giggle that bubbled from her lips.

“It’s funny now. I assure you it was not then.”

“I can imagine not.”

“So, lets chat since neither of us is going to eat it seems.”

“I feel bad not eating it.” She stared at the glowing plate.

“They will probably give you a box so it doesn’t go to waste, then you can eat it with lights.”

“Maybe that’s what I’ll do then.” She fussed with the napkin in her lap while trying to think of something to talk about. “Do you have any good plans for this weekend?” Small talk seemed a safe choice.

“Nothing at the moment. I will probably get a little work done, sadly, and workout, but other than that, no big plans. You?”

“Pretty much the same, and watch a movie with my roommate if she stays in this weekend.”

They chatted about workout routines until Lauren confessed she wasn’t that consistent. J had gone quiet after that, and she was scared she’d upset him that she didn’t.

“I’m sorry if I have led you to think I worked out more than I do.”

“What?” J choked on his drink. “It’s nothing like that. It’s more that I went on about it and I’m feeling bad now.”

“Oh, I promise I don’t mind. It’s not that I don’t workout, just that I don’t regularly anymore.”

“Well, let’s talk about something you do?”

“Me? I promise I’m not that interesting.”

“Tell me what movie you are hoping to watch?” J asked, trying to continue the conversation.

“Afraid I can’t answer that one either; it’s her turn to choose.” Lauren laughed. “However, I am looking forward to trying the new popcorn we got the other day. It’s gourmet and drizzled with chocolate.”

“You’re a chocolate girl, huh?”

“Aren’t we all?” she teased.

The conversation finally reached a natural rhythm as they chatted. She enjoyed talking with him despite the nerves that had overtaken her at the start. Being late hadn’t made things any easier either.

The server came around and offered them boxes, a subtle way of letting them know it was time to wrap things up. As he packaged up their food, he let them know that someone would be back to lead them to the exits in a moment.

“Would you like to meet for real after this?” J asked nervously.

Lauren cleared her throat and thought it over. On one hand, she wanted to meet him for real, but on the other hand, she wasn’t sure she was ready.

“It’s okay if you don’t. I’d like to at least keep chatting and maybe do this again if you’re up for it.”

“I think that’s a good idea,” Lauren rushed out. “I’m sorry. I’m not sure I’m ready to take it further just yet. Tonight was good, but . . . ,” she trailed off.

“A little awkward?” J added.

“A little,” she admitted.

“Agreed, maybe next time it won’t be like that since we know what to expect?”

“I think so.” She was feeling like she let him down. “I hope that’s okay?”

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