“I love red velvet cupcakes.” He said and then he groaned. “Actually, I can’t lie. I hate them. Just give me chocolate cupcakes without the food coloring.”
“Ha-ha,” I laughed. “Not the same.”
“I beg to differ.” He grinned, his teeth white and shiny and slightly crooked, which gave him an even more endearing look.
“Sure you do.” I winked at him. “Anymore questions?”
“Favorite movie?”
“Ooh, good one. Let me think. Uhm, I think it would have to be Casablanca.”
“Oh wow.” He looked at me with an impressed expression. “I have to go with The Godfather. Favorite TV show?”
“Honestly?” I laughed. “I absolutely love King of Queens, I think Kevin James is hilarious. You?”
“Breaking Bad, all day, every day.” He grinned. “With The Walking Dead a close second.”
“Aww, I haven’t watched those shows yet.” I said. “I need to though.”
“Maybe we can do a Breaking Bad marathon.” He suggested. “I’d love to watch it all the way through again.”
“Yeah, that would be cool.” I agreed. “I’ve heard good things about it.”
“Awesome.” He broke off a piece of the muffin and continued chewing. “So there’s this art exhibit coming to town next week featuring some impressionist pieces from Monet, Manet, Degas and some others from some private collection. I was wondering if you’d be interested in going with me?”
“Are you asking me on a second date?” I asked surprised.
“I know. I know. I should play it cooler.” He laughed as he stared at me. “And I know you barely know me and this date has barely started, but I just wanted you to know that I’m definitely interested in seeing you again.”
“Thank you. I think I’d like that.” I nodded and took a piece of the muffin. “Now tell me more about this movie that we’re going to see. You’ve got me all curious.”
“I can’t tell you too much or I’ll spoil it.” He grinned. “But I can tell you that what you think is happening is not what’s really happening or what’s going to happen.”
“Hmm, really?” I was thoughtful. “How so?”
“I can’t tell you more.” He laughed. “You’ll just have to see.”
“Argh. I hate surprises.” I laughed. And then froze as I heard my phone beeping. I ignored the sound and tried to quieten the thought that perhaps it was Cody texting me. I was not going to think about him. I wanted him off of my mind.
“Is that your phone?” Luke asked me curiously. “I don’t mind if you check your messages.”
“No, it’s fine. I’m sure it’s nothing important.” I smiled at him, ignoring the slight turning in my stomach.
“If you’re sure.” He said as he took another bite of the muffin. “Maybe your friends are texting you to make sure you’re still alive. Or maybe they’re trying to give you an out. Which I suppose is a good sign for me because you’re not answering the phone and accepting it.”
“This is a good date. I don’t need to flee.” I grinned and frowned slightly as I heard my phone beeping again.
“Check it.” He laughed. “Obviously whoever is trying to text you is concerned and needs an update.”
“Ha-ha, yeah maybe.” I said, my stomach churning as I picked up my phone. I put in my password and looked at my messages. There was a message from Mila and several from Cody. I took a deep breath and opened up the messages. Sally, I’m so sorry about what happened this afternoon. Please forgive me. Have a nice date. I’m sure he’ll love you. You’re an awesome gal. Please call me when you get back from your date so I know everything is okay. I stared at the screen, my heart once again feeling low. I felt a burning pain and anger at Cody as I stared at his messages. Why couldn’t he just leave me alone? Why did he have to torment me so? I looked up at Luke who was staring at me curiously and I gave him a weak smile. “It’s my friend Mila making sure the date is going well.” I looked back down at my phone and deleted the messages from Cody. I wasn’t going to respond. And I sure as hell wasn’t going to call him later. He could piss off. I was done with him. I wasn’t playing his games any longer. I didn’t need any more heartache and I didn’t want to waste my time anymore. “So tell me more about this movie then.” I said to Luke as I put my phone back into my bag. “What exactly did your friend work on?” I leaned forward and pushed Cody to the back of my mind. I was going on focus Luke now. He seemed nice and cute and he was interested in me, which was a great thing. I needed someone that wanted to see me and hang out with me, not someone that wanted to play games with my heart.
Chapter 15