8- Meet me

“What’s your excuse?” Taree said on the phone ‘But that’s not valid! I can’t believe you ditched us last night!’ he waited, then answered again ‘Nah. Still unacceptable mate.’ Another pause ‘Alright. Lalala’ then the line went dead.

***

Dear Skye, First night alone last night and surprisingly it wasn’t bad at all. It was actually pretty awesome.  I went to this bar just a couple minutes walk from the house we’re renting and I met this guy, Taree and he introduced me to his friends.  He’s pretty cool! We’re meeting up again today so I’ll tell you how it goes.  How’ve you been? Xo Cal

Cali hit send and closed her laptop.  She was meeting Taree for lunch today at the same place.  11.50. Crap! She lost track of time. Cali got ready and grabbed her purse. She dashed out of the door and briskly walked to the coast making the autumn air feel even colder against her face.  She saw Taree waiting for her outside Dusk his one leg propped up against the wall of the pub with his sunglasses on looking as cool as ever.  ‘Cali!’ he greeted as he spotted the girl in a mustard cardigan. ‘Hey Taree’ she said back greeting him with a cheek to cheek. ‘Hungry?’ he asked ‘Very.” She smiled.

***

Taree ordered his favorite steak, Medium rare with avocado and hollandaise and Cali tried the fish and chips.  Both were stuffed and chatted away ‘So…’ Taree started ‘Since last night, I’ve been meaning to intro you to my mate.  Unfortunately he wasn’t able to come last night. That bloody kient!’ he said cursing ‘But not worries! Yous two’ll meet tonight! He already said yea. You don’t have anything planed do you?” Taree asked excitedly.  ‘No, not really. Cool so what’s his name?’

Riinnnggg…. Riinnnggg….’Hold on’ Taree answered the call ‘What?! Now?! Alright alright I’ll be there as soon as I can.” A confused and worried look spread across her new friend’s face. “What’s wrong?” Cali asked concerned “It’s my sister. She’s giving birth! It’s a tad early but. I’m so sorry Cali, I gotta head off.’ Taree said collecting his bag in a quick motion ‘So sorry Cali, I’ll try to catch up with you guys later. If not, here’s his number…’ He said doodling on a table napkin ready to dash out the door ‘Sorry mate!’ he mouthed the words apologetically before disappearing into the pub’s wooden doors. 

Great! She thought, now I have to meet up with this guy and I don’t even know his name.  Cali thought a little anxiously but feeling for Taree at the same time. 

***

Later that day she received a text message from her mysterious date. When he found out that Cali didn’t know who he was, he introduced himself without actually revealing his name.  It was going to be a huge surprise and as Cali showered for the evening, she couldn’t help but feel nervous.  Why am I even feeling this way? It’s not like I haven’t been on a date before. She thought to herself. But thinking about it now, I haven’t been on a date in quite a while. She tried to reassure herself that it was just a friendly date and she didn’t even know if she was going to like this guy, whoever he was.  But Cali trusted Taree, though it’s only been a day since they’ve met, she feels as if she’s known him for ages like a long time friend.  Nervous as she was, she couldn’t help but feel the excitement at the same time.  She was starting to have a good vibe about the night.  Cali looked through her wardrobe and saw the black strapless mini dress Skye made her bring.  Not tonight. She thought. It’s a little too dressy. Eventually, she settled for a champagne cowl neck bandage dress and paired it with black leggings and some black high-heeled boots. She carefully applied her makeup and checked her reflection in the mirror. Hmm… you look pretty decent for a date, thinking as she smoothed out her dress. With a quick spray of her favorite warm vanilla sugar scent, she headed out the door.

***

They were meeting in the city for dinner, thankful she’s been around the area with her mom a few times, Cali didn’t have such a hard time locating the place and was a bit early for their date, but when she entered the restaurant, she instantly spotted this guy sitting in a booth by himself.  She approached the receptionist a bit hesitant not knowing who she was meeting, ‘Hi, I’m here to meet someone. Although he didn’t give me his name.’ She realized how dumb that sounded but it was the truth.  ‘Oh I see, Can I have your name please?’ she asked. ‘It’s Cali, Cali Hunt.’  ‘Alright. Just give me one sec. yeah?’ The receptionist skimmed through her list and seemed to find what she was looking for. ‘Scott, can you please escort Miss Hunt to her table? Ta!’ ‘This way Miss Hunt.’ The waiter gestured looking very formal and poised leading Cali to the table where she saw that guy earlier sitting alone.