"So he just asked you out? Just like that?"Janis asked as Darlene watched The Backyardigans with Prissy. Rebecca fanned her nails as Cali painted her toes. They've gotten so close over the past few weeks and I'm happy because they're so similar it makes sense. Janis is kind of like me so that makes me feel like I have another sister that's like me since me and Cali are like polar opposites.

"Just like that, bro. I swear. It was weird yet....intriguing?" I said as I did my sit ups on the floor of my room. Janis snorted as she tried to catch popcorn in her mouth as she threw it in the air, only creating a mess on my bed. As long as she cleans it, I'm good.

"You gonna go?" Rebecca asked, still painting her toes a white. Well she says it's "off cream" but it literally looks white so to each their own I guess."Bonnie! I asked you are you gonna go."

"I mean should I? I'm pretty sure this is how Ted Bundy got his victims. It seems like I could get kidnapped."

"Girl.... First of all Ted Bundy was an idiot and attacked women who tried to help him because he lied about needing help." Cali rolled her eyes as she used her hand as a fan for her wet toes."And second of all, you don't do anything else. Just go."

"You don't know what I do!" I said causing all three of them to exchange glances."How about I call him?"

"That wasn't already an idea of yours. Unlock that iPhone and give him a ring." Janis chewed away at her popcorn as I backed out my phone, fishing for his card in a nearby jeans I had laying around because I'm behind on laundry. When I found it, I dialed his number and waited for him to answer.

"He's not gonna answer." I said after hearing the third ring. The third ring was usually my hang up mark. I don't keep the call going after the third ring. I hang up and wallow in self pity that he just doesn't want to ever talk to me again or see me. No biggie.

"I knew you'd call." I heard his voice right after the third ring. Janis' eyes perked up at his raspy voice as I looked right back at her.

"How do you know it's me?"

"Caller ID, Sinclair. I had my phone in my hand by the way. I just didn't want to pick up on the first ring because I don't want you to think that I'm a loser."

"I thought you were a loser since I met you at the restaurant... About tonight, where do you plan on taking me if I do decide to accept your offer?" I smirked at his playful tone.

"Hmmmm, I don't know. You look like you like steaks but also that you like to do something fun and exciting so I'm thinking dinner and roller skating?" He said back in response and honestly that's the perfect date to me.

"Alright. I'm convinced. Pick me up at 7."

"From where? I'm not a stalker, I don't know where you live already." He chuckled as I rolled my eyes.

"Obviously I'm going to text you my address."

"So you're gonna give a stranger your address?"

"Do you want this date or not? Because I can just go without you, Clyde."

"No need to, Sinclair. I'll pick you up at 6:59. Be dressed to have fun."

"Dr. Fontaine, you're one o'clock patient just arrived." A voice said in the background as Clyde let out a groan.

"Gotta go Bonnie. I'll see you soon. Bye." He chuckled as I felt a blush creeping up.

"Bye Clyde." I smiled hanging up turning to Janis as Tina returned from the kitchen with fruit snacks. Since Darlene and Prissy are the "bestest of best friends" me and Tina have been spending a lot of time together too. And Janis loves her.

"What I missed?"

"Bonnie scored a date with a doctor!" Janis squealed as Tina threw a hand over her mouth. Her box braids whipped around her as she snapped her gaze onto me.

"Girl, are you serious? That's bank!"

"We don't even know what kind of doctor he is! It could be a foot doctor."

"So what? That's still a doctor. Are you good?"

"Yes! No! I gotta tell y'all something... Becca, Cali, can you go and take the kids downstairs with you? Grown folks talk." I said as Cali rolled her eyes, standing up.

"You sound like grandma. Let's go guys." She wrangled up the kids to head downstairs. The minute I heard their footsteps descend downstairs, I spilled my guts.

"So basically, I thought I had a crush on Mr. Kane and I thought he was, you know.... Feeling me too because I think we almost kissed but then when Clyde asked me out he started egging me on to go and at first I felt bad but now I'm excited to go on this date but now I don't know where me and Nate stand!" I vomited out the entire story as they both blinked at me. I just panicked and the park words were just flying out of me!

"Just fuck Clyde." Janis shrugged. Tina sucked her teeth, dismissing what Janis had to say.

"Horrible advice. Don't do that, Bonnie. I think you should tell Nate what you're feeling. The worst thing he can say is he doesn't feel the same way."Tina smiled at me.

"Or that you're fired." Janis quipped again earning another side glare from Tina.

"Yeah Tina, that's the thing; I'm not a feeler. I don't like saying how I feel. It makes me feel like a punk ass."

"You ARE a punk ass. You could be letting a good, RICH man slip through your fingers. But you have another one on standby. Two points for Bonnie." Jan joked to get on my good side."But in all seriousness, go on your date. If he didn't want you to go, he would've talked you out of it but he didn't. Dude you are fucking sexy and you're in your 20's. He's old as shit. Hot as fuck but also the same age as your dad. Live your life."

"I agree with Jan. Tonight you should enjoy yourself. Not worry about if someone likes you or not because the person that did asked you out." They both had a point. If he truly did feel the same way, he would've asked me or at least tell me to turn it down but neither of that happened. I guess it's for the better.

***

Okay so he's five minutes away and I'm panicking. What if I bomb this date? What if he thinks I'm weird? What if he bails mid date out of the bathroom window?

"Jesus Christ Bonnie, I can hear you thinking." Troy quipped from the kitchen table as I paced back and forth, picking at my hair. I'm surprised I haven't made a whole in the ground yet."You've been fidgeting for like ten minutes, you alright?"

"Fuck no. I got a date with this guy I met like yesterday." I placed my thumbnail between my teeth but quickly removed them when I remembered my bad habit. I've never been this nervous before. Why now?

"...Okay? Dude, you're pushing it. It's just a first date with a stranger. If it goes bad, just bail or ghost the guy. It's that simple." And in that moment it hit me; if a teenage boy is this nonchalant about this then I'm absolutely bugging out over nothing. I've had so many first dates. I've had great ones and not so great ones and I prevailed. I'm still awesome as fuck."You cool now?"

"Honestly? Yeah." And that was the honest truth. I've literally had sex on the first date this should be a cake walk.

Just then I heard a ring from my phone and when I looked down, it was a text from Clyde telling me he's here. I took a deep breath and arched my back a bit as I went to walk out the house.

"Have fun and be yourself... Be forty five percent of yourself. Wouldn't want him jumping out the restaurant's bathroom window." Troy snorted as I rolled my eyes, finally exiting the house. I walked carefully on my heels as I pulled down my black velvet dress but then quickly pulled it up a little bit to show a little bit of skin, sexy right?

I spotted his black Audi with heavy tints. He got out wearing an all black short sleeved button up and black slacks that were ironed to perfection. He didn't button it up all the way so I could see just a glimpse of his toned pecs. On his upper bicep he had a Medusa tattoo but I wasn't close enough to see the full detail of it. He walked over to me, holding his arm out for me to grab. I gave him a smile and placed my hand as he walked me over to the passenger side. Has California always been this hot? I think it could be nerves but I'm not sure.

"Can I tell you something that's not really like... polite?" He quipped up as I gave him a nod while he helped me into my seat. He leaned down to me, resting an arm on the top of the car door.

"You look really fucking good. I'll try to be on my best behavior..."He smirked as he looked down at my legs and back to me."Well, I did say I'll try."

...

You know what it's the 21st century, it's nothing wrong with having sex on the first date! I'm not saying I will but it's very...very likely.

***
It's been ten minutes in this restaurant and I'm so nervous to even look at him. Since when did I become such a pussy?

"Did you know that redheads require more than forty percent anesthesia than non redheads to put them under?" He said to me and that kind of brought me back to earth because it threw me off. I looked up at him, the blue hue of the lights shined from above and down on him as he smirked my way.

"... You just made that up." I raised a brow as he just sat there with folded arms, shaking his head.

"I'm an Anesthesiologist but heard about that fact before and I thought it was bullshit UNTIL, I dealt with three redheads in a month. I still don't understand why but I just can't ask because then everyone's going to think I'm stupid." He laughed as I couldn't help but giggle."That was just to break the ice. You look nervous."

"Dude, like hell. Have you seen yourself?" I laughed, feeling my body starting to relax. Maybe I really am too into my own head.

"Have YOU seen yourself? You are like one of the most gorgeous and breathtaking women I have ever seen. You should be in Milan modeling Chanel."

"Oh I'd bust my ass two seconds in." I picked the menu as he let out a low laugh."Cliche thing to say but tell me more about yourself."

I shuttered, cringing, because I don't know how else to phrase the question. I have asked that question so many times this year alone.

"Relax, it's not cringey. But I'm 26, I'm from Fort Lee, I have 3 sisters and a little brother and I used to be a green belt in karate when I was ten. Alright your turn." He smiled back as he sipped from the water on our table.

I feel like I get asked this so often. I'm so tired of saying things about me to new guys all the time, I might have to just marry this man. Here we go.

"I have a little brother and sister, I'm originally from Seattle but we moved... not sure why and I can play 33 instruments. That's like my go to fun fact. It's like the main thing you should know about me."

"Damn that's high and yet I believe you. Gotta ask; triangle too?"

"Yup, it's included. It's actually really difficult to play so I try not to sometimes."

"You don't even know how hilarious that is to me." He smiled as the waiter came up to us to take down our order. Clyde got a cowboy ribeye while I just stuck to Cacio e Pepe chicken penne. I wanted to keep it light." I know you like to eat so you're more than welcomed to try my steak. It's medium well, the best way to have it."

"I forgot you saw me completely inhale my food. I just always had a really big appetite because I-" I cut myself off immediately because I was about to tell him something I never told anyone before so I just shut myself up and told a lie."because I used to watch Hell's Kitchen a lot and it peeked my interest."

"Really? That's really cool. I used to watch it too." He gave me a warm looking, a look that said he knew I wasn't ready to tell him something but he understands."So the big question; what made you be a nanny?"

"Please don't laugh."

"No promises."

"But I became a nanny because I got fired...because I was stealing burgers... from the Dark Corner." I said and he was quiet for three seconds before he let out a laugh.

"Oh god, that was you. My cousin works there and told me about a girl that got fired for doing that and I literally said I have to meet her...and I'm pretty glad I did." He smiled kindly at me as I blushed a bit. He makes my heart feel like it's jumping double Dutch." I know we aren't really through this first date and stuff but I want to hang out with again. I don't know anyone like you and I want to get to know you better, Bonnie."

Ahhhhhhh! Be cool, be cool! Fuck it!

"Clyde, I would love to. I'm thinking next date, we rob a bank."

"Live up to the OG Bonnie and Clyde. I like the way you think. Let's hit up the Wells Fargo. They denied me a mortgage loan when I was 22. I don't need it now but I want revenge?"

"Cool, you pay a mortgage?" I said to him as he let out another laugh while the waiter put our food out. We just laugh and ate and drank for the rest of the time. After we ate and left the restaurant we figured we were a little too full so by we rain checked the roller skating for our second date. I can't believe he asked me on another date! I don't know, I feel really different about him. He's so different. And I like that.

When dropping me off, he parked a little farther down the block to walk with me for a bit. He turned the car off and raced to the other side to open the door then help me out. A gentleman, this is a real gentleman.

"You don't have to walk me you know?"

"It could be a dangerous neighborhood Bonnie."

"It's a gated community. It's more locked up than Fort Knox." I bumped him gently with my shoulder as we walked together feeling the cool night breeze. Stars littered the sky as weightless clouds floated by. The full moon shined down on the both of us, imitating a spot light.

"You're definitely right I just want you to get home safe and to take a slight walk with you." He spoke then slowly took my hand as we walked together, the mansion's gate only a few feet away."This was the best first date I had. You're just so unapologetically you and I like that a lot."

"I enjoyed it too, Clyde. We have to get together soon... When can I see you again?" We slowed our pace as we got closer to the front gate.

"I work tomorrow but I'm free Monday morning? If I remember correctly, kids should be in school? I only know this because the mall is empty before 2:30." He joked as I cracked a smile.

"You can pick me up at 10:30. We can get brunch or we can go to yours." I looked into his eyes as a bit my lip, praying he caught on because then this look is extremely embarrassing.

"Back to mine? I like that idea."

"Yeah I usually put out around the first date but second dates are pretty okay too." I joked as he let out a chuckle, putting his hands on my hips as he started to draw me closer.

"That's definitely noted and I'll most definitely remember that on our official second date- but I'm glad I just got to know you better tonight... Can we settle for a kiss on the first date though?" He smirked as I gave him the okay to close the gap between us. When our lips touched, I felt instant electricity. Butterflies tap danced in my stomach as he gripped me tighter. My free hands cupped his strong jawline as I opened my mouth a bit to let his tongue explore. I was getting hotter and hotter by the second. I was in love with the feeling he gave him. With how he touched me. I wanted to stay like this forever but we both needed air."You-you... you are really something. I'm officially obsessed with you so now you're gonna have to see me every single day. You did this to yourself by being so great."

"I have that effect on people. My middle name IS Aphrodite, you know." I shrieked as he tickled my waist before giving me a peck on the lips." Bye Clyde, I had an amazing date with you. I'll see you Monday."

"See you Monday." He kissed me again then let me go to walk inside. I blew him a kiss as he waited for me to enter the house. The minute I shut the door, I jumped around with happiness. I had another successful date! With a doctor! A gorgeous one! Who's funny! I needed this. Especially with whatever I thought was happening with Nate. I guess it was my imagination and a stupid crush. He's a good looking guy who I spent some time with and see every day, it was inevitable but Clyde- I feel something totally different with him. I just can't wait to explore it more.

I ripped my clothes off and tossed myself into my bed with a smile on my face as I thought about Clyde. In that same moment he sent me a text.

"Good night beautiful, I'll text you in the morning. Had a great time w/you btw" He texted me and my heart did a backflip.

"Me too! Can't wait to see you again. Sweet dreams❤️" I texted him back, swooning over him. I kept my phone close as I kept on replaying the night in my head slowly falling asleep.

***

It's been a while 😬💕🎉 I had some serious writer's block and so many things came up so I never got the chance to write again. Thank you to everyone that still stayed tuned in and I apologize for the long wait. I'm trying to be more consistent since I'm feeling inspired again but thank you for being patient if anyone still reads this ❤️