Our song had blown up around town and we were the talk of school as expected. Our group wasn't that popular before being signed and I'm sure the jocks have taken offense to that. Girls swarmed us more than ever, trying to get one of us to acknowledge them. Frankly, the whole sight made me sick. I didn't like all the extra interest on us because we're finally gaining some attention.
But that wasn't the worst of my issues right now. Over the weekend we all talked to Seinne and Kevin to go over how to present ourselves outside in the real world. She went on about how everyone should go on dates to gain more attention from the female audience. To me, it made very little sense. Why would a girl want to pawn after us if we're dating? Of course we would still be single, but I guess the idea of the three of us seeing other girls will raise the infatuation amongst our girl fandom. You want what you can't have.
Seinne explained how good it was that over half the group was single, as it would appeal to girls, but she would set up dates that would increase our popularity. I was against the entire thing from the start, I didn't want to fake date just to gain some awareness for the band.
Before I could speak my mind about the whole ordeal, I was shot down with my past. Somehow she had found out about my past and how I haven't dated in years. She then explained how the story will come out to the public eventually since it had already gotten to her. It took everything in me to not get mad. This was the last thing I needed out in the open. Summer was a part of my past, and I wasn't ready to share her with everyone else.
She then went on about how I should date again just so it shows that I'm able to date still and that I'm not 'broken' as she lightly put it. I saw no issue in my current state, minus the craziness. I didn't want to date just because it'd benefit her. I didn't care what the fans and world thought about me, and I surely wasn't about to change for everyone but myself.
It was only when I protested the boys ganged up on me and spilled about Natalie. I groaned when she was brought up. They were so adamant about us hooking up I was tempted to cut ties with her entirely.
Of course, Sienne got excited about Natalie and pushed the boys into getting us closer whether I wanted to or not.
"Bryson, are you even listening to me?" Reese snaps his fingers in front of my face, snapping me quite literally out of my daze. We'd somehow ended up on the other end of the school, far from my next class.
"Sorry man. I'm still caught up from this weekend." I sigh as I turn to make him roll his eyes.
"Why can't you see you have a good thing happening with Natalie? We're only pushing you guys together for your own good."
"That's what I hate." I deadpan, "I should be able to do this in my own time when I'm ready."
"Clearly that would take three more years or even a lifetime knowing you." He states with a playful look at first but quickly goes dead serious.
He may have a point, but I know that I would eventually move on. It may take another year, or even longer, but definitely not a lifetime as he suggests.
"I'm only going on this date to get you guys to back off, just saying." I point a serious look at him and he nods back choosing to give up on the whole matter.
Just in time for an escape, we round the corner giving me a view of my class. I mumble a quick bye before storming into the classroom.
I hated the attention on me and my issues. I don't understand why they, especially Reese, have to meddle in my love life. It's my life, not theirs. Sure they're looking out for me, but they're taking it too far, it's cutting close for me.
Our date was already set in place for Friday. I could try to get out of it but I'm sure that I wouldn't get away with that.
----
I stare at myself in the bathroom mirror trying to figure out what was wrong with myself. I was about to go out with a beautiful, smart girl who's somehow into me. But the only girl on my mind is someone who no longer walks this earth. It's been years and I still feel like I'm cheating on her in some way. Maybe Ryland was right to yell at me.
I pray that Summer doesn't appear tonight because I'm already a mess and that would be the cherry on top to scare Natalie away from me. I didn't want to do that.
I sigh as I take in my appearance once again before setting off. I didn't try too hard but I still wanted to look somewhat better than I usually do. It's a date after all.
I had gotten tickets to one of her favorite bands that she had mentioned during one of our study sessions. They were performing about an hour out of town, and I sure as hell hoped she'll enjoy this surprise.
I slip on my leather jacket before grabbing my keys and heading out the door. I turn my car on and begin the journey to Natalie's in the hope she won't get the surprise out of me within the hour.
I turn down the radio as I pull up outside her place. It's been so long since I've had a one-on-one date, I had no idea what was going to come from this. I send a quick text her way to let her know I was outside. It's now or never. Time to get this over with, and maybe enjoy myself as well.
♡