Everything was set, all of our parents had insisted on a mid-morning, afternoon type of date. Understandably they were cautious of the events of late. So we had arranged the entire day and had to be back by five. First Mary practically demanded that we take the Jeep and that Dean had to pick us all up. Dean didn't even put up a fight and was happy to give in to her every wish. She had him completely wrapped around her pinky. Mary and I wanted to see a horror movie and the guys tried to explain that a rom-com would probably be better for a date. Personally, I think they might have been too scared and probably too proud to admit it so we settled on a comedy instead. I was excited about my first date but my heart felt a little lonely when I thought of James and the fact that I hadn't seen him in a while, then I think about the kiss and I get annoyed and forget about my heart and the empty space he left there.
True to his word, Dean came to pick me up. As I approached the car, I could see Mary in the passenger seat next to him and a figure sulking in the back. Mary and I hadn't gotten dressed together but were on the phone for most of the morning, picking out what we were going to wear. Michael opened the door and got out, holding the door open for me as I started to climb in like a child climbing a jungle gym. Michael moved in too close behind me and I could feel his stomach on my back. I already had my right leg on the step ready to lift myself off the ground when he placed his hand under my leg, mostly touching my behind "Need a lift?" He asked his warm breath in my ear. I yelped and practically jumped into the Jeep, I was surprised that I hadn't hit my head on the roll cage at all. Michael giggled and got in effortlessly behind me and closed the door. "Hi Dean, Mary", I said still blushing and feeling too hot in my own skin. Michael sat back and folded his arms over his chest. "Don't pout" Dean said, looking at Michael. I looked over at Michael with a question on my face. "I've been replaced", he said coldly. "We're on a date man, she sits in the front, end of discussion" Dean's voice was soft but stern. I may like Dean a whole lot more right now. "Besides, everyone knows that the back seat is makeout central" Dean continued even though I wished he hadn't. Michael leaned closer to me and I'm guessing my expression was one of panic because he just laughed and leaned back into his seat. I'm doomed. After a few minutes of listening to the music playing and the others chatting in the car, I noticed my surroundings. The inside of this car was every bit as beautiful as the outside. It has leather seats and as I looked over at the dash, everything was modern and touchscreen. Yup, Dean was seriously talented.
I would like to say that when we stopped in the parking lot at the shopping center where the cinema was located, I got out gracefully and elegantly. I regret to inform you that I didn't and in fact, practically fell on my face. Michael tried his best not to laugh but was failing miserably. Seeing this, Dean ran to Mary's side and gently picked her up, and placed her on the ground. Yup, I was liking Dean more and more. Michael extended his hand to help me up while his other hand was still grasping his stomach. I accepted his outreached hand, fearing a little that I might be too heavy for him to pull up and we would both end up on the floor. To my utter surprise, he assisted me up with ease. He pulled me into his arms and held me tight as I reached my feet. My hands were pinned to my sides and I was so close to him I could smell his skin under his shirt and he didn't smell bad. He had this earthy type of smell, I like the way he smells. He leaned in closer to me and whispered into my ear, his breath was too warm and between his scent and warm breath I was starting to feel dizzy. "If it wasn't clear Ginger Bug, I consider us on a double date and I have every intention of treating you as my girl." His words stunned me, I felt a flutter in my stomach and my entire body felt too warm. I have no idea what this feeling is but I do know that I don't want him to let go. Then the inevitable happened and he let go of me, he didn't leave me completely empty-handed though as he took my hand and led me towards the center where Dean and Mary were already headed.
As we entered the doors, we caught up with Dean and Mary who were holding hands and engaging in what seemed to be a playful conversation. I only now noticed that Dean and Michael were dressed similarly, they had switched out their too-tight shorts for jeans that fit pretty decently and printed shirts and a pair of sneakers. Michael looked seriously sexy in those jeans and I caught myself staring. He must have caught me too because the next thing I knew he pulled me into a side hug and asked softly "Like what you see?" My blush was going to burn my face off if he kept this up. Feeling a bit bold I leaned a little toward him and said even softer "Maybe". I swear he gave me the biggest smile I had ever seen. The shopping center wasn't busy today, it was the middle of the month. Here and there you would see a few people but there weren't any large groups of families at the moment. The center wasn't too small, we had a few clothing stores, shoe stores, stationery shops, sports equipment stores, jewelry stores, shops that sold nick-nacks, and some stores that sold food. The place was always kept clean and with its white walls and tiles always gave off the image of being clean and you could often find someone cleaning the bathroom throughout the day. The only downside to this place was that it only had one bookstore. The cinema was on the upper floor with a few shops and the rest was located on the ground floor. "Where are we going first?" Dean asked expectantly. "We have at least two hours before the movie actually starts". He continued. "Bookstore" Mary and I said in unison. I thought the guys would complain or have a problem with our request but they went along with it willingly. Mary and I were bouncing with excitement and could hardly contain ourselves.