Chapter 58 - Clarity
Thankfully I was able evade any more questions regarding future children or plans. It was a topic I would rather avoid. The rest of the evening came and went smoothly. We had walked and explored around many areas in the city, which was a strange feeling for someone who has lived here their whole life.
"I really enjoyed this date Celeste." Dantes voice cut into my thoughts. His eyes crinkled from his smile and he chuckled lightly to himself. In the moonlight his handsome features were especially prominent.
At this point we were in front of his building and neither of us made any move to leave. I felt my blush creep up from my chest to my ears. I hoped it was dark enough to not not see it. "Yes it was fun! So whats your plan for the rest of the time you will be here?"
"Kicking me out so soon?" His voice was teasing as he nudged me softly. "As if. I think you mentioned wanting to hike and do some culture sights right. So I was not sure when you anticipated doing that or if you wanted me to tag along."
I internally prayed he did not want to hike with me. It was not like I was out of shape, I usually liked walking the trails by the coastal cliffs or doing light trails but actual hiking was different. I was not a fast walker so usually I had to speed walk to catch up to people.
"I would love for you to join me but I understand if you have prior arrangements. I know we did a lot of stuff today and traveled to quite a few locations. If you are up to it, I would like to treat you to something light tomorrow. Maybe a movie?"
It had been a while since I have seen a movie in theaters. I usually just streamed anything on my laptop or phone sine my work schedule was not always consistent depending on the time of year. "A movie sounds good. What do you have in mind?"
He immediately pulled out his phone to see what was in theaters. "I think that new superhero movie just released NightHawk: Origin." Dante seemed really excited to watch that particular movie. I wonder if he was a comic book fan.
It was nice seeing a more 'nerdy' side to him. It made him feel more down to earth and approachable. It also was a film I could watch with not issues. It was a popular movie franchise and while I was not super into the lore behind the character it was still fun to see.
"Sure, what showtimes are available?" We looked at the times and decided the 4 pm showing was ideal due to the seats available. I guess the time escaped him because once Dante saw how late it was getting he ushered me out right away.
"Lets get you home before it gets even later." It was the same as last night, he seemed to have some issue with being out at night. Though I was sure he was worried about me driving late a part of me did not want to ask incase it was a real trauma.
"Oh ok so then see you tomorrow. Text me if you need anything." As I started the trek home I reflected on the date. Each location we visited I passed to get home. It was an interesting feeling. At one point in time some of these places I would visit with Felix, but now I visited with someone new.
Though Dante was a nice man, and was very good looking, I was still unsure of how to feel about him. I think he would make an excellent friend and an even better ally. But as marriage material I was not too sure.
I was fully aware of how unnatural our meeting was. And even though I insisted on just doing things as 'normal' as possible I could not shake the real reason he was here. A part of me felt nervous, what if I was wasting his time. But I tried to lock away those thoughts.
'Bad thoughts take us nowhere and give us nothing.' It was a saying my Nana June would remind me to repeat. Since i was a child I had always been anxious by nature. So prior to learning how to mask my emotions, she gave me little tips and tricks to self soothe and manage when no adults were around. One of which was repeating a mantra. At my age now I have gotten better at managing, but new experiences like this brought back those feelings.
"Hopefully a goodnights rest will give me better clarity and insight. I have two weeks to decide if I want to keep this going. I have time." I thought I could rest right away when I got home but I had an unexpected visitor.
"Dean is that you?" The figure squatting by a electric blue sports car was none other than Dean. Despite how dark it was getting, the small path lights used to light up the driveway illuminated his figure.
He was hunched over and smelled slightly of alcohol. Which worried me if he drove here. "Dean?" He looked up at me when I called but he seemed out of it. "You are just getting home?" His voice sounded soft like he was shy.
"Are you drunk?" I kneeled down and took off my thick cardigan to cover him. He wore thin clothes which as the night cooled, concerned me. "Where is your phone lets call your parents to come get you."
I did not have his parents number on hand. I knew my parents did but I was scared to bring him inside in this state. Especially since my family knew who I was hanging out with today. Also considering the last time he was drunk, I did not need him to get all touchy with me with my Dad in earshot. But when I called his phone, it went straight to voicemail. Meaning it died or it was turned off.
Dean mumbled a bit before leaning his head on my shoulder and pulling the cardigan tighter around him. I placed my free hand over his cheek to feel his body temperature. It was cold. I had no clue how long he had been out here or why no one on the security team had notified my family. Not just anyone can come in.
Though I was partially thankful I was also especially furious. What if he got hurt or sick? Realistically I had two options. One was bring him in and pray my parents went to bed already. Seeing as no visible lights could be seen from the outside I had a chance.
The other was driving him to his place which was annoying but doable. My concern however was the eyes and ears watching. His place was downtown where many paparazzi like reporters hung around to find some stories. It would not look good for me to go to his place so late even if I left right away.
What to do, what to do?