CHAPTER 7

19th February, 2019.

Rae's pov

Blue Meet is your typical teenage joint that almost every teenager goes to, that's how we know each other, it has what every teen enjoys, just as the owner wanted. It's the one place where no one is judged, feels free to let loose, and just have fun. The interior is filled with arcade games of all sorts, pool tables, tables with card games for the gamblers, a movie spot, and of course my favorite spot, the eatery. The back has bumper cars, laser tag games, and of course the darkroom, I've never been in the darkroom and I plan not to, basically because the kids that go in are those that usually get in trouble with the cops and my Dad is a cop.

I planned to sit, wait for Jace and ease my anxiety before he got here, guess what? He beat me to it.

My eyes couldn't consume what was before me. The second table before the door stood Jace Mitchel, my online boyfriend. I knew he was handsome, but beautiful, none the least, his pictures were grainy and at some point, I mulled over if he was just some fat thirty years old who stole kids photos and lived in his nana's basement or some weird nerdy thirteen-year-old who'd trade lollies for a boob show, the guy before me beat my thoughts to a pulp.

Katie gave me a little shove in the back, the interior light had no mercy on his exotic symmetrical face. He gave a little tug on his thin lips that showed his deep dimples and pearly whites. His eyes, a deep shade of blue, that hypnotized you and looked deep within your soul, his lashes fluttered in what I assume disbelief. It had to take him to say, "Can I at least get a hug?", for me to snap out of it. He raised his well-sculpted arms and spread them before me, I moved closer to embrace him but his cologne beat me to it, clear and harmonious, I didn't see it coming, it whispered comfort to the one he grasped, like a fresh and clear morning of April after an exceedingly cold and ferocious winter night. It was musky, like sandalwood in autumn, animalistic, intoxicating and hard to miss, and of course very manly.

"You're even more fascinating in person," his all but velvet voice drifted into my ear. I couldn't stop the crimson heat creeping up my face, my heart skipped a beat twice more, till I finally let go of the embrace.

I heard someone clear their throat behind me and saw all casually stand behind me. I forgot about them.

"I'm sorry Jace, this is Katie, Raiden, and Caleb."

Jace gave a quick greeting before Katie walked up to him and said,

"Hey, I'm Katie, Rae's best friend." Of course, she emphasized the best friend part.

Everyone gave a quick nod, except Caleb, he just stood there and scrutinized Jace like he was a puzzle and had to be figured out, I guess it's a guy thing.

To break the ice, Katie suggested that we remain and have fun while the three of them go and hung out elsewhere. I couldn't be more grateful for her, as they sauntered before the door and into the arcade room, Jace offered me a sit. A real gentleman, lucky me.

"You froze, for a minute I thought you were disappointed." He offered a shy grin, clearly confused about my actions towards him.

"Forgive me but I honestly didn't expect all this," I said whilst gesturing towards him. He raised a brow, "what I mean is, initially I thought you were a creepy old man living in your grandmother's basement, preying on teens. I was mistaken." I said the last part whilst looking at my fingertips.

"What can I get you guys?" Megan the waiter offered cheerily. "I suggest the drink menu first before you get to the food." With a smile she handed us the menus, so much to decide on, I have had every drink on the menu. In the end, I just went for the chocolate shake.

"I'll have the chocolate shake," Jace and I shouted in unison.

Megan beamed and rushed to get our orders.

"I knew, from your profile picture, that you were beautiful but sitting here before you makes me think I'm in one of those cartoon daydreams." I flushed, he knew how to get his way with the ladies.

"How long will you be here Jace?" Megan returned with our smoothies, I took a sip with my straw and as usual, it took me straight to heaven, a real mouth orgasm.

"Wow, these smoothies are really good, just as I remember." That last bit shocked me. Seeing that he resumed, "yeah, I've lived here before. It's my birth home. That's why I got here so fast, immediately you mentioned this place. As for your question, I'm in my gap year, so I'm free to stay for a long. I'll be at my family's place for now."

It was interesting knowing that he stayed here, maybe he got here before me because everybody knows anybody here.

We spent the rest of the day enjoying our food, laughing, and getting to know each other better. For instance, he's the only child, his parents moved just so they can have a better life. In his explanation, his parents travel a lot and are rarely home, always-on business trips. They run several business firms and their schedules are always tight, he rarely gets to see them but they always make it possible to meet him every holiday and, which was sweet. He's passionate about helping people and plans to go to med school, a hard-working man, because of his love for people he volunteers at his town's public library and his junior league town soccer team. He's too good to be true. His love for books, poems, and art, it's like he's just meant for me.

"I love being different, makes everyone unique. Others thought I'd be like my parents, into business and making more money but I just want to make the world better, to see life from a different angle." He flushed then looked me in the eyes, "do you think it's dumb?" I reached forward and held his hand, putting on my widest smile, "I don't think it is, I reckon you'll do great."

"You're open-minded, I like that," it was my turn to flush, "on our next date I'd like to know more about you."

Next date? He wanted the next date!

"I'd love to know more about you too."

Katie appeared beside our table.

"Sorry to break this up but we have school tomorrow and someone is almost past their curfew," the last part gestured towards me. I didn't want this day to end but it had to or else mon would be on my throat.

He stood before I could and rounded the table, "I clearly understand, it's good you look out for your friend."

"Best... Friend."

"Right, best friend," he beamed back. "Rachel, I don't want this day to end but Katie is right. I'll see you after school, that's if you'll be free."

"I'd love you, I mean to! I'd love to," really Rae, I mentally whacked myself.

Before I could embarrass myself Katie held my hand and led the way towards the door. We got to Caleb's car, he and Raiden were already set.

"Later Jace, it was nice meeting you or seeing you," she said whilst getting in the car.

I turned to face him, even in the moonlight his features stood out.

"I had fun, I hope we do this soon." He looked at me and gave me the cutest smile.

"I'm hoping sooner than you think." A fluttering peck to the back of my hand had me swoon. I got in the car and he shut the door for me, all the while Caleb just eyed us through his mirror. He started the car and we were off, Katie spoke about almost everything but I drowned her voice as I relived my day over and over.

I was the last one to be dropped off, honestly, I really should get my car, I feel sorry for Caleb. I turned to say goodbye but he only stared forward, his gaze almost lost.

"Caleb? Are you okay? You seem a little off." He only held the steering.

"Did you have fun?" He uttered, but not in a clear, calm tone more sarcastic if you ask me.

"I did but you don't seem okay."

"I wish I could explain. Your mom's waiting for you."

I left the car but before I could say goodbye he rode off into the night.