THE CALL

I almost choked. Was I hearing things? I placed the cappuccino back down and stared at him in shock.

"Hold on what do you mean by like?" that came out so wrong.

"I like, like you, Rose. Should I be scared with the look on your face?" I became conscious of my expression when he said that.

"I.. I'm just surprised. I was caught off guard by your statement. You like me? Are you sure? Are you not confusing me with someone else?"

I was in denial. The thought of Eugene liking me was just out of this world. I could already picture the shock and disappointment in some all too familiar faces if they heard about this. 

"Is it really that shocking for me to like you?" "Yes, yes it really is. Have you met you? I am nowhere near your league Eugene. I will be said to be the ugly duckling compared to you." his jaw dropped. "HA HA HA AHAA,..." He was laughing so hard.

I was stunned. I had never seen him laugh before and time seemed to slow down. He looked ethereal and out of this world. His face shone and there and then my thought process was, this man was made to laugh. Perhaps God took his time in sculpting his face. It was funny how I thought the same about Collin.

"I didn't know you had such a sense of humor Rose. I must say, this makes me want you even more." I gulped.

The way he said that last statement sent chills through my body.

"I would like to know if you liked me too." I said nothing."I'm not expecting you to answer me right now, I'm willing to wait. Let me drop you off. I don't wanna keep you for long."

At this point, I could form no words. Everything was happening too fast. "Ok," that was all I said, and nodded. I emptied the glass of cappuccino before we stood to leave. There was no way I was gonna let that go to waste.

I said goodbye to Mr. Finley as we stepped out. 

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We got to my house before I knew it. He got out and opened the door for me like a true gentleman. "Thank you" I said timidly. "Don't mention it" He responded.

He held my wrist as I turned to leave. I turned to look at him with a surprised look. Before I knew it, he pulled me towards himself with his back pressing on the car.

He kissed me on the lips. It was a simple one but held a lot of emotions. It felt like he was pouring out his feelings but in a sincere and gentle way which was the total opposite of the one I shared with Collin. Truthfully, I didn't want it to end but he pulled out almost too soon.

"Do think about me tonight." He caressed my cheeks as he said that. I felt so giddy inside. He kissed me on the forehead and said goodbye. "I will see you tomorrow, Rose." I waved at him as he drove off. 

I had butterflies in my tummy. It all felt like a dream.

Before I could ponder more on everything that had happened my phone rang.

(KRRRRRHHHHH KRRRRRRHHHHHH)

"Collin?..."