More Than I Could Ever Dream Of

I managed to make it through the week, and now, I'm getting ready for my second date with Alex; I had been anticipating this all those days and I don't know how I managed to get through it. Miranda's due to show up any minute to take me to the bar I'm going to. I had decided on a pair of slip-on Vans that had a floral checkerboard design; they were a bit scuffed, but hey, I grew up poor and managed to get a pair when Miranda's mom took me out one day for my birthday and I got a pair as a gift from her; these are my most treasured pair of shoes because of her. I added a pair of jeans and a cute black and pink flannel shirt to complete. I spun around and smiled once I caught a glimpse of myself after I was done getting ready. I was looking at a text on my phone when my bestie arrived.

Can't wait for tonight.

Alex sent that hours ago and I responded, but I couldn't help but look at it again; I'm that excited to see him again. A knock on my door brought me back to reality and got off my bed and walked to answer the door.

"Hey." I said, letting her inside.

"Hey." she said, hugging me.

I hugged her back and pulled away as I was still smiling, like a fool, this time.

"You excited?"

"Can you not see this smile?" I said, jumping up.

She laughed, clearly getting a kick out of my behavior.

"I can and I love it. You ready? Because you look ready… and sexy as hell.”

"Yeah. Let me just grab my purse.”

The second I was in her car and buckled, I texted him.

I’ll be there in ten. My bestie’s gonna drop me off.

I’ll be waiting outside. Looking forward to seeing you beautiful.

I squealed, taking Miranda by surprise.

“Wow. I knew you were excited, but not this excited.”

I laughed.

“Are you surprised?”

“I guess not. I should know better.”

“Yep.”

When we got there, I saw him standing and smiling when he saw me get out of Miranda’s car.

“Have a great time and be safe.”

“I will. Love ya.”

“Love ya. Call me if you need anything and I mean, anything. Okay?”

I nodded and shut the door quickly and walked across the street to where he was. He embraced me immediately and I inhaled his scent as I hugged him back.

“You look stunning, along with other adjectives, of course.”

“Thank you.”

“I love those shoes, too. Glad to find a girl who loves wearing Vans.”

I was speechless, but I knew I had to be blushing; I could feel the redness in my cheeks.

“How’s your week been?” he asked after we got drinks and sat down.

“Okay, I guess. That day you first texted me, I got a headache just an hour into my shift; it was awful.”

“But you powered through.”

“I had no choice. That’s a tougher job for me. I’d much rather be behind the scenes cooking than putting on a smile and taking orders.”

“Cooking does sound better.”

“It passes the time faster, too. You know, I wish I could make my signature dish, though. That’s not exactly on the menu where I work.”

“When’s the last time you made it?”

“Six years ago, just a few weeks before I moved to L.A. I’ve been wanting an excuse to make it, but I haven’t.”

“You know, there doesn’t have to be a special occasion to make it.”

“I know, but still…”

I want a chance to make it for him… at least once. He placed a hand on mine and caused me to smile.

“Anyway, enough about me. What got you thinking about karaoke?”

“I know how much fun I have doing karaoke. I was hoping you’d be interested.”

“What kind of songs do you gravitate to when you’re singing?”

“Pop, usually… boy bands. I have been known to do Sublime as well.”

I loved the sound of his music of choice.

“Am I gonna be hearing any of that tonight?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Maybe, maybe not.”

I let out a laugh.

“What am I gonna be hearing from you?”

“Not sure yet.”

“I’m sure I’ll enjoy it, though.”

I hoped so because it's been a while since I've done karaoke, but if there was anyone I would want to sing in front of, it would be him.

"You want me to put our names in?" he asked.

"Sure."

The night started fifteen minutes later, and we were treated to a butchering of a classic: Piano Man by Billy Joel.

"That was awful. I can't unhear it, but it's probably not the last."

"Rian would be appalled if he heard that. He loves Billy Joel.”

I laughed as did Alex; that laugh and smile kills me.

“At least when it’s your turn, you’re not gonna disappoint.”

He blushed.

“Or when they hear you.”

“Alex, you’ve never even heard me sing.”

“I have a good feeling.”

After a handful of people went, it was my turn and I was excited, but also a bit anxious because I will be singing in front of the frontman of my favorite aka my date. I took a breath in, then one out before vocals started.

Take this pink ribbon off my eyes
I'm exposed, and it's no big surprise
Don't you think I know exactly where I stand?
This world is forcing me to hold your hand

'Cause I'm just a girl, oh, little old me
Well, don't let me out of your sight
Oh, I'm just a girl, all pretty and petite
So don't let me have any rights

Oh, I've had it up to here

The moment that I step outside
So many reasons for me to run and hide
I can't do the little things I hold so dear
'Cause it's all those little things that I fear

'Cause I'm just a girl, I'd rather not be
'Cause they won't let me drive late at night
Oh, I'm just a girl, guess I'm some kind of freak
'Cause they all sit and stare with their eyes
Oh, I'm just a girl, take a good look at me
Just your typical prototype

Oh, I've had it up to here
Oh, am I making myself clear?

I'm just a girl
I'm just a girl in the world
That's all that you'll let me be

Oh, I'm just a girl, living in captivity
Your rule of thumb makes me worrisome
Oh, I'm just a girl, what's my destiny?
What I've succumbed to is making me numb

Oh, I'm just a girl, my apologies
What I've become is so burdensome
Oh, I'm just a girl, lucky me
Twiddle-dum, there's no comparison

Oh, I've had it up to
Oh, I've had it up to
Oh, I've had it up to here

I put my all into the song, even moving along to the music, glancing at Alex a moment or two to see that he was in awe. There was major clapping going on and I smiled as I walked back to my seat.

“You didn’t tell you were that amazing.”

“Thanks. I’ve always loved listening to No Doubt; Gwen Stefani puts through so much energy and emotion when she sings.”

I was beaming and he took that as an opportunity to kiss me.

“What was that for?” I said, smiling.

“I can’t just kiss you?”

“Of course, you can. You can always kiss me. That just happened so fast is all.”

“Always?” he asked, raising an eyebrow.

That was so bold of me to say and I don’t know why I did.

“Depends if we make it past this date.”

He was truly bringing out a side of I had not seen in a while and I was definitely not going to complain.

“I’m optimistic about that.”

I nodded and smiled to myself. No guy has ever shown so much interest in me as Alex has and I can not believe it, seeing who he is.

“When’s your turn?” I asked.

“A couple of people from now.”

“Looking forward to it.”

When that time came, I was eager to hear what he was going to sing. The second I heard the music play, I knew what it was and could not wait to hear him sing.

As long as you love me

Although loneliness has always been a friend of mine
I'm leaving my life in your hands
People say I'm crazy and that I am blind
Risking it all in a glance
And how you got me blind is still a mystery
I can't get you out of my head
Don't care what is written in your history
As long as you're here with me

I don't care who you are
Where you're from, what you did
As long as you love me
Who you are, where you're from
Don't care what you did
As long as you love me

Every little thing that you have said and done
Feels like it's deep within me (ooh, ooh-ooh)
Doesn't really matter if you're on the run
It seems like we're meant to be

I don't care who you are (who you are)
Where you're from (where you're from)
What you did, as long as you love me (I know)
Who you are (who you are)
Where you're from (where you're from)
Don't care what you did
As long as you love me

Yeah-eh-eh!
As long as you love me

I've tried to hide it so that no one knows
But I guess it shows
When you look into my eyes
What you did and where you're coming from
I don't care
As long as you love me, baby (ooh, ooh-ooh)

I don't care who you are (who you are)
Where you're from (where you're from)
What you did, as long as you love me
Who you are (who you are)
Where you're from (where you're from)
Don't care what you did (yeah-eh-eh)
As long as you love me (as long as you love me)

Who you are (who you are)
Where you're from, what you did
As long as you love me
Who you are (who you are)
Where you're from (where you're from)
As long as you love me
Who you are, as long as you love me
What you did, I don't care
As long as you love me

I started to tear up, but I kept a smile on my face; it was odd hearing him sing a pop song... especially one by perhaps the best boy band ever. When he came back, I kissed him; I simply could not help myself.

"I was that good?"

I gave him a look.

"Have you met yourself before?"

He brushed hair out of his face and didn't respond; he was so humble which made me like him even more.

"Thank you for the compliment... and the kiss. That was lovely."

He gave me that signature smirk of his.

"You're welcome."

The night went on without a hitch and before I knew it, it was over and I was sad to see it end.

“I can’t believe this date is over already.” I said while I waited for my ride.

“I can’t either. Tonight was so much fun. Wasn’t it?”

"Hopefully, we can do this again."

"I'd love that."

As we kissed, I heard a car horn and knew exactly who it was; Miranda has terrible timing. I pulled away and separated from him and looked to my right, seeing her wave.

"Miranda?" Alex asked.

"Yeah... guess I gotta go."

She honked the car horn again.

"I definitely gotta go now."

"Can't upset Mom, can you?"

I laughed and shook my head.

"Get a hold of me if you're still interested." I said.

"I will. Have a good night."

"You too."

Begrudgingly, I left him and went toward my bestie's car and got in.

"So, how'd it go?"

"Amazing, Mom."

"Mom? Why are you calling me, Mom?"

"Because that's who you're acting like. Alex called you that, just moments after you arrived."

I was trying to keep from laughing.

"If you two become a thing, I'm gonna have a serious talk with him."

"Like you should."

She shook her head.

"Anyway, you two looked pretty cozy out there. What happened tonight?"

"Some kissing, amazing singing, alcohol, more kissing and singing."

I was up-in-the-clouds and did not want to come down.

"Ok. If you two don't become a thing, I will be shocked."

"I'm optimistic about it. I've never liked a guy as much as I do with Alex. I don't want to this ride to ever end."

"Ever?" she said.

"Ever.”

Notes

So, obviously, the first song is I’m Just A Girl by No Doubt and the second song is As Long As You Love Me by the Backstreet Boys.