More Than I Could Ever Dream Of

After a boring end to the weekend and a long day on Monday, it's a fast-moving day where I am debating on getting a hold of Alex or waiting to see if he gets in contact with me first. If a third date happens, I am hoping it will be this week, especially with me having a rare entire day off on Friday and I would love to take advantage of that time. I was getting into my car to head to my next job when I heard my phone ring; not wanting to talk and drive, I let it go to voicemail until I reached my next destination.

Please let it be Alex.

The second I put my car in park and unbuckled my seatbelt, I reached for my phone. I smiled once I saw who tried to reach me.

Hey, Abby. I wanted to let you know how much I loved our karaoke date… and I uh… would love to go on another date with you. Anyway, call me back when you can. Bye.

I smiled the entire time I listened to it. I instantly called him back; he answered after three rings.

“Hey.”

“Hey, Alex. Sorry I just got to my phone. I was on my way to my next job when you called. I didn’t want to drive and talk at the same time.”

“That’s okay. Did you listen to my voicemail?”

“Of course. I was happy to hear it.”

“So, what do you think?”

“I would love to go out with you again. That was one of the best nights of my life to be quite honest. I was also debating on whether to get a hold of you or vice versa.”

“You have a day in mind?”

“I have Friday off. Maybe breakfast?”

“I would love to have breakfast with you.”

If I wasn’t already happy enough to hear from him, he’s making me happier the more he talks.

“Now, we just to figure out a time. What time’s good for you?”

“How about nine?”

“Nine sounds perfect.”

Just like you.

After another few minutes of talking, I began eating lunch with a smile on my face. The day passed by quickly and I fell asleep incredibly fast that night. The next day, I shot Miranda a brief text about Alex on my way into my first job and left my belongings, including my phone in the back room. By the time I got to my phone again, I saw that she had texted me back.

Holy shit. Date #3! I need the deets! Love ya!

It was sent an hour into my shift. I called her as I walked to my car.

“Hey.”

“Hey. Got your text. What exactly do you want to know?”

“Who suggested breakfast?”

“Me. He responded by saying that he’d love to have breakfast with me. If it was already enough in his voicemail, he goes and says that.”

“He’s too much. When ya going?”

“Friday. By some miracle, I have that day off. Maybe it can lead to more.”

“Like a day out together, perhaps?”

“That would be wonderful. The more time spent with him, the better.”

“You feel so comfortable with him even after two dates. Don’t ya?”

“Yeah. It’s crazy how comfortable with him, but I am. I feel like I can trust him. Is that normal?”

“Mostly. If you didn’t feel either way, I would worry, but not in this situation.”

“That’s a relief to know. You have no idea excited I am, though… even if it’s breakfast. What would I even wear?”

“Abby, just dress like your normally would if you were to go out during the day. He already thinks you’re gorgeous. It’s actually not gonna matter.”

“You’re right. So right.”

That was a shorter conversation than the one with me and Alex. When Friday finally came around, I was up by eight with a full night’s sleep and absolute pep in my step. I quickly showered and got ready then headed straight to my car and drove off to the diner we were to meet at. I texted him as I got out of my car, but before I could get a response, I saw him step out of his car. I stood on the curb in hopes he would see me; he did.

“Good morning.” he greeted, hugging me.

“Good morning.” I said, returning the hug.

“How’d ya sleep?”

“Like a baby. I was exhausted last night and just passed out when my head hit the pillow. How about you?”

“Really well. It was weird going to bed earlier usual, though.”

“I can’t afford to sleep late… unless it’s Saturday. Other than that, I’m just fucked.”

We walked in and got a booth within seconds.

“Apparently, we live different lives.”

You have no idea.

“Yeah.” I sighed.

“Are you okay?”

“I’m fine.”

“Very convincing.”

I looked up and would have been annoyed if he didn’t look so concerned.

“You just got me thinking about how much I’d rather not have to work the way I do…”

We were interrupted with our drink order; I continued to look at my menu.

“And do what I want to do… that would make me thoroughly enjoy life.”

Jeez… I sound so fucking depressing. He’s heard me mention a few parts of my pathetic life. Did he really need to hear that?

“I’m sorry.” I said.

“About what?”

“I must sound depressing when I talk about certain parts of my life which is the most of it.”

“You don’t sound depressing. No one’s life is sunshine and rainbows. You’ve had struggles in your life, including now, but I think you’re pretty extraordinary.”

“Stop.” I said, fighting a smile.

“It’s true.”

“You hardly know me.”

“I know an amazing person when I meet one.”

I blushed.

“I’ll take your word for it.”

No one has ever said that… at least those exact words; it’s not that anyone has ever said that I was amazing or that I was a great person because I’ve heard it was from the people who care about me the most.

“Is someone blushing?” he said, smirking.

“Perhaps. It’s not often that someone as amazing and attractive you are says that.”

Our waitress came by and took our breakfast order which consisted of pigs in a blanket for me and a western omelette for him.

“I’m attractive?”

I laughed.

“Shut up.”

“You said it.”

“That’s true. Can I ask you something?”

“Of course.”

“Anything.”

“What’s the first thing you noticed about me?”

“Your fiery, sexy hair followed by that gorgeous smile of yours.”

“You know, it’s not often I get complimented on my hair. Redheads plus having short hair isn’t a turn-on for most people.”

“They have no idea what they’re missing. Are you telling me that you knew guys who hated your hair?”

“There was one guy who loved it during half of my senior year… well, not even that until he cheated on me with a girl who had blond hair and whose family made more money.”

He rolled his eyes.

“What a fucking idiot. His loss is…”

I heard a couple of girls, and I mean, a couple of teenage girls who couldn’t be more than seventeen or eighteen walked over to us giggling; they must be All Time Low fans.

“Do you hear what I hear?” I asked with an eyebrow raised.

“I do. It’s a familiar sound… and sight.”

“Alex Gaskarth?”

“The one-and-only.” he asked, turning around.

I smiled to myself.

“Sorry to interrupt your date, by the way, you’re really pretty.” the first girl said.

“Thank you.”

Alex smiled at me.

“That’s okay.” he said.

“Would you mind if we could bother you for a pic?” the second girl asked.

“Only if my date wouldn’t mind.”

“I don’t mind.” I said with a smile.

Those girls were ecstatic, so who was I to take that away from them? After a few cute and funny pictures, they thanked us and said their goodbyes.

“You’re so sweet. You probably made their day.” I said.

“I make time for anything like that. As long as there are set boundaries, I love doing those type of things.”

He was so humble.

“I can read it on your face.”

“It’s that obvious?”

“Yeah.”

He chuckled.

“Got a question.”

“What is it?”

“Are your fans always that nice?”

“You’re talking about that compliment?”

“Of course. I mean, I was so frazzled about what to wear this morning because I wanted to look amazing for this date even if it’s just breakfast. I sound ridiculous. I know.”

“I’m sure that you’d look amazing in anything… and I mean anything.”

“Like what I wear to my jobs everyday?”

“Yes. Now, you have me curious on what you wear to work.”

“It’s very basic. Trust me.” I chuckled.

He laughed.

"Unlike you."

This was a perfect time for our food to come as I was speechless; I dug right in. It had been quite a while since I had pigs in a blanket which is one of my favorite breakfast foods.

“Someone looks happy.”

“I am. I love this. Chocolate chip pancakes is my favorite thing to eat on the weekend… well, occasionally. I can’t possibly eating that every morning. Those pancakes, bacon and a glass of chocolate milk; that’s my perfect breakfast.”

I looked up after taking a few bites and saw him staring at me.

“What? Do I have something on my face?” I asked, reaching for my napkin.

He shook his head as he fought a smile; I blushed.

“You enjoying yourself?” he asked after five minutes or so.

“Absolutely. This has been one of the best mornings I’ve had since moving out to LA.”

“Is that so?”

“Mmhmm… how about you?”

“Definitely. Well, out of all the mornings I’ve ever had, this has been the best one. Hands down.”

I was speechless.

“I’m flattered. Maybe we could turn this morning into a day since things are going so well…” I said, biting my lip.

“I love that idea.”

I wanted to squeal but I held it in.

“Now, we just need to figure what we wanna do.”

After eating and we split the bill… yes, split; I wanted to pay for the whole meal, but there was no way I could and he also happened to do the tip which I agreed to. I was ready for the rest of the day as we walked out of the restaurant; knowing he was excited about this just made me so much happier than when the day began.

Notes

So, the date continues. Who saw that coming?