Chapter 7 - Moving on

“Hi are you Melody?” A Samantha says standing in front of me. I look up at her and she smiles. My heart is in my throat, she and I have never met but I know who she is. Why is she here? Does she know who I am?

“Yes.” I say smiling back at her too but I am dying on the inside. What if she decides to pull my hair here in the middle of the campus coffee shop?

“I’m Samantha; I heard you’re a tutor.” She says pulling out a chair and she sits down. I let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding. This a scenario from one of my nightmares and it ends badly. I don’t want to die for a boy that’s not even mine.

“Oh yes. Are you looking for a tutor?” I ask looking at her, she’s so beautiful. Her face is perfect. Why is Knox bothering with me? She has a perfectly perfect girl right here?

“Yeah, I’m looking for a chemistry tutor and someone referred me to you.” she says and I nod. I do chemistry and mathematics tutoring. I always have a full schedule because people that I tutor always give me good reviews.

I am rated in the top 5 tutors on campus. I am highly sort after, I’m not surprised she was referred to me but I’m a little thrown off she’s sitting here with me. I was hoping we never cross paths, like never; ever!

“Well I am who you’re looking for but unfortunately my schedule is full.” I say and she frowns at me.

“Seriously? Can’t you squeeze me in? I really need a tutor” She says leaning forward her face is so close to mine. I sit back uncomfortable. Why is she sitting so close, that’s a weird thing to do. She and I don’t know each other like that. Well I know who she is but that’s beside the point. She needs to get out of my face.

“I can’t help you. But I can refer you to another tutor if you would like.” I say and she shakes her head no before I finish my sentence.” I look at her surprised.

“I had another tutor, we didn’t work out. That’s why I’m here. I’m desperate.”  She says sighing deeply.

“I’m sorry to hear that.” I say looking at her, I wish I could help her but I don’t have the time.

“I’m going to have to find someone else; I can’t afford to fail this class.” She says looking at me closely.

“Here is Sarah’s number. She’s really good and I hope she’s a good fit for you.” I say giving her one of Sarah’s flyer. I hope it works out because Sarah is new to this whole tutoring thing and she’s looking to create a good client list. Samantha will be her second client, she needs the money.

“Okay I’ll give her a try, if she doesn’t work out I’m coming back to you and you won’t have a choice but put me on your list.” She says smiling. I laugh a little thinking she’s joking but I don’t know. I think she’s being serious.

“I hope it works out too.” I say and she stands up and leaves. I watch her walk away and I have a weird feeling about her. She was nice to me but something is off. I can’t put my finger on it but there’s something there. Maybe she knows who I am.

“What did the Samantha want?” Casey says sitting down in the chair Samantha just left.

“She was looking for a tutor.” I say looking in the direction Samantha disappeared to. When I look back at Casey she’s looking at me like really? Are we going to worry about her? She doesn’t even have to say the words I know that judgmental but loving face. She doesn’t want me worrying about things that don’t serve me and she’s right. I need to let this Knox thing go and adding his girlfriend to my list of worries is not the way to do it.  

“Good for her. Are you ready for tonight?” She asks and I smile too. Tonight is the night for my date with Michael. I can’t remember the last time I was this excited to do something. Michael and I have been texting and calling each other for the past week. And we have managed to have fun even through that.

He’s a breath of fresh air. I look forward to every text and call. And tonight I’m going to see him; I can’t help but look forward to it. He promised me some good food and great company. He’s a 100% sure that he planned the best date I will ever have in my life. His words not mine.

So I have high expectations for tonight. But I know we’ll have fun even if the date is a bust. I genuinely enjoy his company.

“I’m excited, if that’s what you’re asking me.” I say and she dances in her chair. I think she’s more excited about this than I am.

“I’m excited for you.” She says and I dance in my chair too. Are we being too cheesy? It is just a simple date, nothing too big right?

“Thank you, as a matter of fact thank you for introducing us.” I say and she takes a bow. We laugh together, so happy.

Later that night.

“So, what’s the verdict?” Michael asks me when the waiter takes away our now empty dessert plates.

“You were right, the food here is incredible.” I say amazed at how good our meal was. Michael decided to take me to one of those 5 course meal restaurants. The ones you pass all the time and wonder what it’s like but never go.

I would have never come here myself. It looks insanely expensive but the food is quite affordable. The design of the restaurant is a little intimidating but as soon as you sit down and meet the staff you realize it’s not uptight at all. Everyone is friendly and the service is amazing.

“I’m glad it was to your liking. I was nervous.” He says smiling at me.

“You, nervous? I find it difficult to believe that.”I say smiling at him.

“I was nervous, I just hide it well.” He says blushing.

“I wouldn’t have guessed.” I say truthfully. He’s been so calm and charming the whole time. I’m the one that’s nervous. This is my first serious date.

“I had to practice in the mirror this morning so I don’t mess up.” He says and we laugh together.

“I should have done the same.” I say smiling at him. It’s not that I feel awkward. I’m just conscious of everything. He makes me feel at ease, I’m just nervous because I don’t know what people don on a date.

“You’re nervous too?”  He asks and I nod. “I think now that it’s out there we can both relax. No need to pretend.” He says sitting back in his chair.

“I guess.” I say taking a deep breath. “What now?” I ask him and he smiles.

“Now we go to the next part of our incredible date. I think you’re going to like it.” He says raising his hand to get the waiter’s attention. He asks for the bill and when he’s done we head out of the restaurant.