A Date with Silas

Marina: Well, what does he do? Where is he from?

Marina stared at Scarlett with big blue eyes begging for information on the man that she had just confessed to flirting with on tinder the night before and her excitement was palpable in the small library space and people were turning to look at her.

Marina: Oh, mind your own business!

They all turned back to their books and she turned back to Scarlett her long blonde hair gently resting on her shoulders ready to receive every juicy detail Scarlett was willing to share.

Scarlett: Does it really matter though Marina, its tinder, we talked for a bit, he was just passing through town, he was hot yes, but I doubt anything will come of it.

Scarlett tried to be as nonchalant about it as possible, but this was the first time she had been even slightly excited about a man in years. Not since well before she had met the father of her child, Granger.

Marina: You never know, tell me about him.

Scarlett: Well, he is a lawyer, and he’s from Calgary, he’s attractive, has a kid, and ya, that’s it.

Marina: Can I see pictures please?

Scarlett: Sure.

Scarlett bends down to grab her bag from behind the library chair where Marina and her had been sitting while they studied for their Anthropology exam, before Scarlett had brought up an interesting conversation with a man on Tinder, grabbing her phone out of the bag she opens the app and finds the profile for Marina to swipe through photos.

Marina: Wow, look at his body! Are you sure he’s a real person and this isn’t just a catfish situation?

Scarlett: Well, he gave me his Instagram handle so that would be weird, because he then started following me back and liked literally EVERY photo on my account.

Marina: No way! Let me see.

Scarlett opened the second app and turned the screen towards Marina and scrolled to show her all the likes on her photos. Marina eagerly snatched it from her hand as she started scrolling through and looking at all the likes that had shown up on her notification board.

Marina: Scarlett, you have over a hundred posts, he liked all of them?

Scarlett: Yup, you should have seen my notifications go NUTS. It made me super self conscious, I didn’t think of all the old photos I had on there.

Marina: Whatever, he wouldn’t have liked them if he didn’t want to, obviously he was trying to get your attention.

She rolled her eyes at Scarlett.

Scarlett: I suppose, he asked if he could take me on a date when he was on his way home from the coast.

Marina: He what? I thought you were just chatting. What did you say? Did you say yes?

Marina looked up surprised at this piece of information Scarlett had left out of the previous conversation, her interested was peaked at this new prospect hoping Scarlett hadn’t flat out turned him down as she expected.

Scarlett: I tried to play it cool, I said we would see when he came through, if I was busy or not.

Marina: That’s probably for the best, you don’t want to seem too eager.

Marina tried not to seem too excited, she didn’t want to scare Scarlett into changing her mind about the date.

Scarlett: My thoughts exactly.

Scarlett: Marina, hes from a different world than me. I’m a single mom, I’m a student, I have nothing to offer anyone. He’s a lawyer, he’s obviously successful and runs in very different circles than me.

Marina: Scarlett, your so smart and you’re such a good mom and such a thoughtful person, he would be lucky to go out with you, although this does remind me of a certain book, one with a powerful man and a young student, I’m just saying.

Scarlett: I’m not that young Marina, and I’m most certainly not a virgin either considering I’m a mother.

Scarlett quickly looked down at her body dressed in an oversized sweater with leggings, silently cursing herself for not working out more after her son was born, or at all really in the recent months.

Marina: So what, can we still call him Mr. Grey for anonymity’s sake?

Scarlett: His last name is Grey actually.

Marina: No way, are you kidding me?

Scarlett: Nope, you’re right on the money with that one.

Marina: Well then, I think I have picked the perfect nickname.

Scarlett grabbed her bag and things from the library table as the got ready to go to class.

What if he did call me though? What if he really did want to go on a date? I haven’t been on a date in years, how do you go on a date?

*

Phone rings

Scarlett trips over her son Granger’s toys trying to make her way to her phone, answering without looking at the caller ID.

Scarlett: Hello?

????: Scarlett? It’s Silas.

Scarlett: Oh, Hi, I didn’t think you would actually call. she giggles softly

Silas: I told you I would. Is this a bad time? Would you like to call me back? Or should I call later?

Scarlett: No, now is fine. What’s up?

Scarlett’s cheeks hurt already from smiling so hard, she was pleased that he couldn’t see her smiling like an idiot over the phone.

Silas: Do you have time for a date? Tonight possibly? I’m a few hours away but I wanted to confirm plans and give you time to get ready if you agreed. I was going to call yesterday but I wasn’t sure when I was leaving the city and I wasn’t sure what time your classes were.

Silas was nervous, he felt like he was rambling and hoped that she didn’t notice. The photos of her that he had seen had been beautiful and he didn’t want to seem to eager and scare her away.

Scarlett: Um, yes, sure, okay! That sounds great. Do you want to go out somewhere? For food? Or a drink?

Silas: I was thinking coffee, if that’s alright with you? So we can sit and talk?

Scarlett: Sure, did you want me to meet you at Starbucks?

Silas: No, I’ll pick you up. This is a real date, where I pick you up, where I take you out and I bring you home, you know, old school.

He wanted her alone, in close proximity, the car seemed perfect, the town was unfamiliar to him and he wanted to be in control of the situation.

Scarlett: Oh, um okay.

Silas: Send me your address, I’ll be there at 7 does that give you enough time?

Scarlett: Yes, that’s more than enough, I’ll see you then.

Silas: Okay Babe, see you then.

The call ended and Scarlett quickly typed out a text and sent it to Silas, he replied with a thanks, I’ll see you at 7 gorgeous and a winking emoji.

*

Kylee: Dude, are you ready yet? I want to see what you’re wearing.

Kylee, Scarlett’s best friend knocked on the door impatiently as she fluffed her hair for the final time and applied some lip gloss over her lips. She opened the door to reveal herself to Kylee hoping for a good review.

Scarlett: I think so, do I look okay? I’m sweating like crazy, I’m so nervous.

Kylee: You look amazing. Very cute but casual. He’s going to be blown away.

Scarlett: Thank you so much for babysitting, you’re my saviour really.

Kylee waved her hands in front of her as if Scarlett’s comment annoyed her.

Kylee: Dude, this is a miracle, YOU, on a date, this was something I had to be part of.

A grin erupted on Kylee’s face and a chuckle escaped her. Scarlett had asked her last minute to babysit pulling her away from her long-time boyfriend and baby, Kylee had agreed immediately but Scarlett had still felt guilty about it.

Scarlett: Shut up, I go on dates.

Scarlett tried to look serious but cracked and let a smile break her fearsome look.

Kylee: Nah, you use men for sex, or you’re a long-term monogamist with the worst taste in men, there seems to be no in between for you.

Scarlett: Whatever, okay, I think I’m ready, I’m going to go wait outside, I need to cool off before he gets here, he said he was on his way, he shouldn’t be much longer.

Kylee: Okay, if he’s a serial killer I’ll make sure to take care of the wee babes.

Kylee hugged her and squeezed her extra hard trying to instill Scarlett with an extra bit of confidence she knew Scarlett lacked.

Scarlett: I think we are good, but I appreciate the thought, I’ll see you after.

Kylee: Okay, have fun, I’m excited to here about it, bye!

Kylee waved as Scarlett put on her shoes and grabbed her purse from the hook beside the door.

Scarlett: Bye babe, thank you again.

Scarlett walks out of the car port and lets out a deep breath, wondering how tonight will go, its cool and her body starts to relax standing at the edge of the carport looking out towards the street waiting for Silas to arrive. She looks down the street to see some bright lights turn to come down her street, a low car that did not belong in this neighbourhood pulled up to her house. It was very expensive looking and she couldn’t see any insignia in the dark to figure out what make it was, the butterfly door opened and out stepped Silas, Scarlett felt her jaw drop, silently thankful that it was dark already and that the neighbours weren’t looking out there windows at the person in her driveway. He looked at her with a smile that practically took her breath away.

Silas: Hi beautiful.

Silas came forward opening his arms as Scarlett found her feet carrying her forward into his arms. His face buried itself in her long red hair taking a deep breath. He pulled away and Scarlett looked up at him through her lashes smiling. His brain felt like it was going to short circuit with the look she gave him.

Scarlett: Hi

Silas: You smell nice.

Scarlett: Thanks, I showered. dammit, shut up brain, who says that!

Silas smiled and it made Scarlett’s soul light up bringing a smile to match to her face while he stared at her chuckling.

Silas: Well thanks, I’m glad I am deserving of a shower.

He laughed and turned to stand beside her as her eyes moved toward the car that Silas had emerged from.

Scarlett: That’s a really, nice, car.

Silas: Thanks.

Silas said proudly, he had worked hard for it and it felt good to impress her, he didn’t care what others thought about him but something about her made him want to prove his worth to her.

Scarlett: What is it?

Silas: It’s a BMW i8

Scarlett: It’s beautiful, should we get going?

Scarlett walked towards the door looking for a handle pausing beside the door.

where the hell is the door handle. She panicked and felt silly as she looked back at Silas. He walked up behind Scarlett and ran his had across the smooth surface of the door, it opened, and he placed a hand on her lower back guiding her towards the car and in.

Silas: You look amazing by the way.

He wanted to just take her back to the hotel and strip her out of her clothes but couldn’t say that to her without terrifying her and making her run back into the house, so he decided to settle with a gentle remark about her beauty. He could tell she was nervous and wanted to make her feel as comfortable as possible.

Scarlett: Oh, Thank you.

Scarlett plopped down into the car taking in the sleek interior, Silas got into the driver’s seat and stared the car.

Scarlett: This car looks like a spaceship. All of my neighbors are probably watching us, you know that right?

Silas: I don’t mind, I’m here for you, not them. Now, you’re going to have to direct me, I was running late and only looked up how to get to your house.

Silas puts the car into gear and pulled out onto the street as Scarlett directed him to Starbucks, he placed his hand on her thigh sending electricity through her skin like fire going straight up into her core.

Silas: I’m really glad you said yes to this, I’ve been thinking about you all week.

Scarlett: Really? I didn’t think you would even call honestly. She giggled nervously.

Silas: Why wouldn’t I call?

Scarlett: I don’t know, because I figured it was just something to say that sounded nice.

Silas: Did you want me to call?

He suddenly worried that he had misread her signals, why was this woman so hard to read.

Scarlett: Yes, of course, I’ve been thinking about you too.

Silas felt instant relief at her admission.

Silas: You underestimate yourself; I couldn’t wait to get back here, I’ve wanted nothing more then to see you and have you physically near me.

Scarlett: Geez do you always talk like that? You’re making me nervous.

She pressed her legs together his words and the way he spoke made her so nervous and made her body so restless.

Silas: Sorry I’ll try to behave and not make you uncomfortable.

Scarlett: I’m not uncomfortable, its just been a while since I’ve been on a proper date.

Silas: How long?

Scarlett: Um, about 7 years?

Silas: What?! How? Why?

Horror and confusion took over Silas’ mind, 7 years? How? This woman was what every man had fantasies about. He had caught himself several times over the weekend having dirty thoughts about her body and her smile that he had seen in pictures. Seeing her in real life was ten times better, just sitting in this car for the last 10 mins he had thought of multiple ways that he wanted to take her, and how badly he wanted to see her face as she came from every pleasure he wanted to give her.

Scarlett: I don’t know, my ex didn’t really take me anywhere, and our first date was about 7 years ago and after we broke up, I was focused on school and work so I never really took the time to date, and no one asked me.

Silas grumbles under his breath and doesn’t really respond. The car pulls up into an empty space in front of Starbucks. Scarlett turns to open the door to get out.

Silas: Stay there, don’t get out, I’ll get the door.

Scarlett retracted her hand and waited as he walks around the car to the other side and opened the door. Scarlett got out and waited as Silas closed the car door, he turned to her and put a hand on her lower back and guided her toward the door into the coffee shop.

Scarlett: If we see anyone I know I’m sorry in advance.

Silas: What do you mean?

Scarlett: It’s a small town Silas, and my family has lived here for over 100 years, and small-town people are crazy, fair warning.

Silas frowned and then smiled, Scarlett’s stomach erupted in butterflies.

Silas: Am I going to have to fight someone? smirking

Scarlett: No! Of course not!

Silas: Then we’re fine, let’s go.

He was so confident as Silas leaned forward and opened the door, and Scarlett walked in and up to the counter to order.

Scarlett: I’ll have a Chai Tea please.

Silas: I’ll have the same.

Scarlett reached into her purse and pulled out her visa to pay for the drinks.

Silas: Don’t even think about it.

Silas pulled out his card and put it forward over Scarlett’s hand trying to push down her wrist. The contact made Scarlett’s breath catch, his hands were so soft and felt so good against her skin.

Scarlett: It’s just coffee!

Silas: Real date, remember? I’m paying. turns to the clerk Do not take her card.

The clerk smiled and looked at Silas with a seductive smile as she took his card

The clerk smirked and looked at Silas with a seductive smile as she took his card. Scarlett instantly felt protective and jealous of her flirty behavior, she walked to the counter to wait for her drink, Silas followed after Scarlett thanking the girl and retrieved his card with out any response to her flirty smile, watching only Scarlett as she swayed her hips from side to side out of nervousness, he wanted to run his hands over them and around them, to pull them into him so she could feel his growing need for her.

Silas: You look amazing you know.

Scarlett: blushing You already said that.

Silas: I know but you do, I can’t help saying it out loud.

He brushed his hand up her arm and goosebumps formed and he noticed how her breath caught when he touched her. The drinks arrived on the counter and they both reached out to take them.

Silas: do you want to stay here or go for a walk?

Scarlett: It looks like it might rain, did you want to go for a drive instead?

Silas: That sounds perfect, lets go,

He led her towards the door, walking her to the side of the car opening the door for her again and she got into the car, he had her, she was right there, all his, nothing to distract her while they spoke, he wondered how long he could drag this night out.

Silas: Okay, where should I go, you will have to direct me again.

Scarlett: Well, what do you want to see? Anything in particular?

Silas: Anything that has meaning to you. Your family has been here for over 100 years right? Take me on a tour and tell me about your town.

Scarlett: Really? Are you sure? I don’t know where to start, what do you want to know about?

Silas: Everything, start at the beginning, I want to know everything about you details of your life, how you grew up, where you grew up, struggles, triumphs, everything.

Scarlett’s breath caught, no one had ever wanted to talk to her like this, the way that he looked her in the eyes with an intensity that he was looking into her instead of just at her. She looks away to break the gaze. Silas backed the car out and moved towards the street. She directed him out towards her family home a little out of town.

Scarlett: Okay, wow, well I used to spend summers here with my family. That’s probably why I moved here after high school; it was still comfortable but far enough away from my parents to be independent. My parents or my dad would bring us, it was his family that lived here. They were very old fashioned and a little crazy, my grandmother married my grandfather when she was fourteen because she was pregnant with their first child. It was a bit of a scandal

Silas: Fourteen? How old was he?

Scarlett: Eighteen. They had seven children in total and my grandfather fathered a few more but no one talks about that.

Silas: Wow, it was only my mom and I growing up, this seems complicated to have so many people involved.

Scarlett: It is, especially when everyone is so involved with everyone else’s business, you learn quickly to keep quite and observe, try not to get involved and live your own life. I was already a black sheep; I didn’t need any extra attention.

Silas: What do you mean?

Scarlett: Oh, I wasn’t enough of a lady, I played hockey, which is a boy’s sport. I listened to angry music, I was wild, I used drugs, I drank too much, I was obnoxious and rude occasionally, I was a bartender and I wasn’t demure enough. Its always been something. There always has been and always will be judgment from them, I’ve just learned to live through it.

Silas: So, you marched to your own drum and that bothered them.

Scarlett: Daughters and granddaughters are to be seen and not heard, to be looked at as some sort of trade-able good. Didn’t you know that? sarcasm dripping from her words

Silas looked at her intensely

Scarlett: What?

Silas: nothing, I like listening to your words and your experiences. What were your parents like?

Scarlett: They were good. My dad would sometimes fall under the pressures of my family and often caused me to feel badly about myself, I wasn’t thin enough, or pretty enough-

Silas: You’re gorgeous, I don’t know how or why on earth your single and someone hasn’t married you yet, but god, you’re incredible. You’re intelligent too which just ups the attractiveness that you possess, I could listen to you speak about anything and never get bored.

Scarlett looked at him shocked. He was speaking with so much intensity in his words urging her to believe him.

Scarlett: I don’t know what to say.

Silas: Tell me about your mom.

Scarlett: My mom?

Silas: Yes, what is she like.

Scarlett: She’s amazing.

Silas: How so?

Scarlett: Well to start with she took on my brother when he was 5 from my father’s previous marriage. With no problems, no issues, then she put up with my father who was an alcoholic until I was 5, threatened to kick him out if he didn’t figure out his life and make better choices, all while raising a teenager, and two small children. Then she decided to go back to school at 40 and change her life, become a teacher, divorced my dad and still held down our life like it was no big deal. I look back now and think about all the stress I must have caused her on top of trying to keep a roof over our heads and keep food on the table while trying to interact with her children as well. She’s always been supportive of me, but when I got pregnant, she really stepped up to help me emotionally which made a huge difference in my life.

Silas: She sounds like a remarkable woman.

Scarlett: She is, somewhat naïve occasionally but remarkable none the less.

Silas: Naïve how?

Scarlett: My partying and drug use went completely over her head when I was younger. She had had no experience with it in the past so I don’t think she recognized the signs in the slightest, which obviously wasn’t her fault, but I think for a while after I stopped using I blamed her for not noticing, even though there is no way she could have, she lived in a different city, and never saw me, when she did I made sure I wasn’t high so she didn’t notice a difference.

Silas: So, you hid it from her and then blamed her for not knowing?

Scarlett: I know, it sounds ridiculous. I don’t harbor resentment in the slightest anymore, but when I was younger, I definitely did.

There was a silence that took over the car as he drove down the long back road, town lights dimming in the distance, he had his hand on Scarlett’s leg, rubbing up and down her inner thigh, she could feel the excitement pooling between her legs as he lifted his hand and she frowned at the loss of connection. He grabbed her hand and intertwined there fingers together and smiled as he brought her hand to his mouth and kissed the back of it as he continued watching the road. Who was this man she wondered? Where did he come from and how on earth had he found her in this tiny town where she hid from the world outside.

Scarlett: Tell me more about yourself please, I’ve been doing all the talking and I feel like you know everything about me, but I know nothing about you.

Silas: Well, what would you like to know?