Dart and Dash - Mary Smith Page 0,29
his overzealous explanation of the food. “Sounds delicious.”
“I worked very hard at it.” He wiped his brow.
“You do this for all the girls you ask out?”
Dash shrugged. “It’s been a long time since I’ve been on a date. Typically, I skip all this, and just go for the ‘touchdown’.” He air quoted his last word.
“When was your last date?”
He scratched his head. “A date? Maybe a year ago. But, I’ve been with a lot of one night dates. What about you?”
“I went on a date a few weeks before I left North Carolina.”
“When was the last time you got laid?”
“Really, Dash? I don’t think that’s a question asked on a date.” I took a large bite of my sandwich.
“Why? I asked a lot of girls that question.”
I rolled my eyes. I shouldn’t be surprised.
“I’m waiting,” he stared me down.
“Fine. If you want to know so badly, it was a few days before I moved here. Happy now?”
“I guess.”
We finished eating in silence, and I wasn’t sure what to say or do. I knew Dash, and his reputation, and I knew where this was leading. I wanted sex, and being with him wouldn’t be a bad experience, but I still couldn’t figure out my true feelings. All my emotions were really messing with me.
“Garnet, you okay?” Dash reached for my hand.
“You said yesterday that you had feelings for me.” He nodded. “What are they?”
Dash cleared his throat, shifting uncomfortably on the bench. “Well, I know I like you. You are constantly running in my thoughts, and I’ve never felt this way about any other woman before.”
“Why?”
“You’re fun. You love Edgar Allan Poe as much as I do. You’ve slept in my bed twice and never taken advantage of me.” He winked at me. “And you’re real.”
“Real?”
“Yes, you don’t act like someone else. You’re Garnet Bowlings, and I like you.”
My heart pounded at his words. I couldn’t believe he’d confessed all of that to me. I truly thought he wouldn’t say half of that.
“Garnet? You look pale. Are you okay?”
“I danced.” I blurted out to him for no reason at all.
“You did?” I could see his eyes widen and the shock was clear on his face.
“Daisy doesn’t know, but I did it last week,” I continued telling him.
“And?”
“I cried. My legs still hurt because it’s been so long, and,” I felt the tears building. “It was great to be out there.”
“I’m so happy for you. I mean it, but why not say anything to Daisy?”
I scoffed. “Have you met my sister? She’ll make a huge deal about it, and it’ll piss me off instead of helping me.”
“You seem to get mad at her a lot, huh?”
“I guess all siblings fight.” I hoped he wouldn’t push the topic anymore.
“Dart and I’ve never fought a whole lot, even when we were younger.”
“Maybe twins are different,” I shrugged.
“Nah, I think you’re not telling me something.” He pinned me with his stare.
“I don’t think these questions are appropriate for a first date.”
Dash waved his hands in a back and forth motion. “We are friends, and you can talk to me.”
“Nothing to say, really. Daisy’s four years older than I am. When she left for college, she had this great life, and I was home listening all about it from my parents. Then Mom got sick, and that’s it.” I took a sip of my water, as my mouth had dried out from my words. I didn’t want to talk about this anymore.
“I’m glad you don’t want to a lawyer because you’re a shitty liar,” Dash chuckled.
“Hey,” I whined, even though it’s the truth.
“How about I try and see if I can read between the lines? Daisy ran off to college, had this fantastic life of parties, a boyfriend, and friends, and you remained home, alone. When your mom got sick, you took care of her, and you put everything on hold. Am I close?” Dash tilted his head, waiting for me to answer.
“I guess it’s something like that,” I said deadpan. I was a little shocked that he’d guessed correctly. I picked at a small piece of wood of the table, trying not to let the tears well up.
“Garnet,” Dash took my hand. “Let’s go back to my place and watch a movie, okay?”
“Sure.” I helped him pack up everything we headed back to his house.
~~
On the ride back, Dash held my hand. It actually felt nice when he rubbed his thumb over my knuckles. It sent a small shiver through me.
I was glad when I