Page 70 of Tasting Innocence
“Bye, Mr. and Mrs. H,” I call out before Violet closes the door.
At the car, before I open her door, I lean in and whisper in her ear, “You look good enough to eat.”
She giggles, grabbing onto my bicep. “I knew you were thinking something naughty.”
I give her a small kiss. “I’ll be on my best behavior the rest of the night.”
She settles into her seat, peering up at me with those piercing green eyes. “I hope not.”
* * *
When we’re finishingoff our shared dessert of chocolate cake and ice cream, Violet says, “Well, this is probably the best date I’ve been on.”
“It’s only dinner. How awful were your other dates?” I ask with a laugh.
“Pretty bad,” she deadpans. “My first date was just me going over to his friend’s house.”
“And doing what?”
“Nothing! I literally sat there while they all played the PlayStation. We ate some food and talked a little, but it was terrible.”
“Yikes, that is pretty bad. What about your other dates?”
“I haven’t had too many, to be honest, but another one was just us going to a basketball game at the school, and then dropping by McDonalds afterwards.”
“Wow.”
“I mean, we’re young, so it’s not like I’m expecting a whole lot, but being alone would be nice, even if we just ate at the park or something.” She puts her spoon down and looks at me. “But regardless of where we are or what we’re doing, I really like talking to you. Our conversation always flows.”
I grin. “I guess that’s a perk of knowing you so long.”
She smiles. “Maybe. But what about you? What were your other dates like?”
I finish chewing the bite of cake in my mouth, then wipe my lips with a napkin. “Well, I think this is my first.”
She guffaws. “No way.”
My brows furrow as I really try to think about it. “Yeah, I’m pretty sure it is.”
“Dex.” She plants her hands on the table, leaning forward and staring at me with huge eyes. “You’ve never been on a date before? Ever?”
I let out a chuckle. “Vi, I’ve never been in a relationship. You know that.”
“I know, but not even a date? Not even a trip to McDonalds?”
I shake my head, giving her a laugh. “Okay, I probably had a chick in the car with me when I went through a drive-thru, but I wouldn’t classify that as a date.”
“Wow.”
“Dates are for getting to know someone, and I didn’t care to do that. Having one-night stands and meaningless sex doesn’t require a date. All it requires is an app, and two people who are on the same page.”
She’s quiet for a little bit, and I’m worried I probably ruined the night by bringing up all the meaningless sex I’ve had.
“Sorry, Vi. I’m just trying to say you’re important to me.”
Violet tilts her head and her lips pull up on one side. “Well, I’m glad I’m able to be a first for you, as well. Even if it’s just your first date.”
“First date. First relationship. First girl who’s stayed at my house.”
“Guess those are all pretty good, too.” She takes a sip of her water and sits back, her eyes telling me something she’s too nervous to say.
“Are you wanting to go to the movies now?” I question, the words coming out slow and staccato. “Or…”
Her teeth sink into her bottom lip as she downcasts her eyes. “Or is good.”
The waiter walks by, so I quickly grab his attention. “Check, please.”