It was 7. I showed up. There had been a lot of back and forth about whether or not putting myself out there was a good idea. He just seemed too good to be true. The way he had cared for me up to this point when merely days ago I was a complete stranger... was he some kind of serial killer? Had I found my own real-life Joe Goldberg? The only thing I could say for myself though was that I had nearly nothing to lose. Working out every day and watching my figure? Working myself to death because I simply had no other plans? That was no way to live. Maybe if he kidnapped me and loved me obsessively, it wouldn't be so bad. I could be onboard with developing some light Stockholm syndrome.
I stood there in my leggings, black boots with a little heel, and a baby-pink crop top sweater. My hair was down and straight. It occurred to me this is the first time he would see me actually dressed and not looking like I lost a fight with a cat as I usually look after my workouts. There was a slight chill in the air, but not cold enough to make me cover up how cute I felt in this pink sweater. Before even a minute had passed, I saw his car drive up to where I was standing. It felt like he had been waiting for me to show.
He got out of the car and walked around to hug me and give my outfit a once over. "Yes, this will do perfectly. You look so adorable Leighla. I am so happy you decided to show up." He took my hand in his and with the other he opened his passenger door. I climbed in and he closed it like a gentleman. I could already tell this date was going to be different than the rest of dates I had ever been on in my life.
William got into the car with more elegance than I would expect a man to be capable of. I replayed how I looked when I got in and a blush crept up my cheeks. I had to consciously remind myself that part of that reason might be because he was used to how low it was, and the space he had in it. This wasn't a reflection on how graceful I had the potential of being. I just needed a few more times to practice getting into his car. The thought made me smile big before I could stop myself from looking a little nuts.
"I hope that smile is because you're excited for tonight, little one. I've been wanting to meet someone to go to this place with me for forever, and I think it might just be your kind of scene. If it isn't, tell me and we will run out of there and head elsewhere. I just want to spend time with you." He held out his hand in the space between the seats, and I reach out and held it for the rest of the ride.
About 15 minutes later, William had parked outside what looked like an industrial building for storing things. Not quite a factory, but the metal walls outside weren't exactly warm and inviting the way a store might be. "What is this place? Are you sure it's open?" I sounded a little bit skeptical, but who wouldn't be when there was only a few cars in the parking lot.
"Oh I'm sure. Let me show you." He got out of the car and came around to my door. I had managed to open it and get a leg out before he got there. His eyebrow raise showed very clearly his thoughts about that little move. He grabbed my hand again and lead me to the building's door, which was barely visible in this darkness. "Again, before we head in, if this isn't your scene then just let me know." And with that near-warning, he opened the door and my face was one of shock, I'm sure.
The space was huge and filled with trampolines and bounce houses and bounce house obstacle courses everywhere. There seemed to be only adults on them too, which I thought was a little odd considering the nature of the place, but I felt excited about it nonetheless. On the right side of the huge space was a food bar that looked straight out of the 1950's. I just stood there at the entrance and took it all in for a minute. What a cool first date!
"I am more than okay with this place! Eeee!!! Thank you thank you THANK YOU!!!" I turned to William and squeeze-hugged him while doing a little jump on my feet. "Where do we go first?! Wait. You ARE coming with me on these, right?" I looked to him and gave him my very best puppy dog eyes.
He smiled with his whole face and kept his arms tight around me, like he wasn't ready to let me go. "Of course I'm going on these with you, and we can do whichever one you want first, but there are going to be a few rules." He paused for what I assumed "dramatic effect". "The first rule is that shoes come off before going on any of the structures. Second is we are playing Safe today. No crazy backflips or jumping off the structures and onto the floor. Third, you are to be open and honest with me. If you need a break, we take one. If you're thirsty, tell me and we can go get some water. If you need to use the rest room, tell me and let me take you. Don't just run off without saying where you are going. Fourth and final rule- have fun. Have so much fun, and when you're ready to go then maybe you'll want to go out with me again." His lopsided grin was what sealed the deal for me. This was going to be the best date ever.
2 Hours Later-
Well. I didn't see that coming. The obstacle course was so much fun. I was going So fast; I had William beat by a lot. And then it happened. I fell. Again. And hurt my knee. Again. It hurt, but it didn't hurt as much as the embarrassment I felt at having William witness me falling, again. With my face in my hands, I was sitting on a bench on the side of the obstacle course. William kneeled in front of me and again was helping me take care of the wound. Thankfully, an obstacle course blown up with air is not nearly as impactful to fall on as the cement is at the park. My knee didn't look too bad either, it was just a scary moment of falling.
"Okay Bunny, I think it's time I bring you to part two of our date. No way am I letting you turn more of my hairs gray by letting you back on those bounce houses tonight. I think you'll like part two just as much." With that, he took my hand and got me back into his car.
