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!
