Dating Aria
- 2 -
Sneaking In Sneakers
Sophia's relationship with Aria hits new levels on their second date on Friday.
I was ecstatic as I rushed around my salon, setting up last minute appointments and prepping orders of supplies. It was hectic like most Fridays, but that was just the way I liked it. Yet, my thoughts kept going back to my anticipated date with my unexpected dating app teenybopper match Aria. Last night, we set a time to meet up today but not a place. I found myself constantly checking my phone, waiting for her to text me with where she wanted to go for the evening. But just as I was starting to panic, Aria's text came through saying she wanted to meet at this trendy outdoor restaurant by the water.
A thrill shot through me as I imagined us sitting side by side, watching the sun set over the water while we talked and laughed with ease. As I raced to finish my day, all I wanted was for it to be time for our date already. I had to force myself to stay calm as I rushed out of the salon. I jogged to my car and threw my bag in the backseat, quickly applying a layer of shimmery lipstick before I sped away. I was so eager to get to my date, but I was even more excited by the thought of impressing her.
I drove up to the restaurant on the edge of the waterfront and immediately noticed Aria- with her endless beauty- sitting outside, blowing bubbles with her bubblegum and scrolling diligently through her phone. It was five o'clock sharp- she hadn't been waiting too long, thankfully. I could only hope she spent her day eagerly counting down the minutes until we'd come together too.
My swagger intensified as I walked closer, my light blue ripped jeans, simple white tee that hugged my assets and pristine white designer sneakers on full display. I saw it in her eyes: I'd impressed her. As she got up to wave back her phone flew gracefully from her hands, adding a hilarious and heartwarming moment to our date. We couldn't stop teasing each other about it for the rest of the night.
We stood in a tight embrace, our cheeks touching, and a spark of electricity shot through me as I breathed her adventurous scent in. Our intertwined fingers slowly guided us to the hostess, and eventually made our way to the outdoor terrace with the sun just starting to dip below the horizon. We were both nervous -- Aria more so than I -- but we managed to summon enough courage to order a couple of mojitos, sans alcohol for my little love, and our conversation slowly started to flow.
The sun-drenched restaurant overlooked the sparkling water. My gaze burned into Aria. Her white racer top was two sizes too small, practically painted onto her body, and her pert breasts were supported by nothing but thin air. Denim overalls hugged her curves in the most tantalizing way, leaving just enough skin exposed to drive me wild. Her bright white high-tops were too cute for words. A perfect complement to her total boho chic vibe. The same vibe I saw on her dating profile photos and absolutely adored. Her curtain bangs begged me to push them out of her face and kiss her beautiful lips right then and there. All I wanted was to take her in my arms and never let her go.
I noticed Aria's voice shifts between a whine and poise as she tells me about her day at high school. Then I was entranced by her tales of her friends, who she lovingly referred to as "the gang" and their wild adventures. She described an amusement park trip with such delight and recounted how they screamed in ecstasy as they soared through the air. I couldn't help but smile, captivated by her beauty and innocence.
Just as she was telling me about some recent drama at school, Aria let out a soft "Oh shit" and attempted to hide her face with her hand. Dread filled me as I heard a loud and overly dramatic "ARIA!". Before I knew it, some girl was storming our table, her haughty attitude radiating off of her with every step. Aria had no choice but to give this girl an awkward hug, and I knew right away that I would never like her. It was clear that Aria and the girl had some kind of history but the only thing I wanted to know was what it meant for me.
The hug from Aria's friend was uncomfortable, but when she mistook me for her mother and commented on my va-va-voom figure, it made it even more unbearable. But I held my composure, breaking the hug to a handshake. "My name is Sophia," I said. "I'm Aria's date for the evening." Her shock was palpable, "Date? Whoa...sorry, I thought you were her mom!" She laughed nervously, unsure of how to feel about her schoolmate having a date as old and sexy as me. It was a confusing mix of humiliation and shock. But I couldn't help but laugh along.
"My name is Britney," she declared. "Aria and I...dated." Her words were like a bomb, exploding in my head. Aria had told me she'd never been in a relationship. I saw confusion on Aria's face but she remained silent. Then, the obnoxious girl made her presence known. "I heard the Spanish teacher is really good in bed if you're into older women now," she shouted.
"Seriously Britney?" Aria scoffed.
"You just heard that or is this from experience?" I asked.
The comment I had made left Britney shocked for a moment, her expression turning into a smirk as she said, "please don't mind this interruption," while her entire family of six were seated right next to us. I knew Aria was scared and feeling intimidated, but I thought my remark was perfect.
We both wanted alone time, but the drinks we were having were so delicious and the scenery so inviting that we were both unwilling to leave just yet. Aria sent me a text underneath the table saying "it's complicated" which I understood immediately. Britney's gaze never strayed from us, no doubt trying to figure out why an experienced woman like me was on a date with an inexperienced 18-year-old like Aria. We made small talk, straining to avoid the elephant in the room. Until Aria suddenly threw down a bombshell: "So, how long have you been divorced?"
I paused before I answered, "It's been over 10 years, but we stayed together for our daughter's sake." Her eyes widened with shock and surprise. I cursed myself for neglecting to mention my daughter earlier.
"Surprise!" I cackled, guzzling my drink. "Wow, I had no idea!" exclaimed Aria, her wide-eyed look of surprise only confirming my successful surprise. "I guess she's a grown-up now, huh?"
"Yeah, I'm sorry," I sighed, a look of regret on my face. "It never came up in our conversations. My adult daughter has moved to California for work and I'm hoping that's where she stays," I muttered. Aria nodded, intrigued by this new piece of information about me and obviously relieved that I wasn't taking the conversation as seriously as she expected.
"So your daughter knows you're not straight?" Aria quizzed me.
"Absolutely," I replied.
My tongue was taut with tension, knowing that Britney was listening to every word I said. It reminded me of the other night when Aria had said she attended Sunny High. My cup of Merlot almost spilled out of my hands as soon as it dawned on me--my daughter had graduated from that same school ten years ago. But to keep Aria from having a heart attack, I decided to keep this little factoid to myself and tell her later in private.
The waiter returned to our table, ready to take our second round of orders, yet I had already determined the course of our evening. I coyly bent towards Aria, my gaze lingering on her honey-colored eyes as I whispered, "Shall we make our escape?" As Aria grinned, I asked her what was so funny. She held out her phone, shaking it back and forth as if it had a life of its own. I took the device in my hand, steadying it so I could read the words: "Heading to Costco, let me know if you need anything. Love you, Mom <3".
"My mom stays there FOREVER!" Aria exclaimed, eyes full of glee.