Checking my watch, I sighed. My foot tapped anxiously on the ground. The motel staff flicked me kind glances as they passed. Waiting in the reception room, I rolled my head left and right, wanting something, anything, to distract me.

"J!"

Anything but that. Turning, I saw Bark strolling towards me, grinning like an idiot. He slapped me on the shoulder before leaning against the wall beside me.

"I've heard of guys getting ditched at the altar, but you didn't even get past the first date," he snickered.

Normally I would be happy to joust taunts with Bark, but admittedly, I was pretty nervous. "What are they doing in there?" I asked, pulling at my collar.

Bark's smile fell. Shaking his head, he grunted. "You're no fun. I'm sure they're just doing makeup or something."

Bark and I had been eating breakfast this morning when June squealed. Her eyes shone like floodlights, and she was near shaking with excitement. Thoroughly embarrassed, Evelyn had dragged her away. They had vanished into Evelyn's room and not reappeared since. It was now twenty past ten in the morning. I know that's not so late, but I can't help it! Now that I am here, it's nerve-racking.

"You need to relax," Bark said, picking at his teeth. There was an apple in his hand which I swear he wasn't holding before.

"Easier said than done," I scoffed. My eyes sliding closed, I took a deep breath. The feather was floating before me. Up, down, up, down, it hung there. My breathing was fine, but my foot was tapping faster than ever before.

His teeth crunching through the apple, Bark glanced curiously at me. "What are you so worked up for?"

"Couldn't tell you," I honestly replied. "Suddenly I feel really insecure. How are my clothes? Do I look okay?"

Bark shrugged dumbly. "You looked... dressed?" Groaning, he smacked his forehead. "Look, you're asking the wrong person."

Not saying anything, I stared intently at Bark, my face a mask of disinterest and hopelessness. It didn't do much, but he did feel awkward enough to stop eating his apple for a moment.

After perhaps a minute of dodging me line-of-sight, Bark finally broke. Groaning, he adopted an expression of annoyance. "Fix your hair, straighten your shirt and that pocket is inside out."

Obeying readily, I ran a hand through my unkempt hair. I tugged my shirt to the side before pulling it down some. Burying my hands in my pockets, I watched him expectantly.

"Your fly is down," he said, biting into his apple again.

Panicking, I reached for my pants zipper, only to find it was done up. I deserved that, but not today. My dude is playing a dangerous game. Though, I decided to let it slide. Instead, I looked down. Old runners, blue denim jeans, plain black shirt complete with collar and three buttons by the neck. A hint of chest hair peeked out from beneath my shirt. Though, I had at least made sure to shave this morning.

Bark shrugged as he took another bite from his apple. "Calm down. Just imagine you're hanging out like you usually do. The only difference is that your flirting is welcome."

I shot Bark a dirty look. "That might work," I said, annoyed that I had to get dating advice from this oblivious moron.

Rubbing at my temples, I took a few deep breaths and finally settled myself. Naturally, my peace was disrupted a moment later when someone quietly cleared their throat.

Near jumping from my skin, I turned to see Evelyn standing there. Her gaze was downcast. She was biting her lip in that cute way she does.

Taking a slow step back, I looked her up and down. To describe her in one word, stunning. Unfortunately, I didn't think of that in the moment.

"You look nice," I said dumbly.

Frowning, Evelyn glanced up. "Nice? I look amazing," she said, sounding insulted.

I tried to agree with her, but only ended up stammering. Blushing, I rubbed at the back of my head. What began as a brief chuckle quickly erupted into boisterous laughter.

Shaking my head, I settled and took a deep breath. "You always look amazing, but right now, I don't have the words."

Her cheeks flaring red, Evelyn's eyes fell to the floor again. Both her hands flew to her hair. Yanking the elegant braid over her shoulder, she played with the ends. A white knee-length dress clung tightly to her, ribbon wrung around her waist, emphasising every curve of her slender frame. Black stockings and a light blue jacket warred against the cool air. A small blue purse hung from her shoulder.

Smiling at her, I felt some normalcy return. By sheer coincidence, Bark was right. Evelyn and I had been alone together many times before. The only difference is that now I could be certain that she actually wanted me there.

"Milady?" I asked, offering my arm to Evelyn.

Smiling meekly, she slowly linked her arm through mine, and we left. Evelyn's eyes clung to the ground. Occasionally, I glanced over, admiring her and laughing for no reason whatsoever. At first, she was surprised, but then she rolled her eyes. Unable to keep the smile from her face, she sighed pleasantly and leaned on me as we walked.

Watching us go, Bark finished his apple. "What took you two so long? You were gone for over an hour," he asked June, watching her from the corner of his eye.

Crossing her arms, June tapped her finger against her arm. "Believe it or not, people make an effort for the person they like."

Recoiling, Bark seemed insulted. "I make an effort!"

"As if, you- wait, you make an effort? Who are you making an effort for?" June's tone grew sharp. Her eyes narrowing, her gaze set sharply on Bark.

His lips pursed; Bark awkwardly smacked his closed fist against his leg. Not responding, he nervously met June's gaze.

Speaking slowly, June said, "Bark, who are you making an effort for?"

Raising his hand, Bark revealed the apple core he was holding. "Apple." Spinning on his heel, he turned and walked quickly away.

Leaving those two to squabble, Evelyn and I moseyed into town. We had been walking for several minutes when it occurred to me, I have no idea where we are going.

"V?"

"Hm?" She mumbled, glancing up.

"Where are we going?"

Tapping her lips, Evelyn thought for a moment before her face cleared. "To your gravesite. Last night will be the last time you make me cry." She said it with such conviction that for a moment I believed her.

Amused, I decided to play along. "I never expected the grim reaper to be so cute."

Rolling her eyes, Evelyn turned her face, trying to hide her smile. "Whatever."

Chuckling, I let her lead me along. Soon enough, we were in town. Bouncing from cafes to bookstores, she showed me most of what Lambarra had to offer. Though, I didn't notice much of it because my attention was fixed on her.

As for the conversation, it really wasn't too different from normal. We just talked like we always do, but it was warmer somehow. Holding her hand was comforting. I can't explain how or why, I just felt lighter than normal.

Losing myself in the day, I didn't notice as the hours flew by. Before long, it was near five-thirty. We had been strolling through the park, but now Evelyn led me back up the path to the roadside. She had seemed relaxed, but as we waited there, she anxiously played with her hair.

"Something wrong?" I asked, raising my brows.

Evelyn sighed and turned sharply. Watching me with wide eyes, she pursed her lips. "We've got one last thing to do today. Mark is going to drive us there."

Understanding dawning on me; my face cleared, and I smiled knowingly. "Ah, the dreaded older brother. What you're worried he won't like me? I think I'm pretty great," I said, grinning cockily.

Evelyn rolled her eyes but smiled, nonetheless. "I'm just nervous."

"Hi just nervous, I'm J," I answered in monotone, deadpanning.

Scowling, Evelyn nudged me. "Stop that!" She hissed.

"I can't help it," I exclaimed, laughing. "It's become reflexive."

Her face sinking, Evelyn buried her head in her hands. "How did I fall for you?" She muttered, sounding upset.

Throwing my head back, I laughed again and placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Don't be embarrassed. Few can resist my dazzling smile and rippling muscles."

Peeking through her hands, Evelyn watched me curiously. "Rippling muscles? Don't flatter yourself."

I nodded, conceding her point, but the smile was still fresh upon my face. "I really don't know why you fell for me, but I'm not complaining. Quite the opposite in fact."

Her face growing red, Evelyn's eyes widened, and she punched me mercilessly. "Stop doing that! It's embarrassing."

"Hope I'm not interrupting," called Mark, pulling up alongside the curb in an old blue dual-cab Ute.

"You are not!" Evelyn yelped, surprised by his sudden appearance. Huffing, she marched towards the car, but I hurried in front and opened the door for her. She scowled at me again, but climbed in and shuffled over, allowing me to jump in beside her.

Settling myself into the car, I extended my hand to Mark. "Good to meet you, Mark. My name's Judah. Call me J."

Grinning, Mark shook my hand enthusiastically. "Good to meet you too, J." Shifting, he focused on the road and pulled safely away from the curb. When we were cruising through, he smiled at me in the rear-view mirror. "So," he began, his voice filling with amusement. "Evelyn got a date. Never thought I would see the day."

My eyes watched as the town passed by outside. This quaint village is beautiful. Chuckling, I replied, "honestly, me neither."

Evelyn rolled her eyes at us and hid behind her braid. Mark laughed and fell silent for some time. Eventually, he sighed. "Evelyn has been alone a long time. That she warmed up to you means a lot. Treat her right."

Her face reddening, Evelyn scowled. "I'm right here, you know."

A slow smile spread across my face as I remembered back to my and Evelyn's first meeting. Never did I think we would end up here. Mark noticed my lack of a response, but upon seeing my expression, any of his worries melted.

Lost in reverie, I watched the world pass by. My hand crept across the seats until it found Evelyn's. Begrudgingly holding hands, Evelyn looked out her own window. Her expression suggested otherwise, but she was happy.

After that, the car was devoid of conversation until Mark pulled into a large empty lot. "Here we are," he said proudly. Driving in a loop, he parked the car in the middle of the clearing and jumped out.

Exiting the car, I looked around curiously. There was a building at one end of the lot and a large metal structure at the other end. Maybe Evelyn really had prepared my gravesite?

"I need to get to work, but I'll see you two later," Mark said, waving goodbye before walking towards the building.

Turning to Evelyn, I raised my brows at her, asking an unspoken question. Smiling knowingly, she walked to the back of the Ute and lowered the tail gate. It was high up, so she had to jump and pull herself into the tray.

Curious, I leaned against the Ute, peering in. Lying in the tray was a picnic bag, a few pillows, and several blankets. Evelyn tossed the picnic bag onto the car roof before spreading the largest and thickest blanket through the tray. Kicking her shoes off, she grabbed the other blankets and pillows and placed them on top.

Finally, she nodded approvingly, satisfied with her work, and sat down. Patting the space beside her, she gestured for me to join. Sliding free of my runners, I easily jumped into the tray. It was surprisingly comfortable.

"What's all this?" I asked, leaning some pillows against the tray walls and resting against them.

Evelyn frowned. "Have you never been to a drive-in movie?"

My eyes flicked around before settling on her. "No," I answered, my head tilting.

Rolling her eyes, Evelyn smirked. "Mark works here. I asked if we could borrow his car to watch the movie and he said yes, but we have some time before it starts."

Grunting, my brows creased, and my expression grew curious. Seeing this, Evelyn frowned and shuffled uncomfortably. "What?"

Shaking my head, I chuckled at her. "We agreed to go on a date last night. You seem very prepared for someone who didn't want to go out with me."

Her face growing hot, Evelyn looked away. "I don't know what you're implying but you're wrong. I was just thinking last night about what we'd do, and I thought this would be a good idea."

"Well, you were right," I said approvingly.

Closing me eyes, I stretched my legs and got comfortable. It was cold, but with all the blankets I wasn't worried. The wind carried bird calls, some were pretty, and others were odd. Though, all were pleasant.

I was simply enjoying myself when I felt her body press against mine. My eyes fluttered open, and I looked down to find Evelyn leaning against my side, her head on my shoulder. Shifting, I wrapped my arm around her and pulled her closer.

Nuzzling in, she smiled and closed her eyes. "Tell me something about yourself," she whispered.

Thinking for a moment, I watched the clouds overhead and listened as the wind raced through the trees. "I am starved for physical affection. Hence, cuddles are always welcome."

Evelyn laughed and nudged my ribs. "Not what I meant."

"Alright, alright," I said, chuckling. "I have two little sisters. My Dad is away for work a lot and my Mum does shift work, so I had to look after them. Thanks to that I am a mediocre cook and hairstylist."

Sitting up, Evelyn looked at me with a smile that said she didn't believe me. "You can do a girl's hair?"

Running a hand through my curly locks, I smirked. "Yes, I can. This bed-hair is just a choice. Your turn."

Rolling her eyes, Evelyn lay down again. "Hm, oh, here's one. I have bad hay-fever. I sneeze a lot and my eyes get bloodshot and watery. I hate spring so much."

Shaking my head, I chuckled. Sometimes she just makes it too easy. "My favourite season used to be Autumn, but now it's summer because that's when I met you."

Evelyn punched my leg and giggled. "Cute."

"I know I am."

"No, you aren't." Tilting her head to look at me, Evelyn frowned, as if worried. Then, she reached out and gently stroked my cheek. "You are hot. Not cute. Hot."

Unable to believe that she was really flirting so openly, my eyes widened and brows raised suspiciously. "What do you want?"

"Popcorn."

"I should've known," I said, shaking my head.

"Please," she begged, pouting.

Now, the key word there is pouting. Lips pursed in a slight frown, eyes wide, face sinking in disappointment; it was too powerful. Averting my gaze, I ran my hand through my hair and tried desperately to compose myself.

Seeing the effect she was having on me, Evelyn giggled, filing her pout away for later use. I shot her a disapproving look. "Were you only flirting so I'd buy you snacks?"

Turning away, Evelyn hid her face and fiddled with her hair. "That wasn't the only reason," she muttered. She fell quiet for a moment before suddenly squeezing me tight. "When's your birthday?" She asked, her wide eyes boring into mine.

Taking a deep breath, I gently ran my hand through her hair. "Sorry V, that information is classified."

Evelyn had been zoning out, enjoying the feeling of my fingers running through her hair, but now she focused again. She scowled and narrowed her eyes. "Don't think you can distract me just by playing with my hair."

"Alright," I said, waving my hands innocently before dropping them again.

"That doesn't mean stop! Keep going and tell me your birthday."

"I'll meet you halfway," I taunted, once again combing her hair.

Evelyn tried to be annoyed, but she felt so relaxed and safe that before long she had all but forgotten about her birthday schemes. She sunk into me, and my arms wrapped around her. For some strange reason, it was reassuring to hold her close.

We continued talking and eventually noticed cars filling the lot around us. I walked to the snack bar, bought some popcorn and returned to my girl. We watched the movie, cuddling under the stars. I have to say, this whole first date thing? Pretty sure we nailed it. Though, I suppose most everyone thinks that at first.