Ch 2 Caffeine and Shame

It had been 3 days since Rachel and I exchanged numbers and I had been staring at my phone every second since. I am always like this. Meeting anyone new always gives me so much anxiety. I suppose it's because I've never really known who is honest with me or not. I have a habit of expecting people to use my kindness against me. Typically I am proven right. What if Rachel is different? Then again, what if I'm wrong? I looked out the window of my modest bedroom and watched a bird as it splashed around in a puddle. I wish I could be free like that playful little Robin. I made up my mind and grabbed my phone. I found Rachel's number and hit dial. "Hi Alison! I wasn't sure if you would call. I've been waiting by my phone just in case. Did you decide how you felt about the script? I emailed it to you." I had looked over the script and saw that there were a lot of compromising scenes. "Rachel, can we meet for a cup of coffee and discuss the details? When are you available?" She had the sweetest laugh, "Actually, I'm available right now sweetheart. Would you like to meet at Denji's on the corner of Summit Street. You live fairly close by there don't you?" I know she was going off of the address of my old house. I didn't want to explain to her how I move houses every six months due to stalking. Instead of telling her how far the drive was I replied, "Yes, that will work fine. Let me get ready and I'll meet you there in an hour and a half. Will that work for you?" She agreed and told me she might have to bring her sister and hung up the phone. I had been ready all day. I was wearing a random dress with a plain forest green color I had picked up from Wal-mart, a pair of hiking boots, sunglasses I had purchased from a sporting store of some kind and a huge sun hat I had got half price at the local store in my new town I was residing in. I don't think I look like a celebrity when I dress this way. At least, I hope I don't. I'd like to have one normal conversation with a pretty girl that doesn't get interrupted for once. I hopped into the drivers seat of my new Prius. I chose this vehicle when I came to check out this small town to find a home in. Ferndale, California with a total population of 1,900. It was perfect. The traffic was surprisingly tame today and I made it there with exactly 2 minutes to spare. I checked my phone. I had received a text from Rachel that simply said, "Back booth by the Jukebox. You can't miss it." I walked into this dive bar I'd never been in before more confident than I actually felt. I found Rachel, beautiful as ever in a sparkling silver mini dress that hugged each one of her curves in just the right way. Then I looked over and saw her sister, smiling super brightly. "Hi, I'm Sam. My name is Stephanie but I prefer it if you call me Sam. I'm a ridiculously huge fan. I've even seen the Japanese drama that you were in. I know you were trying to hide it because the name is the one you use while in Japan, but I know it was you. It was your first time live acting and not just character voicing right? I was surprised by how natural you were. I had read that you were fluent in a surprising amount of languages but I didn't expect your accents to be so fluent either. Can I have an autograph?" Rachel looked horrified. "Sam, let her sit down and order first before you bombard her." Sam flushed bright red. Rachel turned back to me and said, "I ordered two coffees. I wasn't sure what you liked so I just ordered the same for both of us." I smiled and took a sip. There was something a little off about the taste but it was delicious regardless. I wonder what else they put in it. "I actually wanted to discuss the script with you. Is this a movie or a drama? I'd like to know how much of my time I would be dedicating to this if I accept this role. Also, Sam, I'm impressed you recognized me. I haven't claimed that work on my Wikipedia." I've never seen a human vibrate their whole body until today, but Sam was visibly vibrating with excitement. "I could tell by your voice actually, you voiced all my favorite characters growing up. I've had a fascination with voice acting for a long time so I was really enthralled to use your voice acting in my thesis." My heart fluttered, "I'm touched, thank you." She nods and looks up to our waiter who just arrived to take our order. They came back with another iced coffee for Rachel and I both. "Did we order one more? I don't remember." Rachel shrugs and sips on hers so I follow suit. "Excuse me, I said, I have to use the restroom." After I finish washing my hand Rachel walks up behind me. I look up at the mirror and see her reflection staring at me with an intensity I didn't know she was capable of having. Rachel wraps her hand around my waist and turns me to face her. She slowly brings her head down to my ear and whispers, "Can I kiss you?" I turn to look at her. Rachel is completely red in the face, but not embarrassed red, drunk red. She's at least 4 inches taller than me. Fuck, focus Alison, you can handle this. "Not like this, no." She looked annoyed, "What do you mean?" I sighed and explained, "I think we were drinking Irish coffee's, you look drunk and I also feel slightly tipsy. I will not have my first kiss with you in this manner. Neither of us are sober enough to consent." She looked at me bewildered, "you're the only person that's ever said no to me." I watched her as she walked out. Uuuummmm, okaaaaay? I have no idea how she meant that. I feel awkward to go back to the table so I go up to the front and pay the entire bill and tell them if they want to stay they can keep the tab open it was on me. The waiter nods and I leave him a hefty tip for being the one to tell the table that I was leaving in the first place. I make it back home after three hours of hell traffic and immediately strip naked and tuck myself under the covers. God that was so embarrassing. My phone buzz's and I see the message from Rachel that says, "we should probably talk, huh?" Why am I always put in the most awkward predicaments? Another text, "please don't ignore me, let's talk it out, please?"