We wrapped a little after 5:00PM, a feat that was almost unheard for a Monday. I was very excited and had been anxiously running around all afternoon, mentally preparing myself for the 'date.'
Hayden and I had only managed to share a couple of glances and smiles due to the busy work pace of the afternoon.
I had butterflies in my stomach and the reality of the situation hit me with full force - this was the first time in over four years that I'd be delving into the unknown territory of the dating world.
I started frantically thinking about what I should even wear for the evening --luckily, I had more clothes to choose from then I had brought to Mandy's on Friday night. I had gone back to the apartment on Sunday when I knew Aaron would be at work. I picked up some more clothes from my closet and a few more items that I needed (and didn't want him to have), leaving a note that I would arrange to get my couch and chairs moved very soon.
I was trying to research apartments in what little spare time I had, which was turning out to be even more daunting.
My mind had been reeling with all of these thoughts when suddenly Josh's voice brought me back to the present.
"Hey," he smiled.
"Hey," I replied.
We talked about how our weekends had gone and I gave him the short version of the Aaron debaucle.
"I'm so sorry, that's really s^&*(," Josh replied with a grim expression.
I shrugged, "yeah....but I'll get through it."
"Oh I know you will....you're really strong, I could tell that about you right away," Josh said.
I smiled, "Thanks....sometimes I don't feel so strong though."
Josh nodded, "it will all be alright....speaking of which, what are you up to tonight? We may go out for drinks since there's such an early wrap..."
I could feel my cheeks turning pink. "Thanks, but I actually have plans."
"Oh, that's cool," Josh said, trying to read my expression and my ever increasing blush. "Wait a minute....what's going on? Why are you looking like that?"
I nodded, half smiling.
Wow -- shyness and blushing...geez, did I feel like a teenager again or what?!
Josh smirked, not letting up. "Alright...you don't have to tell me...but I have my ways, I'll find out!"
I laughed and shook my head.
I hadn't wanted to talk to anyone about our date ...at least not yet -- I didn't want it to appear that I would run to set and somehow let it spill to people that we were going out on a date...to respect Hayden's privacy but also because part of me was scared to let myself even really think about it, much less, say it out loud --
~~~
Josh sidled up to Hayden who was intently studying one of the sides for the next day's shooting.
"So, what's going on tonight? I'm getting everyone together again to go out," Josh said, studying and waiting for Hayden's reaction.
Hayden didn't look up from the pages in his hand, "sorry, man....tonight I can't do it -- but thanks, and I definitely want to know when you all go out again."
Josh only nodded, a smile forming on his face, "That's cool man...Laurie can't make it either...apparently, she's got plans..."
Hayden looked up at Josh, trying to gauge how much Josh really knew. "Oh yeah??"
Josh's smile turned into a full on grin, "yeah-- I thought maybe you factored into that somehow....am I right?"
Hayden only smirked, "well, I guess we'll find out, huh?"
Hayden walked away with that comment, leaving Josh to wonder exactly what was going on.