�Constant Change� Chapter 7: Take My Hand

�Valerie,� she heard a voice behind her say.

She turned and faced Dan. Her knees felt weak as if they couldn�t support her. His smile sent sparks through her body. �Hey Dan,� she managed to say calmly.

�Is that your brother and his friends over there?� Dan asked distracted by her beauty.

�Yeah,� Valerie turned her head away from his forward gaze. She felt as if he was undressing her with his eyes. She didn�t particularly hate the feeling.

�Let�s sit somewhere quieter,� Dan said walking in the direction of a table in the opposite corner. Valerie followed him.

She noticed that he had dressed casually in khakis and a blue sweater that matched her shirt almost perfectly. It definitely brought out his crystal blue eyes. Even though his clothes were casual, he looked like he had dressed up. Her heart sped up at the thought that he might have dressed up for her. She sat across from him and picked up a menu that a waitress was handing her. She watched the waitress walk away and casually check out Dan. Valerie felt powerful when she realized that Dan Miller was sitting across from her at a pizza place as if on a date.

A date? Was this what he thought it was? It certainly looked that way. Valerie thought it over. Had she given him any indication that she was asking him out? Not that she could recall. So then, he was the one acting like he was on a date. Valerie felt confused and embarrassed but not totally upset. It felt good to think of this as a date with Dan Miller.

�So Valerie. What kind of pizza do you like?� Dan asked her setting down the menu.

�Hawaiian with tomatoes,� Valerie said shyly.

�Sounds awesome,� Dan said taking her menu and setting them at the edge of the table.

Valerie shifted awkwardly in her chair. She didn�t know what she was supposed to talk about or what she was supposed to do. She had no idea how to eat in front of a school legend. She hadn�t even been out in public with a senior before except for her brother but he didn�t count. She felt fortunate to be a junior sitting across from a senior. She felt privileged to be anywhere with Dan.

�So, what kinds of things do you like to do?� Dan asked her totally calm and collected.

�How can he be so calm when I�m sweating like a pig and tapping my foot nervously?� Valerie screamed inside her head. She smiled with composure on the outside. �Well I love music. And books.�

�I�ve always wanted to be a rock star,� Dan said staring into her eyes.

�That would be so cool. You would become a rock star and I could say �I had Hawaiian pizza with tomatoes with him� and when I went to see you in concert you could invite me backstage and I could brag to all my friends the next day�� Valerie trailed off when Dan started laughing quietly. �What? Oh.� Valerie�s hand flew to her mouth. She was babbling.

�No, it�s okay,� Dan reassured her. �I want to know everything.�

His level voice and comforting eyes made her feel welcome, like she belonged. �Well then,� she said.

Valerie then proceeded to tell him her life story and her hopes, dreams, and wishes. Dan listened and hung on every word that came out of her mouth. They found time to eat their pizza and exchange embarrassing stories. Everything was perfect. Valerie relaxed around Dan and Dan let Valerie into his innermost thoughts. They both felt as if they were the only two people in the restaurant. They didn�t care how loud they laughed or how animated their conversation grew. None of that mattered.

Valerie laughed at Dan�s story when she felt someone tap her shoulder. �Valerie?�

She turned and saw Joel standing there. They were the last three people in the place. Valerie panicked. How long had she and Dan been talking? What time was it?

�It�s 11:30,� Joel said as if reading her thoughts.

�11:30? Wow,� Dan said standing up. He laid down the money with their check. Valerie quickly stood up too.

�Joel, I�ll meet you outside,� she said to her brother.

Joel winked at her and left them alone. Dan smiled at Valerie, she shifted uncomfortably. �Dan, you don�t have to pay. I invited you, I�ll pay,� Valerie was about to take out her own money when Dan laid his hand on hers.

�It�s okay, Valerie. I�m the guy. I�ll pay,� he smiled again. �Usually at this time I�d ask you if you wanted to get some cappuccino with me, but your brother seems like he�s in a hurry.�

�Cappuccino? I love the stuff,� Valerie sighed. �Yeah I guess I should go since Joel�s waiting.�

�Night Valerie. I had a really great time,� Dan said as they walked outside. �It�s a little chilly out here tonight.�

Valerie hugged her arms to her chest trying not to let her teeth chatter. �I had a nice time too, Dan.�

He gave her a warm hug and suddenly she didn�t feel cold anymore. �I�ll see you tomorrow,� he said with a wink.

She watched as he walked away and dreamily walked to Joel�s waiting car. She got in without a word. Joel looked her over and decided to let it be. They drove home in silence.

Valerie sunk into her bed smiling. Dan was so nice. She hadn�t seen any of the ego yet. He was a gentleman and she loved it. She couldn�t wait until tomorrow.

~*~

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