Chapter 2 -- The First Date

I moved into Carter’s home just after finals. That’s also the same time I realized just how loaded he was. He owned a two-story house in Pasadena. It was beautifully minimalistic––he just had the bare essentials. He did have a rather large kitchen and dining room when juxtaposed to the rest of the house, but hey, I wasn’t complaining!

Carter had hired movers to help me move all of my belongings because we both knew my family wouldn’t even move a box from my room to the front of the house even if I paid them. Hell, my parents didn’t even ask where I was moving to until all of my stuff was already outta the house.

He said that very night would be our first “official” date. First, he’d cook us a fancy meal and then we’d catch a movie at the Regal Theater in Pasadena.

Carter put two steaks on the grill––two 10oz filet mignons. He was also cooking some mashed potatoes and grilled veggies. He plated them beautifully––the filet was placed on top of a healthy dollop of mashed potatoes and gravy with a small bowl of veggies.

“FILET MIGNON?” I said, completely shocked. “What kind of a Home Ec class was this!?”

“Only the best for you!” Carter said. “After all, today we’re celebrating! It’s a new chapter in both of our lives!”

The two of us sat and ate Carter’s wonderfully prepared meal.

“My God, this is delicious!” I said.

“I’m glad you like it, Ellie,” he said. Ellie’s the nickname he came up for me––I think it’s cute! Elliot is just too formal. “There’s gonna be a lot of delicious foods you’re gonna get to eat in the future!”

“Gah, I can’t wait!” I said.

When the two of us finish our meals, I placed my hands on my stomach and groaned, “that was so good, but I think I’m gonna be in a food coma after this.”

“Well you better snap out of it because that movie theater popcorn isn’t gonna eat itself!” Carter said.

***
Much to my protest, Carter paid for both movie tickets. And the popcorn. AND the drinks! He said that I didn’t need to worry about any of the finances for a while and that I should just stick to enjoying myself. Isn’t he the sweetest?

One large popcorn, two large Pepsis, and a lame ass rom-com the two of us couldn’t stop laughing at later, we strolled around Old Town Pasadena. Our hands grazed against the other’s a couple times (some of them I of course did purposefully) until he finally got the hint and held my hand. You’d think after fucking each other consistently throughout the semester, we’d be a bit less awkward about the more milld elements of romance––but no!

As we walked, Carter pointed out that 21 Choices, his favorite ice cream/frozen yogurt shop was still open. “Here let’s get some dessert for ya, Ellie,” he said.

“More food!? Carter there’s no way,” I protested.

“Come on! There’s always room for dessert!” Carter said, bringing me in closer to him. My head slammed against his pecs.

“What do you think that popcorn was!?” I said.

“Popcorn is barely a snack, let alone dessert,” he said. “Come, you’re gonna love it here,” he held my hand and brought me inside the store. Inside he ordered two large vanilla flavored frozen yogurt with crumbled Oreos. I protested, trying to argue I should at least get a small sized one. Carter then looked at me and said, “Baby, just let me take care of you tonight, alright? I’ve always wanted to spoil my date,” he said, smiling.

God, he looked so fucking dreamy when he said that. Call me a pushover if you want, I don’t care, but I ate the whole damn cup of frozen yogurt just to see his face afterwards. “See that wasn’t so bad now, was it? I told you could do it.” He had such a warm smile when he said that, and he started to stroke my hair.

I guess I could let him spoil me every once in a while. I could definitely get used to this kind of life.