POV Jess
To my absolute horror, some of the most respected doctors are sitting in the same row; no doubt, this is a group outing. The plummeting of my heart is evident. I look and feel ridiculous now, this was never a date just a person to use an extra ticket, I wasn't even the first choice, just a backup person. I want to curl up into a ball and cry but I can't, I have to fake it to make it.
Drs. Arnold Van, Brian Fischer, Leah Carter, Ryan Johnson, and Lisa Staj all greet me. I feel so embarrassed by my revealing attire I close my jacket to cover my torso to the best of my ability. The only saving grace is that Lisa is here and I get along with her really well.
Lisa's brown eyes light up and she smiles brightly at me with excitement and surprise that I'm here. That one dimple appears on her Italian olive skin. When Lisa was six or so she was bitten by a dog. The story goes that she was walking down some outdoor stairs carrying a bag of marshmallows for a bonfire when the dog showed interest in the sweet gooey treats and ultimately bit down piercing her cheek and under her bottom lip. Every time she smiles that one dimple is apparent. The encounter ultimately inspired her to pursue a career in plastic surgery. She is a well-known surgeon on the West Coast and though I believe she can conceal that scar she doesn't want to because it gives character and I wholeheartedly believe that as well.
The music blares throughout the packed stadium as I take my seat next to Roman. Brad Paisley should be starting in the next ten minutes and although just minutes ago I wanted time to stand still I now want it to accelerate and get this humiliating night over with.
"I'm going to grab a beer, can I get you one?" The raspy voice of Roman pulls me out of my own head.
"Yeah, sure thanks," he gets up and walks through the crowded aisle.
Alcohol, yes alcohol. Something to help get me through this disaster.
Since Roman is out of sight I pull out my phone to text Charlotte.
Me: This is going as well as World War Two.
Char: what?!? Why?!?
Me: It's not a date. It's a group event
Char: wtfff?? I'm gonna throw hands
Me: Please do
The opening band has just ended and they gather their equipment leaving the stage. New equipment is put out in preparation for the main event.
Roman returns with the beers and when it's grasped around my hand I try not to guzzle it down like it's water.
"Are you so excited? He's almost on!" His minty breath laced with Coors Light hits me.
"I'm so excited!" I lie through my teeth.
Everyone in the vicinity is on their feet when Brad starts to play and I'm not going to deny he has a beautiful voice and his lyrics are relatatable. I can appreciate a good artist when I see one but it's still not my thing. Roman is reciting the words of the song but I can't hear his voice over the raging crowd.
My whole body ignites in fiery flames when Roman's arm slings over my shoulder, he whisper yells in my ear, "Isn't this amazing?"
"Absolutely!" We're talking about two completely different things but he doesn't have to know that.
He keeps his arm around me for the remainder of the song and I swear in that time I died and went to heaven. Maybe he is interested? This is such a mind fuck.
The remainder of Brad's set has us all dancing, singing, minus me because I don't know the words but it's overall a good time. Roman has been very attentive whether it be getting more drinks, to conversing with me or trying to rise above the noise. Everyone in our group has been friendly and I'm glad I got to interact with them outside of the walls of the hospital.
When the concert is over we all walk out together and everyone goes their separate ways except Roman and me.
"I'll walk you to your car," he gestures his hand out for me to lead the way, sexy and chivalrous, does it get better than this?
We walk side by side and talk about the concert along the way. Unfortunately, we arrive at my car and a pang of disappointment washes over me knowing this is where it ends.
"I had a great time tonight Roman, thank you for inviting me," I say placing some blonde strands over my shoulder.
"So did I Jess, maybe we can do this again, without the others?"
Alright, I'm gonna need an oxygen mask because my O2 levels have to have plummeted with that question, "I would love that."
He puts his hands in the pockets of his jeans and rocks back and forth on his heels, "It's a date then."
Wow. This night went from good to bad to fucking incredible in such a short amount of time. No one could dissipate the high I'm on in this moment.
That is until my phone rings and I see that Nicole of all people is calling me.