Chapter 2: Welcome back to Nowhere

By the time 10 o'clock came around the next day, the whole town was buzzing about Mason being back in town. It seemed like everywhere Rae went, someone was talking about him. Rae was trying her hardest to act like she didn't care. She was shocked that it had spread so quickly. She thought it would take a little longer for it to get around. Rae made sure she threw herself into work. She kept herself busy all day long.

She made sure she put in the truck order and took care of the things she needed to do around the store. She helped cook and run the register. She had even checked in the other orders that came in. She texted Mason in between. She was happy that they were together. She was trying not to engage in the conversations about him. From 6am to 4pm, she was thinking strictly about work.

When she got out, she went to the car wash and had her car washed. She stripped her car down and cleaned it herself. She had watched a video on how a guy did his car. She had all the tools and when she got done, she was very satisfied. Her car was shining and she was smiling the whole way home. When she got home she made herself one of those Birds' Eye Voila meals.

While she was cooking, she put her food on low and took a quick shower. When she came out, she was dancing all over the place. After her little dance session, she did yoga for an hour. Once she was finished she ate her dinner and spent an hour with God. She was praying and spending time with the Word. She was feeling good to get back to focusing on God. With her focusing on God it's helping build her confidence back up.

She knew that doing what she could was getting back into the world it would help to make sure that everything else proceeded smoothly. Rae was starting to feel like everything might actually work out. Rae decided that she was going to give Mason a call after her Bible study. Once Rae was done with her Bible study, she called Mason. As soon as he answered, there was a big smile on her face.

"How was your day?"

"It was crazy. Everyone was non-stop talking about you being back in town. I was literally trying to keep myself busy. I didn't even realize how much I truly have to do in a day. I got everything done. I was about ready to burst when we got down to the rush. My co-worker and I pulled it off. We changed the station and knocked it out. I have missed you though. How was your day?"

"It was interesting. I'm working on a special project for my company. I had to get the portfolio ready. I had to make sure my team was making sure they were doing what they needed to do. I was literally trying to keep my head straight. I didn't even get to eat today. I felt like I had to keep going though. I got the portfolio ready. I had meetings back-to-back on video call. The bosses were actually happy with what I had laid out. I'm thankful for that. Right now I'm trying to figure out what to eat."

"You have a lot of choices. It would be up to you."

"Would you want to come out to eat with me?"

Rae got quiet. She was thinking about what happened today and was thinking about going against it.

"Sure. Let me get ready."

Rae spent thirty minutes getting ready. She even did a full face of makeup. Rae was pleased with her outfit choice. She went with a purple flowing top and a pair of high-rise holey jeans. When Mason pulled up, he made sure to check himself in the mirror. He got out, fixed his collar, and went to her door. When he got to her door, he did a beat on the door. As soon as Rae heard the beat, she knew it was him. She unlocked her door and let him in.

" Let me spray my perfume and then I will be ready. "

"Sounds good."

Rae went to her bathroom and grabbed her favorite perfume. It was a bottle of Japanese cherry blossom. She sprayed herself down and walked out. She and Mason had a quiet car ride. It was their second date, and Rae was as nervous as she was on the first date. Mason was gripping the steering wheel hard. He wanted to ask Rae what was wrong. He stayed quiet though. He knew he had to give her time. Rae was going back and forth between looking at Mason and focusing on the road.

Mason finally spoke up.

"What are you in the mood for?"

"I appreciate you asking. Yet, you are the one who hasn't eaten anything. What do you feel like eating?"

"Is there a place to get hibachi?"

Rae was surprised he wanted hibachi. She lived it and knew just the place.

"Sure there is. It's right outside of town. It's a buffet-style place. It's called Panda Buffet. I only like their hibachi."

"Alright, well let's go through. As you know I'm starving and this man has got to eat."

Rae and Mason busted out laughing. Rae knew how he felt though. She didn't want to admit it, but she was starving too. When they got to the restaurant, the parking lot was bare. It made them wonder if the place was closed. They looked at each other and then looked around. They were wondering if going to this place was even worth it.

"Okay, I didn't think it would be empty. I apologize in advance."

"It's alright. The food may be mediocre, but I will have great company. I enjoy all the times we spend together."

With that, they had their first official kiss. Rae was smiling from ear to ear.

They got out and when they got inside, they literally had to wait for someone to show up so they could check in. Once they were seated, they stirred up a little conversation. While they waited for their drinks, they each took turns going to the bathroom. They were giving themselves pep talks while they were in there. Rae was happy that he wanted to go on a second date. She was hoping she was making a good impression. When Rae came out, their waters were on the table.

Rae was glad she made the choice to get water. You didn't have to pay for water. Also, you could get a whole bunch of refills and be happy. She wanted to wait for Mason to get back to the table before she got her food. Mason was still giving himself a pep talk. He had so much he wanted to say. For some reason, he was holding back. He was contemplating what to do. Finally, he just walked out of the bathroom. When he got to their table, he saw that Rae was there without a plate.

"How come you aren't eating?"

"I was waiting for you."

"I apologize it took me so long. We can go up now if you are ready."

"Oh, I'm ready. Let's do it."

Rae started with a big salad. She topped that salad like a mountain. It had Mason thinking that was the only thing she was going to eat. Mason had a plate full. He watched as Rae attacked her salad. Rae was happy and then got up for her entree. She made her plate with a little bit of everything. Mason did the same thing. He liked having a woman who could eat. When they got back to the table, they were eating and talking. Mason and Rae were giving themselves a chance to get to know each other again.

As they talked, they ate. Mason was getting out all he had on his mind. He wanted Rae to know not much had changed with him. Rae wanted him to understand she wasn't just about looks. They had even started talking about what was going on with the town. Rae knew the town needed a lot of work. Mason knew coming home was a big thing. He also knew the true reason why he was back. He was back because of the project being in the town.

Rae and Mason made it to their third plate and knew the conversations they were having were going to get deep. They took their time and made sure to touch on all the basic dating topics. They had four plates each and left the place holding hands. It had Rae smiling inside and out. When they got in the car, they kept the conversation going. They were opening up to each other just enough. As the days went on, they were texting and spending time together.

They were finally getting comfortable with each other. Mason and Rae had even attended the town meeting together. They talked with everyone. They heard what everyone had to say. It had Mason's head spinning. Right now he was in between. He is part of the company that's trying to change things. At the same time, this is the place where he is from. He knew he was going to have to choose a side before everything was said and done.

With the weeks to come Rae and Mason were throwing themselves into their work again. They would text here and there. Rae was glad they had something going. She also knew she couldn't let anything else she was doing fall apart. She got a calendar and a planner. She mapped out everything she had going on. She broke down all of her hobbies so that she could spend time on everything at some point in the day. One Thursday night, Rae had even made time to watch the football game.

As she watched the game, she ate and she made sure she had her clothes laid out for work the next day. Rae decided that coming Sunday she would start meal prep. Mason was trying to keep his momentum to get what he needed to keep his bosses happy. Mason wanted to be out spending time with his girlfriend and not grinding to end up alone. He knew what the result of the job he had was. It was like that with any job.

One Friday night, Mason and Rae met up. They went to a movie and had a late dinner. When they were at the movies, they sat in the very back. They loved being able to cuddle and watch the movie. Mason was laughing inside about how people nowadays call each other to just N*****x and chill. He was happy being able to spend time with Rae. It gave him a chance not to think about work. Rae was glad she could see Mason. Mason had gotten the big bucket of popcorn, enough popcorn to they could hold hands at the bottom of the bowl.

Rae was being a whole schoolgirl during their time together. When they went to dinner, they had wine. Rae knew she was going to have to be careful. She knew that with having the wine, she might be a little frisky. Being at Beef' o' Brady's was great. They were enjoying the atmosphere and everything. Mason was loving all of what was going on. He got to see a game. He had a drink, food, and a beautiful woman in front of him. He was actually smiling.

Rae noticed it and smiled. They had every part of a meal.

"Do you think this is better than our first date?"

"Yes, thank you. Hey, what had you smiling tonight?"

Rae was hoping she could get Mason to make out with her. She wanted to know where his head was at first. Mason was on his second beer. He knew he couldn't lie about what she was asking. He told her what was on his mind.

" I am loving the vibe tonight. I am getting every bit of what a man likes. If I'm being honest, I want to kiss you."

" So what's stopping you?"

Mason knew that was the moment he needed.

He got up, walked to her, and kissed her. Then went back to his seat. They were pleased with themselves. Rae was left wanting more of course. She just couldn't tell if it was herself or the liquor talking. When they got done, they paid and headed to Mason's place. It was the first time Rae had been there. When they went inside, Rae was surprised about how clean it was. She was expecting a full blown bachelor pad. It was the total opposite. 

         She loved how it smelled like fabuloso. Rae and Mason shared a big bowl of fruit. They laughed and were enjoying each other's company. They had even started to feed each other. After a little while all the fruit was gone. Rae was hoping she would get what she wanted. When Mason went to the bathroom, she pulled out her compact mirror. She checked her face and pulled out some ChapStick. She put it on and hurried and put it back in her purse. 

         As Mason came out the bathroom, Rae was trying to act natural. 

          " I wanted to talk to you about something. Its just something I wanted to ask."

             Rae was wondering what it was. He was pacing back and forth while talking. 

          "I'm all ears. Ask away."

          "I was wanting to know how you would feel about spending the weekend with me. I'm off this weekend and I wanted to spend some time together."

         Rae knew this was a big ask. She knew it was the next step too. Rae made her thinking face. She was moving her mouth from side to side. She knew she was off. She thought it would be a great idea. At that moment, she realized they had forgotten something. She didn't have any clothes there or anything. Rae was getting antsy inside. She wanted to say yes, but it would also be her first time completely alone with him for longer than two hours. 

           "I don't have any clothes here. Its a wonderful idea since we are both off this weekend. How.come you didn't ask me before? I could of had my night bag packed and all." 

          Mason was taken aback. He was expecting that reaction. She went right in for the kill. He started thinking. He knew he should have just asked her before this. He was just wanting to be careful of her feelings and not push too hard. He knew Rae didn't play when it came to anything around her. He knew and he just wanted to wait. He thought it would be better. He decided to tell Rae his thoughts. Rae was very understanding.

           As they talked, things became clearer. 

         "I think you would look great in my clothes. I have extra bathroom supplies if you need it too."

           "See now we are talking. You were prepared."

          Rae gave him a kiss on the cheek. They took turns in the bathroom getting ready for bed.