"You Want to Date Me?"

“Sorry Pops. I gotta go. Rehearsals for the Christmas program have started and our group is preparing an a cappella song. I have to be there early. And then softball starts conditioning this week as well.” Claire rushed into the kitchen, grabbed a muffin, an orange juice, kissed Jack on the cheek, and darted out the door to the waiting car of her friend, Trevor. 

All before Jack could wish her a good day.

Trevor, a human boy who was a year older than Claire, was one member of their choral group. He has been picking her up early in the mornings for the past two weeks for their rehearsals. And Jack had suspicions that the boy had his eyes on Claire.  

Claire’s phone vibrated in her bag as she slid into the blue pickup truck.

Jack: “I need to meet this Trevor, you know.”

Claire: “ugh….fiiiiiine…. I can ask him what he is doing after the football game Friday. Satisfied?”

Jack: “Deal. Love you.”

Claire: “Love you. Now go do whatever retired old folks do :)”

She couldn’t believe her father wanted to meet Trevor. He’s just a friend. He’s a good-looking friend, but he is only giving her a ride to school since she doesn’t have a car yet. Nothing was happening between them. She didn't even realize she was glaring at her phone, lost in her own thoughts.

“You ok, chick?” Trevor asked as he lightly tapped a finger on her forehead.

“Yeah. Sorry. My dad wants to meet you for some reason.”

“Yeah?” His sweet smile grew. “Well, I’d love to meet him. About time I get to know some of your family besides just seeing Zach running security at the games or seeing your sister around town.”

Claire was stunned at his reaction. “You actually WANT to meet my dad? Goddess, you’re weird.” She chuckled at him.

He nervously started drumming his fingers on his steering wheel. “Well, there is something that I have been meaning to ask you, but obviously, it hasn’t ever really been a good time to bring it up.” 

“What’s that?” Claire really didn’t know what he could want to ask her. She was getting nervous. 

“Would you like to go out sometime?” His words came out in a mumble, but Claire heard each word. “Like we spend an evening together, no rehearsals, no school, just us?” He was glancing at her out of the corner of his eye, avoiding meeting her gaze.

Her mouth dropped open, “huh? You want...to go out..with me? Not with Quinn? Not with my sister? But me?” Claire pointed at herself in disbelief. She really couldn't believe it. A guy wanted to hang out with her. Wanted to actually date HER. This had to be a joke, right?

Suspicion laced her voice. “Why would you want to date me? No offense, but you’re a good-looking and smart guy. You could get any girl you wanted.”

“Well, not ANY girl.” Trevor turned into the school parking lot and lazily parked the truck. He turned to face her head on, soft blue eyes meeting hers. “Why would you doubt yourself? You are very cute, hilarious, have an amazing voice, and you are very easy to be around. You’re kinda a big deal. And I’m glad that other guys haven’t really noticed, because I kind of have been wanting to keep ya to myself.” He sheepishly ran his hand through his light brown hair. “I know that sounds awful, but…”

Before he could finish his sentence, Claire popped over the armrest and kissed him on the cheek. “I’d love to go on a date with you, Trevor. Thanks for asking.” She couldn’t believe it.  

Things were definitely looking up. She had been in a bit of a slump since Malachy left without a word weeks ago. Claire thought they were getting along, but obviously it was just all in her head. She knew she shouldn’t worry about him, but she needed to keep her wits about her and keep being present in her life now.  

She knew she liked Trevor and loved spending time with him, but she had never really dated anyone. So she really wanted to see where this went, if ‘this’ was anything to begin with.

Throughout the day, Claire had the biggest grin on her face. Even during her boring classes, she found herself smiling and had to shake her head at herself. She was being such a "girl" and she needed to snap out of it.

When it finally came time for softball conditioning after classes, she had a chance to tell Quinn what happened this morning. And her reaction did not disappoint.

“About. Fucking. Time.”

“What? You knew? How long have you known? Who else knows??” Claire somehow managed to ask in between gasps of air. 

“He’s always had a thing for you, dumbass. Why do you think he joined the Choir? Because his buddies don’t give him enough shit? Please. He’s been coo-coo for cocoa puffs for you for years. You’ve just been in your head too much to notice. Now pick up the slack!” Quinn slapped Claire’s ass as she skirted past her. “I’m not doing 10 more of these bitches because of your slow ass.” 

Quinn has always had a way with words. Claire secretly loved running poles because it showed off how strong her stamina really was. But it was nothing compared to the exercises her father makes her do during training. 

Conditioning was just a small start to the softball season. It mostly comprised weight training, drills, and running. Lots of running. She loved it. Besides being in a kitchen or on the stage singing, this is where she loved to be; on the field with her teammates, pushing her limits and hitting the softballs around. 

“All right, ladies. Huddle up. That was some good hustle, but be prepared that next week we are gonna start competing for positions. We have a lot of new blood this year, so just because you were a starter last year, doesn’t mean you’ll be there this year. We all agree to do what is best for the team. So keep in mind that there will also be a few cuts. Way to go today and see you tomorrow.” Coach was straightforward and to the point. The girls responded well to the bluntness of his attitude and they have been state champs for over five years. They were THE team.

The girls all grabbed their stuff and took off for the parking lot. Quinn’s parents were in the middle of a messy divorce and her dad bought her a flaming red Mustang as her first car to bribe her. It did not impress her, but Claire thought it was amazing. They threw their softball bags into the trunk and got into the car. Quinn was a cautious driver, despite her personality, and took her time dropping Claire off. 

“Sooooo... Do you think Trevor is gonna try anything on your date?” Quinn asked with an eyebrow wiggle. 

“Jeez... he legit just asked me out. Why do you have to be so crass? But no, if he meets Pops, he’ll have the shit scared out of him, and I doubt we even finish our date.” Claire rested her head against the headrest, exhaustion taking its toll.

“Yeah… Pops can be scary. Especially when he gets his service pistol out.” The girls started laughing at the picture of Jack attempting to scare Trevor. Quinn snorted out, “I’d pay good money to see that. I expect pictures.”

Before too long, they were pulling up to Claire’s house. “Wanna come in for some food? I’m not sure what’s for dinner, though.” Claire offered. 

“Nah, my parents ordered out for tonight. But thanks. Let me know what happens with Trevor. Deal?”

“Deal.” Claire gave Quinn a quick hug and hopped out of the car, and grabbed her bags. As Quinn drove away, Claire headed towards the front door.

Struggling to find her house keys in her backpack, she was oblivious to the massive jet black SUV sitting in the driveway. She ran into a hard body when she heard him and her heart skipped a beat.

 “Hello, Little One. Good practice?”