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Lucy arrives to this pop up restaurant at the beach and is kicking herself for accepting. She only said yes because Tim will be here. She doesn’t like Chris and she has no interest in dating him. Her heart belongs to someone else and he’s the only reason she’s coming tonight.
Get it together Chen. You can get through one night. He’s with Ashley and clearly will never love you like you love him.
She takes a deep breathe and meets Chris out front. “Hi Lucy. Thanks for inviting me.”
She wants to roll her eyes. She didn’t invite him, Tim did. “Nice to see you Chris.” She plasters a smile on. The host brings them to the table where Tim and Ashley are seated already.
Lucy sits next to Tim and Chris next to Ashley. She feels awkward already. She smiles at both of them and the waitress brings the first dish. She can hear Chris rambling, but all she can focus on is Tim.
Maybe if I was tall and blonde he would feel the same. The night Jackson died I felt something, but I was very wrong. You aren’t worth of love Lucy. You’re a disappointment Lucy.
Lucy lets our a breathe and excuses herself to the bathroom. She stares in the mirror looking at herself, willing not to cry. Be strong Lucy!
She goes back to the table where the next course is served.
Chris looks at Lucy. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine Chris.” She puts a smile on.
She sees the plate and wonders why Tim agreed to this. Ashley keeps trying to change him! This isn’t Tim. “Oh I’ll take that Tim. It’s a mushroom.” Lucy tells him.
“Please do!” He gives it to her while Ashley is staring.
“I don’t care for mushrooms. Lucy knows this because we’ve eaten together hundreds of times.” He admits.
Lucy scoffs, louder than she intends to.
Ashley goes to say something, but Tim puts his hand on hers. Lucy resists the urge to roll her eyes and run. Chris isn’t her type and continues to talk about things she doesn’t particularly want to listen to. Why is he talking about prosecuting people even ones who have not done anything that serious?
Lucy’s pulled out of her thoughts by Tim tapping her. Ashley and Chris are gone.
“They went to the bathroom. Are you okay Luce?”
“I’m fine Tim. Long day.”
He knew today was not terrible and he knew she was lying, but he couldn’t force her to talk. Ever since Ashley came along, she’s been different. He wants to ask what’s wrong, but he doesn’t. He has had feelings for a long time, but he can’t do anything about it. She doesn’t feel that way anyways.
You’re with Ashley. Lucy is your friend. She’s gorgeous, but she deserves better.
Ashley and Chris come back. They are about half way through the courses when Ashley starts talking.
“So Tim, have you decided if you’re going to retire?” Lucy looks at Tim confused.
“Ashley. No I am not retiring. We’ve talked about this. I’m not leaving my job.”
“We’ll revisit this later.” She says.
Lucy scoffs and everyone hears.
“Something you want to add Lucy?” Ashley snarks.
“You’re trying to force Tim into retirement? Are you clueless?”
Ashley starts to get angry, but Tim interjects. “Lucy she didn’t mean harm. It came up and we talked.”
“Okay Tim. I can’t do this anymore. Thanks for the invite, but goodnight. Chris, I’m not interested. I’m sorry, but Tim was the one who invited you. Good bye.” With that she leaves as fast as she can. The tears are streaming down her face. She feels a hand on her arm and to her disappointment it’s Chris.
“Really Lucy?” He asks. She pulls away.
“We aren’t together Chris. I don’t want to go out with you. Go finish your food. It’s free.”
“Whatever. You aren’t anything special anyways.” He spats our and goes to his car to leave. Lucy can’t drive. The tears won’t stop. She goes to the beach and finds a quiet, dark spot. No one will bother her, she hopes. About twenty minutes later she hears someone coming.
Great! Just what I need right now. Lucy thinks to herself. She looks up and sees Tim. Why is he here? Shouldn’t he be with his girlfriend?
“I sent Ashley home.” He says and Lucy realizes she spoke out loud.
“What do you want Tim?” It comes out angry.
“Lucy. What is going on? You’ve been distant and sad. Please talk to me.”
“Now you want to talk? Go back to your girlfriend that you couldn’t even tell me about. Your beautiful, blonde, tall girlfriend who I’ll never compare to!” She closes her eyes at what she said and thinks shit!
“We broke up Lucy. I was hiding in that relationship and she wanted me to change. She never thought about me.”
“That’s too bad. She’s just what you wanted.” She wipes more tears from her eyes. “My problem is you Tim. I’ve been here the whole damn time. As with everything else in my life, I’m never good enough. I’m not pretty enough. I’m not enough. You’re the LOVE OF MY LIFE and I can’t even have you. You push me away and look right past me.” She is sobbing and hyperventilating by this point.
“You don’t see it do you?” He whispers. “God Lucy I never thought you felt that way. I’m damaged goods and you’ve seen that. Lucy, you are gorgeous, smart, strong, hard headed, and the absolute best person I know. I wanted to kiss you the night Jackson died, but it was not the right time. You put me first every single day, no matter what. You’re a breath of fresh air. My only type is you. Your beautiful brown eyes, your hair that I want to tangle my hands in as I kiss you, and your body Lucy. Your body is so damn gorgeous. Every single piece of you. I have loved you since you came out of that barrel. You’re the love of my life Lucy. I can’t lose you. I’m so sorry baby. I’m so sorry.”
Lucy can’t stop crying but she lets Tim pull her into his lap. “I love you Lucy. Only you. I can’t fight it anymore. You’re it for me.”
Lucy pulls Tim’s face down and kisses him. Kissing him is like nothing she has ever experienced before. It’s breathtaking. The sensations she feels are different in the most beautiful way.
They suddenly feel wet as realize a storm is starting. Tim helps Lucy up.
“Please come to my house. I just want to talk and hold you while you sleep. I need to know this is real.” Tim begs.
“Yes I will.” She replies. They are drenched when they make it back to their cars.
“Hey Luce?”
“Yeah?”
“Do you want to go on a date tonight? I’ll get dinner.”
“Yeah, I do.”