“I’m not sure,” I answered honestly. “I’ve been here a year and a half and I feel like I’m barely scratching the surface. Take today, for example. I’m not sure I would have ever come here if you hadn’t brought me. It’s not like this is a place my friends are talking about. There are so many things I want to do that I’ve never had the opportunity to do before.”
“Strict parents?” he questioned.
“No, it’s not that. It’s just, I’m from a very small town. You know, the kind of place where you sneeze and everyone knows about it. God forbid you actually do something scandalous like make out with Gregory James in Mr. Jacobs’s science lab.”
“Gregory James? Is he someone I have to worry about?”
“Very funny. My point is I’m enjoying my freedom more than I ever thought I would. I don’t feel like bogging it down with a relationship.”
“Don’t you get lonely?”
“Have you met my roommate?” I joked. “Melissa kinda doesn’t allow for loneliness.”
He laughed. “She is something else. I like her, though. Her enthusiasm is cool and Rob seems to dig her.”
“Oh, don’t get me wrong. I love her to death, but she pretty much fills any void I may have.”
“I didn’t realize you two were those kind of roommates,” he teased, his innuendo clear. “Maybe I should come hang out.”
“You wish.”
“You mean you two don’t have pillow fights?” he asked, giving me puppy-dog eyes.
“Strangely, no. We also don’t have wet T-shirt contests or play Truth or Dare every night.”
“Just on some nights?” he asked hopefully.
“Is it hard-wired in every guy’s brain that girl-on-girl is hot?” I asked, popping a fry into my mouth.
“Depends on the girls,” he answered.
“Oh boy. Sexist much?”
“Girls just look at it wrong. It’s more of a compliment that we’d like to see you hook up at least once.”
“Excuse me while I puke,” I said, making exaggerated gagging noises.
“Does that mean you’re done with lunch?” he asked. He crumpled up his burger wrapper and tossed it into his empty fry container.
“Yeah. Are we leaving?” I asked. I was surprised he’d given in so quickly. Just goes to show my instincts were dead-on.
“Hell no. If I only get one date with you, I’m going to make it worthwhile. We’ve pretty much seen everything here, so we’re going to head out to see one of my favorite things about Seattle. You game?”
I turned his words over in my mind, trying to decide what to do. My intention had been to call it a day once we left the aquarium. I wasn’t one to give false hope for something that wasn’t going to happen, but he already knew where I stood and seemed to accept it. I didn’t see the harm in finishing the day as long as he knew once it was over, that would be it.
“Lead the way,” I finally answered, trying to convince myself it didn’t mean anything that he smiled broadly at my words.
My second ride in his jeep was as exhilarating as the first. The sun had broken through the cloudy morning haze, making it feel almost warm outside. My face was still red and felt slightly chapped by the time we pulled into the parking spot at our next destination. “Olympic Sculpture Park?” I questioned.
“Have you been here?” he asked, sounding disappointed.
“No, but some guys were talking about it in my psychology class last semester. I’ve wanted to come out here but kept forgetting about it,” I answered, jumping down from the jeep.
“Well, I’m glad I thought to bring you here, then,” he said, leading the way.
I could see why this was his favorite place. Even though I wasn’t an artist, something about the outdoor museum was tranquil and peaceful. The art was oversized and I knew I was most likely missing the significance of each piece, but I still enjoyed looking at each one. Justin kept up a running commentary, providing all the details of the nine-acre park. He also pointed out the pieces that were permanent and the sections that were there on a temporary basis. I couldn’t help eating up his words. His attention to detail and facts about each piece kept me interested.
“What do you think?” he asked as we made our way back to where we had started from.