I touch up my makeup and change into a pair of dark skinny jeans and a white blouse, paired with leopard print flats. It’s been awhile since I’ve been on a date. Would you even call this a date? I find myself suddenly sweaty so I spray on more deodorant, hoping that will aid me through this dinner. Taking a few big gulps out of a water bottle, I put my hair in a ponytail and head out.

When I walk into Panera, I’m immediately overwhelmed but the unfamiliarity of the establishment. Why did I choose this place? I barely ever come here! Panicking a little, I quickly scan the room for—there he is. I grin a walk over to him, he’s hunched over his phone. Most likely a way to stay inconspicuous. Tapping lightly on the shoulder, Sidney jolts his head up so fast he might get whiplash.

“Hi,” I giggle, “don’t hurt yourself.” He laughs and stands up to greet me; we give each other an awkward hug before taking our seats in the booth. He’s wearing the same clothes he wore this morning but I’m happy about that. The shirt hugs his biceps like you wouldn’t believe and it takes a lot of self-restraint not to touch them.

“You look beautiful Mya,” Sid says, his face turning pink.

“Thank you, you don’t look too bad yourself,” I tease. He rolls his eyes.

“I have never been one for fashion. I just keep it simple, it’s easier that way,” Sidney admits.

“That’s okay! I couldn’t date a very stylish guy anyway.” Did I really just say that? Trying to cover up my blunder I say, “Not that we’re going to date.” Sidney’s raises his eyebrows in amusement as I continue to make matters worse.

“Not that dating you wouldn’t be nice,” I exclaim. At this point, Sidney is trying not to explode with laughter so I give up on trying to explain myself. “You know what? Let’s forget the first fifteen minutes of this, okay?”

“Not on your life,” Sidney chuckles. The look in his eyes is playful, calm with a hint of something else I can’t put my finger on. “Do you want me to go order for you? You just kinda made a beeline for me when you got in.”

“No, it’s okay I can do it. I’ll be right back,” I excuse myself and order Chicken Tortellini Alfredo, Greek salad, and water. As I reach into my handbag for my wallet, I see Sid run up to me from the corner of my eye.

“Can’t have you pay for your own food,” he says smiling. He takes out his card and hands it to the cashier, who looks at me enviously. “We are on a date you know. Chivalry and stuff like that.” I snort at his dorkiness and my cup to fill it up with water.

“You didn’t have to do that,” I remind Sid. One thing I do not want to be is a gold digger. Sid is loaded and it would be so easy to let him pay for everything but my mother raised me better. Not that being a gold digger is completely bad, just as long both parties know that you’re with them for the money. Sidney runs his hand through his hair and sighs.

“I know but I wanted to.” We walk back to our booth and settle in where Sid stares me down. “You’re a stubborn person aren’t you?” I stare at him, eyes wide at the boldness of the question/statement. I reflect for a bit and come to the conclusion that I can be.

“Sometimes,” I sip my water, “it depends on what the situation is. Are you a stubborn person Sidney?” He grins and sits back.

“Sometimes. Depends on what the situation is.” Oh, so he’s playful? Two can play at that game.

“Like what situations, Sidney?” I bat my eyes and continue to sip my water, subconsciously playing with the straw. Sidney’s gaze is razor sharp, similar to a predator stalking its prey. A small shiver rolls down my spine before he speaks.

“Obviously on the ice; I’m just very competitive on and off the ice. I hate being wrong and I hate being bossed around. One of my flaws,” he blushes.

“I see, I don mind being bossed around. It gives me direction—I can be very indecisive.” Sid’s face is amused and mischievous causing me to burst into a small fit of laughter. Laughing at my slightly failed attempt to be sexy and suggestive and the fact that this date is even happening.

“You’re adorable, do you know that?” Sidney laughs along with me. I shrug, “Eh, I have my moments.” Lucky, our little remotes blink telling us out food is ready. Sidney yet again is a gentleman and gets up to get our tray, leaving me to recover.

---

Dinner with Sid was not only delicious but actually not as nerve inducing as I thought it would be. He listened diligently as I went on about my life as a teacher and about my love for arts and crafts. I listened with much interest on his love for hockey and his numerous attempts at trying to have a life outside of it. We laughed and talked until we had almost nothing to talk about.

"So," Sidney starts when he walks me to my car. I lean on the driver's door, Sidney standing in front of me look boyish as ever. He runs a hand through his hair and shoves it back into his pocket. A nervous habit. "I think we had a good time?" I chuckle.

"Yeah, I think I had a good time. Did you?" He grins and nods shyly before moving in closer. I'm thrown off by the sudden closeness but it is definitely welcome. A gust of wind swings through, sending the smell of his cologne right in my face. Oh, how I wish I could bury my face in his neck.

"I think I had a great time with you, Mya. So much so I think we should do this again." Sid looks at me nervously, as if I am going to turn him down. I pretend to mull over the thought.

"Mhm, I don't know," I tease. Sid groans and rolls his eyes.

"So this is how it's gonna be," he laughs.

"Maybe... Nah, I'm just giving you a hard time. Of course, we can do this again." Sid's face is relieved.

"Very funny and maybe tomorrow because I'm leaving for Vancouver Wednesday."

"That sounds perfect, Sidney. We can work out the details later." He nods and I lean in to give him a kiss on the cheek. "I'll see you later Sidney."

"Good night, Mya." Sid throws me that goofy smile as he backs away and I step into my car.
"Text me when you get home alright?" I nod and gush over how sweet he is before starting the car and backing out of the lot.

---

How is this even happening? Like, I never thought I'd be going crazy over meeting a celebrity but I don't know what it is about Sidney that has got me a giggly. Not that I'm complaining. When I get home, I send Sid a text, telling him I got home safe and that I enjoyed our dinner.

S: Good and I'm glad! I'll let you get some sleep... Nite Mya

M: :D G'night Sidney

I take a quick shower and put on my pajamas before picking out an outfit for tomorrow. My mind is still reeling from tonight. I feel like a teenager who just got back from a date with the guy of her dreams. Hopefully, this doesn't end horribly. Not wanting to over think things, I decide it's time for me to cuddle in my sheets.

Notes

Sorry it's been a while, school is, well school. I also haven't been motivated to write because of the immense lack of feedback. I wanna know how y'all feel about this! Do you love it or hate it? Have some constructive criticism. Lemme know!

This isn't my favorite chapter, hopefully I can get back into the groove of things and have better/longer chapters for you all. There most likely be a time jump since "Champion Mistake" takes place in 2015 and I said these two have been dating for 4 years by the time of that story. It'll all make sense as I write it lol.