The next day, while cleaning and cooking, I manage to find out (from Myrtle) that Champ is single. Of course, the only way I was able to get that information without sounding suspicious was to ask about most of the people in the town. I pretty much received the whole town's history and gossip as Myrtle trailed behind me while I worked. But the end result was worth it.
Oh my gosh, he's single.
"So Calla, we didn't see you at all this weekend. Out of town?"
"Yeah, I was at Champ's house."
"Champagne? The gardener?"
I instantly freeze. Shit, I can't just say I went over there to have cooking lessons.
"Uh, yeah, just to visit. I sort of went around to his house and some of the people in the neighborhood. So I could get to know people. You know."
"Oh, I see," Myrtle smiles and gives me a wink. Oh great, now she thinks Champ and I are together.
Before I cook dinner, I go to my room and pick out a casual-yet-sort-of-sexy outfit. I'm going to ask him out. This is the first time I've made a move on a guy (most of the time I just wait for him to ask me). I walk outside and find Champ by the garden. It looks like he's fertilizing the tomato plants.
"Hi," he says, without looking up.
"So, um, I was going to make some spaghetti. Could I perhaps have some basil?"
"Sure," he says. He gets up and we walk over to the other side of the garden.
"Oh, and perhaps some thyme too."
"Of course."
"So, I was talking to Myrtle and she seems to think we're an... item. If you know what I mean."
"Ah."
That's all he has to say? Ah?
"Could I have some parsley too?"
"Sure."
"Do you think it's ridiculous? Because I sure do."
"It's a bit crazy. Especially because you just ended your relationship. You wouldn't want to jump into a new one so soon," Champ explains as he walks me to the garden gate.
Damn, this conversation is going the wrong way.
"Actually, I'm pretty much over my relationship."
"Over it? That was fast."
"Yeah, I'm like a ball. I... I bounce right back."
"Really? Well, my mom said that... oh never mind."
"What? What did she say?"
"She thinks that you might have been badly treated because you're so skittish and twitchy."
I flinch at his words. "Skittish? I don't think I'm skittish. I think it's just my nature. But I am ready to start a new relationship you know."
"You probably shouldn't rush into it."
Is he rejecting me? I got dressed up all fancy to get rejected?
"Yeah, I suppose not. Well, thanks for the herbs," I manage to say. I glance down at the crippled herbs in my hand.
"See you soon," he says at last. And then he returned to his tomatoes.
I am extremely embarrassed. I think I'll just resort to waiting for the guy to ask me, because it seems to work a lot better.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
That night I am retrieving the spaghetti from the oven when I hear Myrtle and Fir arguing as they walk downstairs.
"Dinner's ready," I say cheerfully.
"I think we're going to go out to eat tonight. You're dismissed for the night."
What? I didn't just spend two hours making a meal just so no one would eat it. I hide my disappointment as they walk out of the front door.
Champ come into the kitchen a few minutes later.
"Hi, need any help?"
I shrug and refuse to meet his eye. "They went out to eat. I guess I'll pack away the food for tomorrow night."
"You worked so hard to cook this dinner. How about you and I eat it. We can have our own little celebration of your very first successfully cooked meal on the job."
His optimistic tone cheers me up and we both fill up our plates and head into the dining room.
"This is very good, by the way," Champ compliments.
"Thank you."
We eat a little more. Champ sets his fork down and we both start to speak at the same time.
"You first," he says.
"I was thinking about our conversation earlier and you're right, I shouldn't rush things. In fact, I'm not even interested in starting a relationship." Phew, I got that off my chest. "You?"
"I was just going to... to ask you out. But if you're not ready-"
"Oh Champ, I'd love to go out with you. Just forget everything I just said," I laugh.
"Friday night?"
"Works for me," I smile as we clink classes. Boy, if only my sister could see me now. She'd freak to see that I landed such a cute guy.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
NOTE
I apologize (as always) for the delay. I still haven't found an interest in Sims yet but I'm still trying to interest myself in it. Anywho, I had this post practically ready (I just had to post the pictures) since March... yeah. So the pictures aren't recent. Neither are the pictures for the next four posts. It will be a while before you see actual recent photos that I didn't take three to four months ago. Thanks for reading!
