Pink Bear Romance - Part 10
by Melanie Brown
Copyright  © 2023 Melanie Brown

 

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Still wearing a goofy grin as he started his car, Jerry said, “You know, Gladstone’s is kinda expensive. I was thinking about going to Pink Bear for dinner.”

I glared at him and then opened the passenger door and slipped a leg out. “I knew this was a mistake,” I grumbled.

Jerry touched my arm. He didn’t grab it. “Scotti. That was a joke. You know I’m a kidder.”

Sitting halfway out of his car, I turned to glare at him. “Is that all I am to you? A joke? You embarrassed me in front of all those other guys, acting like the conquering hero. Am I a trophy?”

His grin faded, Jerry pleaded, “Scotti. Please don’t leave. Look. I’m sorry. When I get nervous I tend to mask it by acting goofy. I didn’t mean to offend you. I should have told Larry to knock it off.”

Not smiling, I said, “Yes, you should have.”

Looking down at the car’s floorboard, Jerry said, “Can you forgive me? I really didn’t mean to embarrass you. I mean, I’m just a goofball. I really would love to spend some time with you. Let’s go to a movie.”

I sighed. “Okay. What movie?”

Jerry shrugged with a sheepish look. “I know how you girls love romance stories so I was planning to take you to see Fifty pairs of shoes – Part deux; the Shaming. I admit, I never saw the first one.”

I smiled slightly at Jerry. “You know what I’d really like to see? No Time for Samurai.”

A goofy grin suddenly covered Jerry’s face. “Scotti, you are the perfect girl.”

As we started to leave the dormitory’s parking lot, I thought, yeah. The perfect girl is a boy.

I’m surprised. Jerry kept his hands to himself as we drove to the Cineplex.

He turned to look at me. He asked, “Do you have a favorite Tommy Kincaid movie?”

I grinned. “That’s easy. The Sands of Acapulco. I have to say though, even before the bedroom scene, I had guessed the girl was the Sino-Canuck Alliance spy.”

Jerry chuckled as he shook his head. “One of my last girlfriends said the same thing. I just thought the actress had great tits.”

Laughing, I said, “That’s all guys think about, isn’t it?” I took a deep breath. And I don’t have any tits.

Sounding annoyed, Jerry said, “That’s so annoying. It just isn’t true.”

Squinting out his windshield, Jerry muttered, “Jeez. This place is jumping tonight.”

I said, “Yeah. It must be date night or something.”

Jerry found a parking space a little further away from the entrance than either of us would have liked. After we got out of the car, he took my hand and we began the trek to the front door.

Despite the Cineplex being packed, there were several ticket kiosks with no mob around them. We walked up to one.

Jerry said, “First things first. Let’s make sure our movie is even still available.” He started punching up the movies playing. After hmmming a few times, Jerry announced. “The chick flick is almost sold out. Looks like we can get the next showing of the Kincaid flick and still have time to get popcorn.”

I chuckled, “Looks like most of the guys are trying to get their girlfriends into a romantic mood.”

As he finished purchasing our movie tickets, Jerry grunted, “Yeah. I don’t care about that.”

I laughed. “Oh really?”

Looking worried, Jerry said, “I can change this if you’d rather see the chick flick. There are a few seats left.”

I waved my hand dismissively. “No, no. I’m in the mood for action and adventure.”

He gave me a wry grin and wiggled his eyebrows. “Maybe we should have found a dark place to park and stayed in my car.”

I smirked, “I’m not sure which would provide more laughs.” I honestly didn’t want to get into a make-out session with Jerry. He is a boy after all.

“Hey!” exclaimed Jerry. “Was I just insulted? Come on. Let’s get in the popcorn line. The movie starts soon.”

A staggering twenty-five minutes later, we were just taking our seats as the previews began. Jerry said, “Oh good. We didn’t miss he logos.” I gave him a weird look. “It’s the best part of the movie!” He grinned goofily.

“I’ll just pretend I don’t know you.” I said, trying to get a little distance from him. He put his arm around my shoulder anyway.

As the opening scene started to unfold, I felt sniffing in my hair. “Your hair smells so nice!”

I tried to pull my head away a little bit. “Thanks. I take it off and machine wash it every other night.” Jerry looked momentarily confused.

The movie started right off with a car chase and gun fight. I think Jerry and I both enjoyed the soundtrack by a Japanese girl band. A scene shift showed a cityscape with the label “Tokyo” but it looked strangely more like Los Angeles.

The movie was actually quite exciting. I rested my head on Jerry’s shoulder and he pulled me closer to him. I had snuggled up into Jerry shoulder and got comfy. During a slow scene, Jerry tilted his head towards me and before I knew it. His lips were pressing against mine.

Oh my God! He was kissing me! A boy was kissing me. His hand felt around for my non-existent tits. This wasn’t a little friendly kiss like before. This was a real kiss. It wasn’t the best kiss I’ve ever received from a boy. But it’s better than I expected from Jerry. Does this kiss alter our relationship? Do we have a relationship? All things considered, I should have expected it.

I closed my eyes and let his soft, warm lips gently caress mine. Slowly we separated. I gulped in a breath of air. I grinned dopily at him. In the back of my mind rang the words, “Don’t fall in love!”

He put his arms around me and drew me in for another kiss. I hoped nothing important to the movie was happening as I was definitely going to miss it.

The house lights came on and bathed us in light. I looked up from our embrace. I squinted at the now blank screen. I wondered how much of the movie I missed. I grinned at Jerry. Did I care?

Jerry pulled his head away. “We should probably go. The cleanup crew is waiting on us to leave.”

“I don’t care,” I said as I tried to find his lips.

Chuckling, he pushed me away slightly. “Down girl. I’m hungry. Let’s go get dinner.” Jerry stood up and then helped me stand on shaky legs. He took my hand and led me out to the lobby.

I was struck with a sudden thought. My face must be a mess. To Jerry, I said, “I need to go to the ladies room. I’ll be right back.”

Jerry shook his head. “I guess I’ll just wait here.” He sat down on an empty chair.

I shook my head as I looked at my reflection in the restroom mirror. My face was indeed a mess. What the hell was I doing? Jerry’s not that cute. Am I that starved for attention?

As I was quickly cleaning my face, a middle-aged woman came out of one of the stalls. She looked over at me and smiled knowingly. “Aw, to be young again,” she said softly. I sighed and re-applied my make-up. If he was just going to take me back to the dorm, I wouldn’t bother. But the next stop was a fancy restaurant.

Jerry frowned at me when I walked up to him and brightly announced, “I’m ready.”

As he stood up and took my hand, he said, “I hope they’re still open.” He then led me out to his car.

As he strapped me into the passenger seat of his car, Jerry studied me a moment. I opened one eye to look at him. He grinned and said, “You want me to just take you back home? I seem to have been too much man for you!” He laughed. I frowned and hit his leg with my purse. Which was good because for a minute I thought I’d lost it.

I shook my head. “No I’m fine. I’m a bit hungry. Tommy Kincaid is such an intense actor.”

Jerry smirked. “Is that what it is? Well, get your taste buds fired up. Gladstone’s not that far away.” He ran around the front of his car and jumped into the driver’s seat. He hit the ignition and the engine roared to life.

A few moments later, Jerry drove his car into a parking spot at Gladstone’s restaurant. The parking lot was pretty full. Well, it was a Friday night.

As he turned his car off, Jerry exclaimed, “Wow. This is pretty lucky to get so close to the entrance.”

I looked up and frowned “Are you handicapped?”

Jerry looked over at me. “No. Are you?”

“Then move your car!”

Jerry grunted a laugh when he looked up and saw the blue sign. “Who cares? Nobody pays attention to these.”

“Just move your car.” I folded my arms.

Jerry sighed. “You have a lot of hang-ups.” He found another parking spot just a little further away. He looked over at me and asked, “Happy?”

I nodded and started to exit his car.

As we entered, there was a counter with a young woman greeting everyone. She looked at us and brightly asked, “How many?”

Jerry held his hand out and began to count on his fingers. I didn’t know if he was joking or what, so I just said, “Two.”

Jerry frowned. “I would have gotten there eventually.”

The young woman said, “Yes, ma’am. The wait is about half an hour. What is your cell phone number so we can text you when your table is ready.”

We sat down on a bench in the waiting are between a little girl playing some game on her phone and a snot-nosed brat jumping up and down watching the TV that was showing some football game.

Squeezed together, his hands on his lap, Jerry grinned at me and said, “This is great, huh?”

With a weak smile, I muttered, “Just peachy.”

“We would have to have to wait no matter where we went.”

I nodded agreement.

A little over a half hour wait, my phone buzzed announcing our table was ready. I scowled at the little brat who made our wait time miserable. Jerry chuckled, “He’s definitely a poster-boy for birth control.”

I looked over the menu after we were seated. I said, “I’ve heard their baked salmon is very good.”

Jerry chuckled. “I thought for sure you’d want chicken fried steak. Order whatever you want.”

I looked around the menu at Jerry. “I’m really hungry. I think I’ll get the beef wellington.” It was the most expensive item on the menu.

Jerry didn’t even look up. “I’m ordering you a salad.”

I frowned. “Actually I want the baked salmon.”

Jerry said, “Hand me your menu. I don’t want you changing your mind.”

I folded my menu and held it out for him. “I was joking!” He laughed. I stuck my tongue out at him.

After the waiter left with our order, Jerry leaned forward and picked up my hand with both his hands and then he just stared at me.

He sighed and said, “You probably hear this all the time, but Scotti, you really are one of the most beautiful women I’ve ever seen. You know. Like in person and all. I’m serious. You’re amazing.” He kissed my fingers.

I felt my cheeks flush. “Thank you for saying that. I know it’s not really true.”

Jerry still clasped my hands. “It is true. You’re gorgeous.” He paused a moment. “Sorry. I don’t mean to embarrass you.”

Feeling my cheeks getting hot, I said, “Let’s talk about something else.”

Still holding my hands, Jerry grinned and said, “Sure. Let’s see. Um, what’s your favorite class?”

I smiled back at him. “Oh, that’s easy Programming in Peal. I think it’s fun.”

Jerry nodded. “That’s cool. What’s your least favorite?”

I laughed. “That’s easy. Calculus. I hate math.”

Looking serious, Jerry asked, “Who’s your instructor? I have Mr. Nichols and he explains everything pretty well.”

I sat up straight. “You have Mr. Nichols for Calculus? I wish I did! How is he?”

Jerry shrugged. “He’s cool, I guess. There’re a lot of girls in his class.”

“I bet!” I chuckled.

When the food was brought out, we didn’t talk much while we ate. My baked salmon and salad was wonderful. Jerry got a steak and surprised me when he got a baked potato. I thought he was strictly a fries kinda guy.

Finally, I set my fork down and smiled at Jerry. “That was great, Jerry. Thank you so much for inviting me.”

Jerry belched. “Oh, you’re very welcome. I like nothing better than to take a pretty lady out to dinner.”

Should I feel guilty about this? I’m hardly a lady, but I let him spend money on me for a movie and an expensive dinner. No matter how hard he tries to court me, he’s not going to win me. Still, he invited me. And further still, I should have just said no.

“Penny for your thoughts!” laughed Jerry. “Today, it’s more like a dollar.”

Embarrassed, I said, “Sorry. I was just thinking.”

Jerry laughed, “Well don’t! It looks painful.”

With a wry smile, I said, “You have no idea.”

Jerry patted his stomach. “We’ll have to try this place again, sometime.”

I just nodded slightly. Is he asking me out again?

I looked at my phone and genuinely startled, I said, “We should probably go. I open tomorrow.” Getting up at 6:30 to get to work by 7:45 is no way to start a weekend.

Jerry looked at his phone. “I didn’t know it was getting late.” He snapped his fingers and exclaimed, “Garçon!”

An annoyed looking waiter stepped up to the table. “Sir?”

Jerry waved his hand. “Check please, my good man.” What the hell is he doing?

When the waiter walked away to get the check, I said, “Maybe we should wait a while before returning.”

Jerry grinned. “Maybe you’re right. The service wasn’t up to par. You gotta show the wait staff who’s the boss.”

Jerry held my hand as he led me back to his car. He forgot where he parked it and I had to point to it. He then hit the door lock button so he could hear the beep and see the headlights flash.

Except for lightly tickling my leg, there wasn’t much conversation on the way back to my dorm. He drove into a parking spot at my dormitory. So he wants to park, I said to myself. I can’t say I missed the whole coming home to angry parents because of a missed curfew. I’m not a girl and didn’t get to have real dates. But I definitely wanted a good night kiss from him.

He leaned back and stretched his arm behind me. “Scotti, thanks again for going out with me tonight. I really enjoyed being with you,” He started twirling my hair.

I smiled. “Thanks for inviting me, Jerry. I had a great time.” Okay, now kiss me already.

He leaned in slowly and just as our lips were about to make contact, there was a loud noise like someone slapping the hood of his car. It startled both of us. Jerry looked around.

“Larry. What the hell?” Jerry sounded deeply annoyed.

Larry exclaimed, “Dude! We didn’t think you were ever going to come back. Alfred needs a lift back to his dorm.” Alfred waved at us.

Jerry grumbled, “Are his legs broken? There used to be this thing called walking.”

Larry shook his head. “Remember the little memo the college administration put out warning about walking across campus alone at night?”

“You can call security and they’ll give you a ride in their golf cart,” I said as I folded my arms.

Alfred said, “I didn’t want that on my record.”

Jerry leaned over and kissed my cheek. “We’re getting nowhere here. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”

I nodded and opened the passenger door. I looked back at Jerry. “Good night. Thanks for the good time.” I scowled at Larry as I got out of Jerry’s car.

Alfred jumped into Jerry’s car. “Hey thanks, Dude. You’re a life saver.”

As I started to walk towards the dorm building, Larry reached out and took my hand. “I’ll walk you to your room.”

I jerked my hand away. “I think I can manage. I can’t believe you’d do this.” I hurried off.

Larry called out, “Babe, wait! What’s wrong?”

The door closed behind me, cutting him off.

To be continued…