The first time they...

C: Does dinner sound good? I can pick you up on Sunday night? 5-ish? 

Greta smiled and gave Carson her address.

On Sunday Greta’s roommate answered the door at the sound of the doorbell. There was a confused look on Carson’s face as a short blonde woman answered the door.

“Oh, I apologize, I might have the wrong address. I’m looking for a Ms…”

“Greta! Your date’s here.” Carson was given a smirk. “I’m Maybelle, Greta’s roommate. Would you like to come inside?” Carson was nervous, Maybelle had not seen the small bouquet of flowers in her hand. It wasn’t but 10 seconds later, though it felt like 10 hours, that Greta walked out of her room. 

She was wearing dark jeans and a green blouse tucked into them. Her curls were pinned back and her lipstick was perfectly applied. 

“Wow. You look…you look beautiful.” Carson had a huge smile. She was pulled back to earth when she heard Maybelle clear her throat. 

“I brought these for you.” Carson nervously handed Greta the flowers who smiled, taking them and then asking Maybelle if she could put them in water. 

“Shall we?” Carson held her arm out to escort Greta to her hatchback. Greta accepted, saying goodbye to Maybelle. 

Carson opened the door for Greta and made sure to softly close it. She took a deep breath before opening her own door and sliding into the driver’s seat. 

The conversation was light until they pulled into a parking spot. Carson walked around again to open Greta’s door. 

“You are quite the gentleman, Shaw.”

“Please, call me Carson.” There was a smile and both felt a small surge of energy as Carson held her hand out for Greta. 

“Wow, you clean up well.” Greta hadn’t taken in Carson’s outfit. Black jeans with a grey button down with the long sleeves rolled up. She wasn’t wearing a hat and her shoes didn’t have holes in them. 

“Table of two, it should be under Shaw.” The hostess nodded and had them follow her. They were led to a small booth in a corner. 

“I didn’t think to ask if Italian was okay. I’ve heard this place has pizza to die for and I’ve already ordered a bottle of wine.” 

“That sounds wonderful.” Greta smiled as the wine was brought to the table. She took a deep breath and sighed before taking a sip. “That’s really good. You must know your wine.” Carson put the glass up to her nose and inhaled deeply.

“Um, I mean I can tell that this…hmm…is a red.” Greta snorted, which made Carson snort. They both laughed, not noticing that Greta had put her hand on Carson’s and when she did, she turned it over and started to trace the calluses.

“Wow. You need lotion.” Greta looked embarrassed, like she didn’t mean to say it out loud. She grabbed Carson’s other hand and felt the indent in her left ring finger. She had a puzzled look on her face.

“My fiancée had given me a small band after I proposed. It’s a wonderful reminder.” Her voice was filled with bitterness and Greta’s eyes filled with sorrow. Carson shook her head. “Enough of that, this is supposed to be fun.” She smiled at Greta as their pizza arrived. 

“Oh my god, this is amazing.” Greta had moaned into her slice. “Where did you find this place??” 

“The internet. I wanted to take you somewhere I wasn’t a regular. I wanted to have a low-key date.” Greta smiled, Carson didn’t want her date with Greta to be bombarded by fans or paparazzi. She had gone on other dates with models or other famous women only to show off that she could score a date with them.

“You do seem to like being seen with different women a lot.” Greta’s comment was harsh and Carson’s face became sullen. “Oh my god, Carson, I’m so sorry. I didn’t…” Carson held up a hand. The waiter came up and broke the tension. 

“Desert ladies?” The waiter didn’t sense the new tension. 

“I’m okay if you are?” 

“Just the check sir. And we’re on the same one.” Carson handed her card over and Greta excused herself to use the restroom. She looked in the mirror and whispered a small ‘fuck’ to her reflection. She made sure that her makeup and hair were okay and walked out to find Carson waiting outside. 

It was now awkward and silent as they walked to the car, where Carson still opened the door for Greta. The car ride was tense and when they pulled up to curb Carson turned the car off and got out of the car. She opened the door and escorted Greta to the front door. There was a good 4-5 inch height difference but Carson reached up and kissed Greta on the cheek before turning to walk back to her car. They waved awkwardly and Carson waited until she was in the house before driving away.

Maybelle was on the couch reading, waiting for details. 

“Soooooo….”

“I fucked it up, I didn’t mean to but it just slipped out of my mouth.” 

“Um, what?” 

“I made a comment about her being seen with a different woman more often than not.” Greta started to say something when her phone chimed. Her heart skipped a beat. 

C: I had fun tonight and I hope you did too. Would it be okay to take you out again?

Greta was in shock.

G: I would love that. 

C: Thursday okay? I’ll pick you up around 7. 

G: sounds good :)

Maybelle cleared her throat. 

“Um, what were we talking about…

“Nothing.” Maybelle smiled at her as she hummed her way to her room. 

*****

Greta received a text from Carson the morning of Thursday. Hoping that it wasn't to cancel the date, she read it. 

C: Change of plans, can I pick you up around 11:45? 

That was in 3 hours. 

G: Sure. Where are we going?

C: To the batting cages. Wear something comfortable. :)

Greta was a little nervous but also excited.

Carson rang the doorbell at 11:45. Greta was still breathtaking. She was wearing an older, t-shirt that had Carson's number on it and black sports leggings. 

"Nice shirt." Carson smiled.

"Thanks." Greta winked and Carson escorted her to her car. 

They got to the batting cages when Greta got an idea. 

"2 rounds of balls per person, who ever loses buys pizza." 

"Do fouls count?"

"Nope." 

"You're on Gill." 

*****

"I think you let me win." Greta and Carson were eating outside in the park after Carson buying them each a slice of pizza.

"I have the best batting average in the league. Do you think I actually let you win?" Carson said this jokingly but also as a brag.

"Well, someone's humble." The both laughed and Carson bumped Greta's shoulder. They made eye contact and Carson pushed a curl behind Greta's ear. 

"You have the most beautiful eyes." Greta blushed and looked down. Carson lifted her chin with her pointer and middle finger. They both leaned in when a dog came up to Greta and she heard Jo's voice calling for her. 

"God damn it." Carson said under her breath.

"Well, well. What are you two kids up to?" Jo smirked at Greta.