Enjoy the Little Things | Blind Date 13 of 31: That's The Sound of The Police

Suzi's sister, Michelle, sets her up with one of her friends. Gideon and her have been texting for a week. Knowing a bit more about their hobbies, Suzi's inkling continues to grow if there will be a second date.

This one-shot is part of the 31 Blind Dates anthology from more than two dozen Wattpad writers including members of the Stars program, published authors, Ambassadors and Wattys winners. At the end of each story, you will find the link to the next chapter in the collection. The first date starts with rskovach.

Suzi sat on the couch, slumped forward with a cold bowl of ice cream on her lap. Dipping the milky way chocolate bar in, she bit and chewed slowly. The television was on a program she didn't recognize. "What the hell am I watching?" She muttered frowning, she clicked on the button of the remote to change the channel. As she scanned the channels, nothing caught her interest. She decided to go on the YouTube app for something else to watch. Her phone began to vibrate before it rang the clever ringtone. Sliding the answer icon to the right, she answered, "hello?"

"Suzi, Amy told me about your blind date dare," her sister, Michelle, said over the phone.

"Yeah?" Suzi questioned while raising an eyebrow. It wasn't a big secret but she didn't want her sister trying to set her up. She knew she wanted Suzi to be happy like she was with her fiancé. Over the years, Michelle was always trying to set her up with someone before she was in a relationship with Ashely.

Now that she's single, she could picture Michelle plotting for someone new. Suzi's contemplating of canceling this all together, so far most of the dates were swings and misses. At least she got laid a few times.

"Even though I don't agree with any of this, it will be an opportunity to meet new and exciting people." New and exciting people, she scoffed at the phrase.

"Uh-huh."

"I have this guy, he's a good friend. His name is Gideon."

"Is he fully single?"

"Fully single. Tall, sweet and cute."

"How will I know what he looks like?"

"I'll send you a picture." Suzi sighed as she waited, licking the back of her spoon. "Ok, I just sent it. Check your phone." She clicked on the attachment, opening from the gallery of the picture. The first thing that caught her attention was his hair. It was low cut, a bit shaggy. A type of hair you want to run through your fingers. Then his eyes: light brown from the sun reflecting off of it. He wasn't smiling but she could tell he was thinking of something positive.

"He is cute," she said to herself.

"What?" Her sister asked off the other line.

"I said he's cute."

"Good. Should I give him your number?"

"Let me call him."

"No, I want to tell him first before you call him."

"All right. Thanks."

"No problem. Bye." Both of them hung up at the same time, Suzi threw her phone on the other side of the couch, clicking on a random YouTube clip. It played the music video of Travis Scott's Sicko Mode. She let it play as she laid back on the couch, putting the ice cream bowl on her stomach. Biting into the candy she mixed in. Her phone rang again, she took it quickly and saw a random number. Thinking it's the guy, instead it was a spam number.

Rolling her eyes, she hung up quickly. Then she noticed a text notification: hey Suzi. I'm Gideon. Your sister gave me your number. How are you?

Hey, she began to text but erased it. Shit, is that too casual? This was casual anyway.

S: Hi. Yes, this is Suzi. I'm doing ok. How are you?

G: doing good. Your sister sent me a pic. You're gorgeous.

Suzi blushed, biting her bottom lip.

S: thank you. You're really cute.

S: she sent me a pic of you too.

G: at least the feeling is mutual

S: 😊

G: 😌

S: when do you want to meet up?

G: wow, getting right to it, huh?

S: I'm straight forward.

G: I like that in my women.

G: im free this weekend. What about Saturday?

S: I can do saturday.

G: great! What do you like to do? What are your hobbies?

S: I love yoga. And finger painting.

G: cool. I like live music and a variety of other things.

S: like what?

G: I collect stamps from the places I have traveled to.

S: wow.

G: I would love to continue this over dinner.

S: absolutely.

G: there's this new all you can eat buffet I heard of. Four starred reviews, allergy requests. I can pick you up.

S: why don't we just meet up there?

G: im not gonna stalk you, if you're scared.

S: I don't think that's the first thing you say to a potential date.

G: im not a bad guy.

S: that's for me to decide.

G: and I hope your decision is a good one.

S: I hope your personality matches with your texts.

G: indeed it will.

G: 💞 pick you up at 7?

S: yes.😊

G:💓

Suzi pondered for a bit, tapping the screen with her fingers before she finally sent him her address, sticking her tongue out as she waited for his reply. He replied back with a smiling emoji: 😃 He even gave her his license plate and make of car. Shaking her head, she didn't want the negative thoughts to breech in for the date. She was Already contemplating of cancelling the date.

Suzi placed her phone down, she sighed and laid back on the couch. Turning off the television, she decided to call it an early night at 8pm. She washed her bowl in the kitchen and prepped for bedtime.

+++

"So you downloaded the locator app, right?" asked her friend Amy as they took their usual strolls to the park. The weather was warm enough, the sun not so hot and wind too breezy but tolerant. Suzi in a white fitted shirt and Amy in a blue tank top. Right after, they would both have their usual fruit bowl. Taren couldn't make it, the girls received a text about him coming down with a cold. When Suzi told both Taren and Amy about the planned date and showing her his picture. Both of them approved, Amy suggested for the app in case of emergencies and for any type of threatening vibe he might give off.

"Yeah," Suzi answered, tucking one of her hands in her black Capri sweatpants. Holding her water bottle in the other, it hit against her thigh.

"Have you talked to him this week?"

"Two days ago. We've been texting a lot of what's on TV lately. He's a Scorpio, he collects stamps. I haven't heard his voice though."

"Can you imagine? What if it's deep and low, like Jensen Ackles?" Amy nudged her ribs, raising her eyebrows up and down suggestively.

Suzi pushed Amy by her shoulders. She regretted telling Amy of her fantasy of the actor from Supernatural after a night of binging on the Netflix app. Suzi grew infatuated of his vibrato when he spoke his lines, even watching old interviews of him and his onscreen brother Jared Padalecki. The fantasy wasn't so embarrassing, just the aftermath of her orgasm. "Come on, it's funny. After you did the nasty, he feeds you pizza and Adam Sandler and Mila Kunis comes out from under the bed."

"Shut up! Don't be so loud!" Amy had to hold in her giggles behind her palm. She stopped Suzi so they could take a water break.

"Do you know his last name?" Amy asked after sipping from her bottle.

"No. Why?"

"For a google search."

"I'm already on edge, the date hasn't happened yet." Suzi capped her own bottle, ready for their stroll again.

"But it will prepare you for what to expect."

"I have my pepper spray, taser and 911 on speed dial just in case. Plus we took all those combat classes last month." Suzi would rather be safe than injured. Begging Taren and Amy to take the classes since it was their idea, the classes weren't so expensive. She even asked for an application if they were hiring part-time. They needed certified trainers for now.

"Just thinking of your safety."

"And I love you for it."

"Oh and guess who I saw last week."

"Who?"

"Ashley."

"Really? Where"

"At the mall. Have you contacted her lately?" Suzi simply shook her head no. Their last conversation was their breakup. Sure, she had thought about texting her a how are you or miss you. She didn't want to seem too clingy or desperate to want her back. She shook her head no.

"Oh."

"Did you talk to her?" Suzi asked.

"Just a quick how are you and that's it," Amy answered with a shrug. Suzi sighed, kicking the pebbles that were in their path.

"Hey, come on. You're getting over her, right?" Amy nudged her in the arm sympathetically.

"I am, thanks," Suzi assured with a small smile. She was. She's determined to get over her. Now that their walk was over, they went to the fruit bowl cafe. Entering inside, Suzi loved the smell of raspberry yogurt, she inhaled deeply and smiled. Going to the counter, Amy and Suzi sat at the stools to order their usuals.

+++

Suzi decided to take her time while getting ready. She felt antsy while sitting on the couch to wait until it was time for the date. Around four in the afternoon, she took a 30-minute bath in hot lavender and freesia bubbles. She had to set a timer in case she fell asleep. It relaxed her muscles and tendons. The outfit already picked out: a simple blue tight dress that hugged her knees with black wedges she placed on the bed. The ensemble complimented her figure and was modest for the first date.

Suzi dabbled on some foundation for the pimple about to form her forehead in front of her mirror, blending it with her skin. Purple eyeshadow, black mascara, and touched it up lastly with red engine lipstick. She removed the towel off her hair, shaking it left and right from the excess water that dripped on her shoulders. She plugged in her dryer, fluffing the rest of her strands and brushed it straight. "Should it be up or down?" She asked herself, studying the hairstyle that would go with her dress. When it's up, it showed off her collarbone that accented her upper body. When it's down, it framed more of her face. Deciding to keep it down, she plugged in her curling iron and formed bouncy big waves that hit her chin. Suzi's phoned glowed, she looked at the screen indicating a notification, Amy texted her lots of hearts and prayer emojis. Suzi replied back with the kissing emoji. The time read 6:50. Gideon would be here any minute. After curling her hair, unplugging her machines, she got dressed and wore her shoes. Grabbing her black over the shoulder handbag, she left her apartment locking the door behind.

Seven on the dot, Suzi was outside but he wasn't. She puttered her lips as she waited outside for Gideon. The breeze from the wind blew under her dress. 'Where is he?' She checked her phone for the time, ten minutes have passed. She's thinking of going back inside her cozy home. In her peripheral vision, she saw headlights coming around the corner, hoping it was his car, a black sedan. The red car drove right past her, she slumped her shoulders. Rolling her eyes, she crossed her arms over her chest. Another five minutes had passed, she dialed his number but it went straight to the automated voicemail.

Pulling up her sister's number, ready to cancel the date, she heard three honks. Looking up to the car, she pushed her phone back into the purse. The same make and color were coming up to the curb, Gideon got out, running around his car to meet her. Already with an apologetic look on his face. In person, the picture didn't do him justice. He was handsome. His outfit of black slacks, crisp white shirt, and black loafers, he was taller than her and broad-shouldered. "Milady, many apologies for being tardy, traffic was hectic," were his first words when they're face to face. His voice was no Jensen Ackles but she liked how he sounded. He smelled good too.

"Milady? How renaissance of you," she humored. He roughed up his hair, scratching the scalp and chuckled uneasily.

"You deserve it. You're more beautiful in person."

"So are you."

"Um, I'm Gideon. Officially." He held out his hand.

She grabbed it and said, "Officially. I'm Suzi, officially." She gave a tight smile, they let go of their grasps and stared at each other for a few seconds.

"Shall we?" Gideon gestured, hooking out his elbow to her, she linked hers together. He unlocked the car door, opening it.

"Thank you, kind sir," Suzi said.

"You're welcome, beautiful." Suzi was internally giddy, hiding her blushes. She wore her seatbelt, watching him jog to the driver side, she looked and appreciated the interior of his car: grey and soft material, it smelled like his cologne. She coughed and cleared her throat, it was a bit overpowering and strong like he splashed it in the entire car trying to hide another scent. It almost made her want to throw up. She looked at her door to find the window button. Discreetly, she winded it down a crack before he entered and shut the driver's door.

"Ready?" Gideon asked with a wide smile. Suzi nodded and grinned back. He drove off, jolting both of them on the street. She pulled out her phone, texted both Amy and Taren that she was in the car. Suzi turned on the locator app, it made a ping sound. She set the ringer on vibrate and placed it back in her purse.

Gideon asked if it was ok for him to play some music.

Suzi nodded saying "yeah, sure." With a press of the button, it quickly began his playlist. The song began from an artist Suzi never heard of before but it had a nice melody. Nodding her head up and down she looked out the window passing by the streets and dwellings as she breathed in the cool and clean air from outside. Hearing Gideon recite the words while tapping his fingers on the steering wheel. "I forgot to ask, what is the buffet restaurant called?" Suzi asked.

"Oh, the Ruby Buffet," Gideon answered.

"It must be new, I never heard of it."

"It recently opened a month ago downtown. One of my friends told me about it and praised it."

"Huh." The music changed to a song she knew, Talk by Khalid, she hummed along to it.

"You like this song?" Gideon asked when he made a right turn.

"I just got into it, he has a great voice," Suzi answered.

"He does." He grinned, it made her smile too. So far, Gideon seemed like a good converser. A great smile and a nice taste in music.

Minutes later, they arrived at the restaurant. The name in big letters, it overpowered the tiny place. Gideon parked in front of free space, both of them removing their seatbelts. Suzi brushed down her dress, taking her purse by the strap and wore it over her shoulders. Gideon opened the door for Suzi, "thank you," she told him when she got out. Entering inside, the pretty hostess smiled and asked in a sweet voice how many to a table. Gideon said two while putting up two fingers. Pressing buttons on the cash register, she told him the price. He pulled out his wallet, giving the woman the cash and placed it back in his pocket. Suzi smelled dumplings and shrimp, she inhaled it deeply. The aroma was intoxicating, better than the smell in his car. However it lingered on her clothes, she moved her head slightly to the side and she still smelled of his cologne. The atmosphere had a simplistic feel to it. Families were around, kids eating their french fries and chicken fingers. Red wallpapers, red napkins and even red plates. The only different color was the silverware.

"Right this way, please." The hostess had their utensils in hand wrapped in napkins, walking forward. Suzi and Gideon followed behind, he took hold of her hand. It was soft. Baby soft. Suzi squeezed it, he brushed an index on against her thumb. It made her smile, the touch was smooth and attentive as they followed the hostess to a booth for two, she handed them their utensils and told them a waitress will be with them shortly for drinks.

"How was your week so far?" Gideon asked, sitting up straighter in his seat. He was sat across from Suzi.

"It was ok. Thank you. How was yours?" Suzi unfolded her napkin and placed it on the side. 'He's considerate, too. Wow. This night is going well.'

"My boss promoted some employees yesterday."

"Were you one of them?"

"Sadly no."

"That sucks. Does he not recognize your work?"

"He does, it gets swept aside for something more lavish and flashy."

"What is your job?"

"I'm a graphic designer for an internet company."

"Have I heard of it?" The waitress came over, asking for their drink orders. Gideon requested for iced water. Suzi requested for lemonade.

"It's a start-up, for now, we're getting sponsors from big companies for promotion. What about you, what do you do to pay the bills?"

"Right now, I'm looking for work. I recently graduated from university."

"Oh, do your parents pay for your rent?" Suzi frowned. His tone sounded a bit condescending but she let it slide.

"Um no. I'm good for the next three months." She laced her fingers over each other. The stress of finding a full-time job that fits her preferences and qualifications was tough. Lots of companies want so many things and the hours were too ridiculous for her to meet.

"What was your major?"

"English Literature."

"Planning to be the next best selling author?"

"With the major, I can really explore with a variety of career fields. Like copy editing."

"Really? Well, I hope you get the job you want."

"Here's to hope." Suzi crossed her index over her middle finger. The waitress came back with their drinks and told them to enjoy their meal. Gideon and Suzi thanked her before she walked off. Suzi took a sip of her drink with a straw.

"Do you have any pets?" She asked the safest question she could think of.

"I used to have a cocker spaniel but my dad gave it away," he answered, his mouth downturned.

"Aww, why?"

"He bit my mom while she was sleeping."

"Whoa. Didn't you have it trained?"

"We did but he didn't get along with her. I loved him."

"That's terrible. Did you at least get another dog?"

"After that, my dad didn't want any animals in the house."

"We should get some food." Gideon agreed. Both of them stood up, walking side to side to the line of the buffet food. Gideon was right, there was a lot,. Suzi was hungry, the only thing she had for lunch was a turkey sandwich. She decided to pick up some dumplings, mixed vegetables, pasta with meatballs and sauce, and mozzarella cheese. Gideon loaded his plate with slices of sausage and cheese pizza, coleslaw, and two plates of fried rice. Carefully, the two went to their booth, maneuvering away from other customers in their way.

"Do you have any pets?" Gideon asked, resuming their conversation.

"No." Suzi shook her head, picking up her fork. "Growing up, my family really didn't need one anyway." Gideon began ripping up the pizza slice piece by piece before eating it. 'Hmm, that's a weird way to eat pizza,' Suzi watched him as he chewed a bit too fast.

"Your ex-boyfriend didn't like animals?" Gideon asked.

Suzi let it go twirling spaghetti and one meatball with her fork, internally she rolled her eyes at his assumption, "she liked cats. I didn't. We didn't come to a compromise."

"Oh. She?" Gideon halted his words one at a time.

"Yeah. I like girls and guys," Suzi bluntly stated, taking a bite of her spaghetti. It shouldn't be a big deal, and he shouldn't be the type of guy to judge her. He better not be or this plate will be smashed in his face.

"I'm sorry for assuming. I'm straight."

"Ok." Suzi stabbed a meatball with her fork, trying to hide her annoyance.

"When was the breakup?"

"Not long ago." Suzi shook her head, eating more of her food. "When was yours?"

"I haven't been in a relationship since college, heh. I've been mostly hooking up these days."

"Oh. Same."

"Was there a reason for the split?" Gideon questioned.

"Is there a reason why you're only hooking up?" Suzi questioned back to him.

Gideon wiped some dust from the side of his mouth, "the girl I dated for three years cheated on me with one of my best friends."

"Getting cheated on sucks."

"Did she cheat?"

"It was a mutual break up. We didn't see eye to eye on some things, she blamed me." Suzi rolled her eyes, took a sip from her straw.

"Have they been mostly men or women? Other past relationships I mean."

"That's really none of your business," she said sharply.

"Sorry. Just wondering."

"You don't have to wonder so much." Gideon cleared his throat, stuffing more food in his mouth. There was music that began to play but the silence between them was deafening. Suzi wanted the date to end, she stuffed the food in her mouth as fast as she could to prevent indigestion. She also wanted dessert. There was chocolate pudding close by their table.

+++

After dessert, the date was coming to an end. She pulled out her phone to check the time. It was almost 11 pm. Gideon asked Suzi if she wanted to take home some more food. She declined, saying it was getting late. Both stood and exited the restaurant, Gideon tucked his hands in his trousers, about to unlock his car. "Tonight was... nice," he said with a small smile.

"It was. Thank you." Suzi wrapped her arms over her waist, the night was becoming colder. She forgot to wear a blazer. All of the talking made her tired. Plus she was full from consumption.

"Here," Gideon said, he took her close and rubbed her arms for warmth.

"Thank you." Suzi grinned. Even though this date wasn't at all what she expected and despite his intrusive questions, he was still semi all right person. Suzi licked her lips, his eyes went directly to it, biting his he began to bend forward. Stretching up on her toes, her mouth met his in a closed mouth kiss. Suzi prevented herself from using tongue, a right thing to do. She felt nothing. She pressed harder, opening her mouth for more. His tongue sensually came in but there was still nothing. They both released from the kiss, "wow," Gideon mumbled. Suzi smiled tightly.

"That was um," Suzi started, skidding her shoes on the pavement. Not knowing what kind of adjective to pick.

"We should get going. Let me take you home."

"Mmmhmm." Suzi nodded fast, she followed him from behind, there's no way she's gonna see him again. The date became awkward, nothing to remember. She entered the passenger side, wearing her seatbelt and laid back on the seat.

The sound of sirens came from behind, Suzi looked back thinking it's about to pass by them but it got louder and closer. "Pull over," the cop announced through his megaphone. She frowned, her heart began to beat too fast.

"You're not speeding, are you?" Suzi checked the gauge, he was on the right speed limit. "No, maybe it's a routine stop."

"You should pull over, then," Suzi instructed. Gideon quickly pulled over to the curb of the road, leaving his hands on the wheels. Suzi blew out a breath, letting her hands placed on her lap.

"Relax, he's probably just bored," he tried to assure her but it didn't work. She was still sweating bullets. She saw him walking forward through her side of the mirror. The first thing she saw was his gun. She chewed on her bottom lip too hard, she tasted a part of her skin. Gideon already had winded down the window and unlocked the doors.

"License and registration," the cop told Gideon in a stern tone, leaning down to meet his eye level.

Immediately, Gideon reached into the glove compartment on Suzi's side and gave it to him. "What seems to be the issue, sir?" Gideon asked.

"You have a taillight out," he stated, typing in his numbers.

"I was gonna fix that tomorrow."

"I'm still giving you a ticket." Gideon tightened his fingers around the steering wheel, he was sweating more than Suzi. She wanted to ask him if he was ok, she clamped up to prevent any incidents tonight. "It's cool," Gideon mumbled to no one, shaking his head rapidly.

"Step out of the car, please." Gideon got out, not closing the door behind him. Suzi pulled out her phone, beginning to text Michelle, Amy, and Taren that Gideon's been pulled over by a cop. She tucked it back in her purse before he noticed. Their voices became louder, she peaked at them through the rear mirror. Gideon was waving his hands up and down, face turning red.

"What the hell?" Before she knew it, the cop threw him on the car and placed handcuffs on him. Her eyes widened, not knowing what to do, she opened the passenger door and stepped out. "What's going on?" She held onto her purse tight around her shoulders.

"Your boyfriend here is in a lot of trouble," the cop stated.

"I just met him tonight."

"Well, he's coming with me to the precinct."

"That's bullshit, I never got those subpoenas," Gideon said adamantly while struggling with the cop's strong hold.

"I said court case, not subpoenas," the cop smirked.

"Shit," Gideon cursed and stomped on the pavement.

"Wait, subpoenas?" Suzi questioned.

"He's had a case and hadn't shown up in weeks."

"What is this for?"

"Fraud. Him and his buddies hacked into big companies to fund their company." Suzi was speechless, her mouth opened and closed as she watched Gideon being pushed into the back. He was her ride back, she didn't have enough money to call a ride service. So him working for a startup company was bullshit? 'I was on a date with a criminal. Did Michelle know anything about this?' The cop slammed the back door of his car, "I apologize for this, ma'am." His tone was sincere.

"He was my ride home," Suzi said sullenly, shaking her head.

'Amy and Taren will get a kick out of this.'

"Do you have anyone to call?" Suzi didn't want to call any of them, by the time they would arrive it would be late.

"I can give you a ride if you want?" The cop asked Suzi. 

She simply nodded, "thank you," she told him. Opening the back door, she sat in the front.

"So this means no second date?" Gideon wondered in a playful tone.

"Oh, my Lord," Suzi muttered to herself and rolled her eyes. 'I should have canceled.'

Author's Note: This one-shot is part of the 31 Blind Dates anthology from more than two dozen Wattpad writers including members of the Stars program, published authors, Ambassadors and Wattys winners. You will find the next story in the collection on the profile of  Moonraess. Look through the inline comments for her profile. 

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