“I hadn’t planned on it, but the more you talk about it, the more I want to,” he says with a shrug.
I beam at him in response.
“Now,” he says, “when should we plan our movie date?”
I giggle nervously. He said it was a date. Does he mean an actual date? Or just a date on the calendar? Am I overthinking this? I’m still ponderingthis when we pull into the student parking lot near the Economics building. The car sits idling as he turns and looks at me expectantly.
“Tomorrow night is out obviously, but maybe Thursday?” I suggest. “Or if this week doesn’t work, we can do next?”
“I hate to say it,” he says with a frown, “but it will have to be next week. We have an away game Thursday night and Friday is open mic night. Paddy said it gave the customers a good laugh last time, and he wants us back.”
“Ah. I’m not sure I can endure that again.” I grimace. “I’d suggest Saturday, but I’m working on costumes all weekend. What about Monday?”
“Monday is free for me.” He smiles softly at me. “I have practice until six. I can head over after a quick shower, so let’s say a quarter to seven?”
“That sounds great,” I breathe. “I’ll have the popcorn, so just bring yourself.”
I’m simultaneously shocked at and proud of myself. I just made a date with a man. A really, really hot man. Just the two of us. Together. At my house. I keep my face calm, but inside, my poor little anxiety-ridden introverted soul is screaming at me.
“Grand,” he says, opening his car door. “Looking forward to it.”
We step out of the car and meet on the sidewalk.
“Thanks for the ride,” I say, looking up at him
“Anytime, lass.”
We part ways and head in opposite directions, casting the occasional look over our shoulders at each other as we go.
Chapter Nine
Norah
I float through my day, barely paying any attention to my professors. My mind keeps drifting to the upcoming movie date with Eamon. Why did he agree to that? He can’t honestly want to watch an animated movie with me. He’s probably just one of those really nice guys who agreed because he didn’t want to hurt my feelings. I’m suddenly second-guessing everything and feeling all sorts of stupid. Ugh. Why am I like this? No. I amnotgoing to think like that. Layla’s words come back to me and boost my confidence. Even if nothing romantic happens between us, maybe I’ll at least make a new friend.
Arriving at Dr. Andrews’ office, I knock twice before entering.
“Good afternoon, Dr. Andrews!” I greet him cheerfully.
“Hello, Miss Grady,” he replies, looking at me curiously. “You’re in an exceptionally good mood today.”
“Yes, I am.” I smile widely at him. “I was hoping to talk to you about the costumes for the garden scene.”
“Oh no.” His face falls and his eyes fill with concern. “Please tell me there’s not a problem. I can’t give up your idea. It’s too perfect.”
“Well…” I start. “It depends on how you look at it. The costumes can be done by dress rehearsal, but they aren’t going to be done within the budget. I’ve scoured every source I can find for discounted fabric that will have the effect we’re looking for, but I’m coming up empty-handed. I can cut corners in some areas, but for the overlays on the skirts, I can’t.”
He frowns, steeping his fingers together in front of his face, “I see. That is a predicament.” He pauses to think for a moment before continuing, “I could talk to the Dean about a special allowance, but I’m not sure he’d be so keen. For now, just focus on finding the materials you need for Belle’s dress. If we need to cut people from the scene or dim their attire, we will. But let me see what I can come up with in the meantime.”
“Okay, I can do that,” I tell him. “I’m spending this weekend doing nothing but working on costumes. Thank you, Dr. Andrews.”
I stand to leave when he says, “Miss Grady, you really are one of a kind. You could do this for the big screens, you know.”
I blush at the compliment. “I’m flattered that you think so.”
* * *
On my way home, I stop by the fabric store in search of the perfect material for Belle’s dress. The skirt will resemble an upside-down yellow rose, falling in soft layers that lightly brush the ground. The bodice will be modest with a scalloped off-shoulder neckline. Of course, she’ll be wearing long gloves, but they’ll be made of lace. As for the fullness of the skirt, that’s still up in the air. A full ball gown will be a lot of work, but it needs to at least be an A-line.
