lulu-matthews.
It wasn’t like that Lulu had gone out of her way to avoid meeting people or making friends; after all, back in California, she had had quite a circle of friends with weekly coffee meet-ups, monthly karaoke, all that good stuff. It was just that here, in Havensdale, she was so busy. Thanks to work. And, thanks to work, there was so much that she could not talk about, so much that she couldn’t explain. It was just easier to avoid those sorts of complications. And Lulu did.
That plan had been thrown wildly off-course thanks to one Andrea Parker. Lulu felt like she should be annoyed about the disruption, but she had always had a soft spot for blondes. Especially blondes with smiles that were simultaneously sunny and sly. It had always been one of her bigger weaknesses. So, when Andy had asked her if she wanted to go out, a night of dancing and just…fun, Lulu had said yes. It’d been so long, after all.
Embarrassingly enough, Lulu had found herself ready and waiting a good half hour before Andy was even supposed to pick her up. Yet another bad habit of hers. She tried to distract herself, checking her email, reading the abstract of an academic article, but she kept checking the clock and soon found herself pacing around her small apartment. There’d been very few details about what exactly she should expect or even what she should wear, and Lulu had never loved indecision, and she kept doubting what she’d chosen.
At last, it was close enough to the pick up time that Lulu felt comfortable making her way outside. And her instincts had been correct. It was only a few minutes, and she heard a noise. An all too familiar noise. She supposed that it wasn’t surprising that Andy rode a motorcycle. Although, hers was much shinier than the ones that her cousins tended to ride. Lulu couldn’t help but be impressed.
At the grin, she gave a small wave. “Hi. You look nice. Especially your hair.”
Andy shot Lulu another grin at the compliment, blowing a loose strand of said hair out of her face. “I’m glad you like it. If you didn’t have a thing for helmet hair, this night might be over before it even begins,” she teased, pushing herself off the bike. Man, she had butterflies. This was exciting, she was excited. God, when had been the last time she’d actually looked forward to a date...? “You---,” she started, leaning over to kiss her cheek ever so lightly, “Look drop dead gorgeous. I’m worried about potential cardiac arrest here.” Of course she punctuated that with a signature wink.
“Here, safety first. Gotta keep that gorgeous head on your gorgeous shoulders,” Andy joked (had she said ‘gorgeous’ too many times?) handing over the spare helmet. It was no secret that Andy Parker was loud, inappropriate and skirted around those serious ‘get to know you, really’ topics with bold moves (or ghosting). Whether or not tonight would be any different.... She didn’t know. Either way, it’d be fun.
And hopefully both her feet would stay outta her mouth
“Hold on tight, we’ll be there before you know it, Lu.” Was it too much of a line? The ‘hold on tight’ part? Either way, Andy certainly wouldn’t complain. They’d get there fast but admittedly the roaring wind didn’t make much room for small talk. It did help to relax Andy’s nerves though- driving her bike. What else was there to think about except the road and the arms wrapped around you? By the time she pulled up outside that promised semi-lit club, she felt like she could relax.
She gave both of Lulu’s hands a squeeze before taking off her own helmet again, letting out a breath. You’ve got this, Andy. Be cool. “Let’s get inside,” she smiled. “If you’re ready, I mean and- Here, that damn strap is always catching-,” Andy reached out to help with the spare helmet (it was maybe just an excuse to be closer to Lulu). When it was off, her fingertips brushed Lulu’s cheek. “That wasn’t so bad, right? I mean, it’s no station wagon if that’s your thing but she runs. Zooms even.” Alright, that might have sounded a little embarrassing.
“Drinks?” And, more importantly, she held out her hand while asking it.
