Dating Dilemma (Book 1, Dilemma series) Read online

"I'll message you on Facebook tonight. See you around," he says and walks away looking very happy.

  We all give Gina a hug.

  "Well done," says Chloe, feeling pleased that she's finally moving on. "I thought you would say no."

  "I know, I did too," says Gina, looking startled but happy.

  "Trust me, you won't regret it," Kate reassures her. "I bet you two will end up together."

  "We'll see," replies Gina.

  "I'm so fed up. That means all three of you will have a date for Valentine's Day and I won't," Chloe says pouting.

  "That'll be a first," jokes Kate, grinning.

  "Don't worry, maybe you'll get asked out by that hot guy from McDonalds," I remind her.

  "I might have been if Kate would have fixed us up like I asked," she replies moodily.

  After horse riding lesson that evening, I start on my English coursework and then log onto Facebook, so I can chat with the girls. Luckily, Chloe and Gina are already online, so we start a group message.

  Gina: Chad just sent me a message about seeing him tomorrow. I'm so nervous. I don't know whether this is a good idea.

  Chloe: Trust me, you'll be fine once you're on the date.

  Gina: I still miss Lee and I don't really want to move on.

  Chloe: Chad is much better than him.

  Ven: Yeah, Chad's really sweet to you. You're so lucky. I bet he'll be a great boyfriend.

  Gina: But he might not be my boyfriend yet, if I'm not ready. Chloe, I know I'm an idiot for still liking him but I still really care about him, so no matter how awful he is I'll still like him unfortunately.

  Chloe: Just remind yourself that you deserve better.

  Ven: We'll be here for you. I know moving on must be a big step but it'll be okay.

  Gina: Thanks.

  Chloe: Chad's a good catch so take him!

  Gina: I said I'll see how it goes.

  Ven: I wonder how Kate's going on for her date.

  Gina: They'll probably be all over each other by now.

  Chloe: Yeah, she won't be single for long, so it'll be just us three, but then you two are both nearly fixed up so I'll be left alone.

  Ven: Now you know how it feels LOL

  Chloe: Cheeky!

  Gina: Don't worry, I'm sure your boy magnet powers will catch a boy sometime soon, even if you have to wait until after Valentine's Day.

  Chloe: Let's hope so, I hate being single.

  Ven: Chloe you saddo, you don't need a guy to be happy. I should know.

  Chloe: LOL Yeah I know you're right, I just can't help feeling lonely.

  Ven: It's only been just over a month since you had a bf!

  Gina: It's 'cause she's used to having male attention all the time so it probably feels weird for her not having it.

  Chloe: You two are making it sound as if I'm a slag LOL.

  Gina: Knowing you, you'll end up having 2 boyfriends by the end of the week LOL

  Chloe: LOL if only.

  At that moment, Kate came online, so I added her to our group message.

  Ven: Hi Kate! How did the date go?

  Kate: Brill!

  Chloe: Lucky thing! Are you his girlfriend yet?

  Kate: No, he's not asked me out yet, but he did flirt with me a lot on the date (blush)

  Gina: Ooohh, Mrs Jamie Anderson LOL

  Kate: LOL I wish!

  Ven: Has he asked you on a date tomorrow?

  Kate: Not yet, but he said he'd like to spend more time with me and he's been texting me loads. So maybe he will eventually ask me.

  Chloe: I bet he does and he's defo asking you to be his gf soon!

  Kate: Fingers crossed!

  Gina: Ven, have you talked to Matthew?

  Ven: Yeah. We've been sending e-mails to each other every day and he says he's really looking forward to meeting me.

  Chloe: Be careful though. I hope he's not some loser.

  Kate: He won't be! Don't listen to her Ven, she's just jealous.

  Gina: Yeah, bet he's really nice.

  Ven: I'm really nervous. What if I get all tongue-tied with him on the date?

  Chloe: Don't worry, lads won't mind that, trust me. They just hate it when girls go on and on.

  Kate: Like you LOL

  Chloe: Maybe?

  Gina: I hope he doesn't talk too much about football or you might fall asleep on the date LOL.

  Ven: LOL. I hope not.

  Kate: How dare you say football is boring! It's the best!

  Chloe: Are we still meeting at your house so I can do your make-up?

  Ven: Yep.

  Gina: And I can help you with your clothes! We can all get ready together before our dates.

  Ven: Okay. Thanks.

  Kate: Don't let her do it Ven! I'm never letting Chloe put make-up anywhere near me after last time.

  Chloe: It wasn't my fault he didn't like it.

  Gina: I thought Chloe made you look great.

  Chloe: So I guess that means no Valentine's Day make-over for you, Kate?

  Kate: No way!

  Chloe: *pouts*

  Ven: Sorry, gotta go now. Need to finish the rest of this boring English coursework for tomorrow. Seeya.

  Chloe: Aww

  Gina: Byeeee! (hugs)

  Kate: See you tomorrow.

  Chloe: Bye Ven.

  Chapter 16

  The next morning it's Valentine's Day! I don't get any cards in the post, worst luck. I do get a cute email from Matthew saying 'Happy Valentine's Day' with a wink and kisses, so I was pretty chuffed with that.

  When I meet the girls at school this morning, Chloe is in a mood as predicted.

  "I didn't get anything! Not one card," she moans to us.

  "For once," Kate mutters to me.

  "There's still time," Gina reminds her.

  "Maybe you'll get one from Danny," I tease her.

  She pulls her tongue out at me in reply, "I hope not. So did you get one from Matthew?"

  "No, he doesn't know my address, so he sent me an email instead."

  "Sweet," says Gina. "Did you get anything from Jamie, Kate?"

  "I'm not sure," she answers, "I did receive a card but there's no name on it."

  "I bet it is from him," Chloe insists. "He might be too embarrassed about your team finding out."

  "Are you giving one to him?" I ask her.

  Kate blushes, "only once I'm on the date. I don't want anyone else to see it."

  "And what about you, Gina?" Chloe asks her.

  Gina grins and pulls a big Valentine's card out of her bag.

  "Wow! That's impressive," Chloe says, looking jealous.

  The card looks gorgeous. It's in the shape of a heart with two teddy bears in the center kissing and 'Happy Valentine's Day' written across the top.

  "To Gina, I'm so happy you're my Valentine. Love Chad xxxxx," we read, which follows a series of 'awws' from all three of us. Gina goes even redder.

  "And look how many kisses there are," Kate teases her.

  Gina quickly snatches the card back and hides it back inside her bag, looking embarrassed.

  At lunch time, we all eat at the cafeteria together so we can chat about tonight.

  "I'm so scared of seeing Jamie," says Kate nervously. "I haven't seen him all morning and things are going to be weird now it's Valentine's Day and we're going on a date tonight."

  "You'll get used to it," Chloe reassures her.

  "But what if he acts all normal with me instead?" asks Kate, "like if he just acts like a mate to me in front of the lads in case they find out."

  "Well there's a chance he might," says Gina thoughtfully, "but I'm sure if you were in a relationship he won't pretend you're still just mates."

  "If he does go all friend mode on you it's probably 'cause he doesn't want you to get embarrassed. Especially if all the lads say stuff and put you off the idea of dating him," says Chloe.

  "Yeah, I guess so," says Kate, "but the lads will probably find out soon anyway. I know they're
stupid but they're not blind. We've been pretty lucky keeping it a secret for this long."

  "I bet you're wishing it was French today Gina, so you could snuggle up with Chad," Chloe teases her.

  "I might be," she replies, but she still looks a little nervous at the thought of going on the date tonight.

  "I wonder if you see Matthew today at school, Ven," says Kate excitedly.

  "Well, we might, we just won't know it," I reply, feeling a little sad.

  I still don't know what he looks like, so he could be sitting near me in one of my lessons and I won't have a clue. On the other hand, it's kind of exciting and mysterious to be having a blind date. He might turn out to be one of the school's hottest guys. Let's just hope he isn't one of the idiotic boys in my classes.

  When we finish lunch and walk outside, Kate immediately sees Jamie nearby hanging out with all the lads from the football team.

  She blushes, "do you think I should go over and talk to him?"

  "No, let him do the chasing," advises Chloe.

  Jamie is busy messing around with the lads at first, but then he notices Kate walking past and calls over to her. Kate blushes even more because he noticed her.

  "Hi Kate," he says, running over to her. "Do you mind if we go somewhere more private to talk?"

  Gina, Chloe and I exchange glances at this.

  "Yeah, that's fine," answers Kate and they walk off.

  "Let's follow them and listen," Chloe whispers to us.

  I'm not usually a nosy person like Chloe, but I can't help wanting to hear what Jamie is saying to Kate, so I go with Chloe and Gina as they follow them.

  Jamie and Kate walk around to where the bikes are parked, since no one is around there, and sit on a bench to talk. Gina, Chloe and I stand behind a wall, since this is the closest we can get to them without being seen.

  All three of us stay silent and listen. We can only just hear what they're saying.

  "I've really enjoyed our dates together," we hear Jamie say to her.

  "Me too," answers Kate, looking shy.

  "The thing is, I really like you," he says, looking shy too, "so I was wondering if you wanted to be my girlfriend?"

  Me, Chloe and Gina grin at each other.

  "Yeah, okay," answers Kate, smiling happily at him.

  Jamie smiles back at her too, looking very happy that they're now in a relationship, "I thought it would be pretty cool to ask you today, y' know with it being Valentine's Day and everything," he says, looking down at the floor and scuffing his trainers.

  "Yeah, I suppose so. I guess it was you who sent me the card this morning?"

  Jamie nods, "sorry, I just didn't want to put my name in case the guys found out about it."

  "I understand, but I wouldn't have said anything about it if you had put your name on."

  "So how long have you fancied me?" he asks her.

  "Well?for weeks I guess," answers Kate, looking down shyly.

  "Really?" he asks, looking surprised. "I've liked you for a while too, but I was scared to tell you in case you just thought of me as a mate."

  "I thought that too," admits Kate. "I'm really glad I asked you out on that date."

  "Me too, but I wish I'd asked you out on one sooner," he says. "I've been trying to think of how to ask you for days and then you beat me to it."

  Kate grins at him.

  "You're not really that scared of the lads teasing us once they find out we're together, are you?" she asks him.

  "No, 'course not. It doesn't matter about them finding out I like you 'cause we're together now."

  "We'll still be in for a big teasing though," she reminds him.

  "It'll be worth it," he says, looking at her. "By the way, did you dress up at that party for me?"

  "Maybe," answers Kate and Jamie grins at her.

  "You didn't have to y'know, I like you the way you are," he says and Kate looks as if she's going all shy again.

  "You're the most amazing girl I've ever met," he tells her. "I love that you like playing football and you're not bothered about hanging out with lads. Plus I'm really glad that you don't fuss about your hair and make-up the way other girls do."

  "Thanks," says Kate, blushing. "So you don't mind having a girlfriend who's better at football than you?"

  Jamie grins at her joke. "No way, I'm better than you any day," he teases her and she pushes him playfully.

  "So do you want me to call for you tonight?" he asks. "We could meet at the park and play a bit of football together?"

  "Yeah, that'll be cool," she answers.

  "I'd better get back to the lads before they wonder where I am," he tells her. "I'll see you tonight."

  He gives her a kiss on the lips and then runs off to catch up with the lads.

  "I'll see you later," she calls back to him smiling.

  Gina, Chloe and I quickly press ourselves against the wall as he walks past, trying to avoid him seeing us. Luckily, he must be busy thinking about Kate and doesn't notice us at all. However, when Kate walks by she spot us.

  "Have you been spying on me?" she asks, but she's too happy to be cross with us.

  "A little," admits Chloe. "I'm so happy for you!" she says and gives her a hug. "I told you he'd ask you out soon."

  "I know, I can't believe I'm his girlfriend now," says Kate excitedly, and me and Gina both hug her too because we're all so happy for her.

  "That's so sweet that he asked you out on Valentine's Day," I say, wishing more than anything that it would happen to me. It's so romantic.

  "It might still happen for you and Gina," Chloe reminds us.

  That evening, Gina and Chloe arrange to come over to my place after dinner, so we can get ready for our dates together. Kate is just wearing her newest top and jeans for the date, so she's staying at home instead to wait for Jamie.

  "Chloe's not coming," Gina informs me when she arrives.

  "Why not?" I ask, feeling pretty fed up since she'd promised to do my make-up.

  "See for yourself," says Gina and hands me her mobile phone to read a text she has received from Chloe:

  Sorry can't make it. U'll never guess what! I've been asked on a date 2nite by that fit guy who works at McDonalds! How cool is that?! I'll tell you all the goss 2morow.

  "Lucky thing," I comment.

  "That's just Chloe, isn't it? We should have known there was no way she'd be staying in on Valentine's Day. I can't believe she actually managed to get a date with him," says Gina. "So wanna just get ready together? We can do each other's make-up and hair."

  "Okay," I agree and we go up to my bedroom to get ready.

  Chapter 17

  I feel mega excited for my date as Gina and I get the bus to town together, but even though it feels great to actually be going on a date, I suddenly feel sick with nerves.

  "Feeling nervous?" Gina asks, looking concerned.

  "Yeah," I answer, feeling even more ill as I look at my mobile and realize I will finally meet Matthew in half an hour's time.

  "I can't wait to see what he looks like," says Gina excitedly. "I hope he's hot."

  The bus journey seems to take forever and my heart doesn't stop pounding hard the whole way. I feel so anxious as we get off the bus and nearly want to turn back; but I remind myself how much I want this and go the rest of the way to the cinema.

  Gina made me look gorgeous before we left my house. She chose my indigo vest top and best jeans with some sexy, black boots that I've borrowed from her for the night. I'm also wearing my favorite necklace and Gina's silver hoop earrings. I've put on mascara and lip gloss. We didn't have any indigo colored eye shadow, so we had to do light blue instead, and Gina straightened my hair again.

  "I hope it goes well for you," she says.

  "Me too." I still can't believe I'm finally going on a date and I might be meeting my future boyfriend soon.

  We arrive at the cinema right on eight o'clock.

  "You stay here while I go ahead," she tells me in her mission speech. />
  We organized our plan before setting out. The plan is that Gina will go into the cinema before I arrive, so she can see what's happening and keep an eye on me from inside the cinema, without looking suspicious.

  I feel a little safer at knowing that at least I have Gina as back-up if anything goes wrong, but I still feel anxious about the actual date. I watch her walk ahead towards the cinema and wait, counting the seconds until I get to three minutes, then start to walk towards the cinema.

  My heart beats wildly as I see a teenage boy with black hair waiting outside the cinema entrance. I know its Matthew right away and, for a moment, I feel relieved that he looks like a normal, good looking guy, and not some idiot or trouble maker.

  I walk towards him, feeling sick with nerves. He looks up, sees me approaching and smiles. His smile is so wonderful I feel butterflies inside.

  "Hi," he greets. "You're Vanessa, right?"

  I nod, feeling so shy I just want to go to the toilets and stay there hiding, which is stupid since I'm so lucky to be here on a date with him.

  "Feeling shy?" he asks me.

  I manage a 'yes', beginning to blush. I know if I say anything else I'll just get tongue-tied as usual, like I always do around good looking boys.

  "Don't worry about it," he reassures me. "I don't mind doing all the talking. If I talk too much just tell me to shut up."

  I smile at his joke and he smiles back at me.

  "So, do you want to pick a movie and then go get tickets?" he asks.

  "Okay," I reply and we both walk into the cinema together.

  We go over to look at the big cinema poster with all the movie details. We decide on one of the comedies, which starts in fifteen minutes, and join the queue to buy tickets at the counter.

  I see Gina watching us over from the Pick & Mix section and she smiles at me and gives me the thumps up sign, to indicate that she thinks he looks good. I quickly give her a smile, while Matthew isn't looking, to tell her that he seems safe and I'm okay with being alone with him for the next two hours.