Self Improvement, chapter 12

Previous chapter: https://www.patreon.com/posts/self-improvement-87916840?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

It would be naive to think that ingesting a few drops of alcohol would influence how the game played out. Rachael had been lucky enough to enjoy the first sip, but the following rounds were as dry as the ones that came before. Fortunately for her, she was a lightweight. Despite having had the least of the bunch, she wasn't lagging far behind in terms of getting tipsy.

She'd long since lost track of time, losing herself to the fun and excitement of hanging out with friends for the first time in forever. Rachael was well and truly on her way to being reborn into a social butterfly, slowly moving away from the secluded and bore some had accused her of being. While the guys were busy telling grand stories, obviously trying to make a good impression on the available girl, her phone chimed in with a text message. Fishing out the device from her rear pocket, no matter how close or far to her face she positioned it, Rachael just couldn't seem to read what it said. Probably a combination of her having had a little to drink, and the lack of ocular assist which she'd relied on for most of her life. It'd been fine until now, not wearing her glasses that is. But in this particular situation she wished she'd at least brought them along.

"Having some trouble there?"

Fred had seen the way she held the phone and squinted her eyes whilst staring profusely at it. Without even getting an answer, he snatched her phone and began reading the message back to her.

"Hi honey, hope you're having a grrreeeaaat time! Was just wondering what you'd like for dinner. Loooove mom."

Suffice it to say that he took some creative liberties while reading out the contents of the text.

"Aww. Isn't that sweet! You know, you could've just worn some contacts if you didn't wanna bother with glasses. They're much more convenient and don't dominate your face the same way. I would know, I use them all the time."

hmm. Contacts? Why didn't I think of that before? That's obviously a great alternative!

Rachael reflected on the matter for a second, not wanting to concede the fact that it hadn't even occurred to her that contacts were even a real option. She made a mental note to head by a shop to get some on her way home.

Following the end of the game, the group just basked in the sun while enjoying each other's company. Fred seemed especially interested in keeping the conversation going between himself and Rachael. Rebecca had long since made her claim on Mark, making no attempts to mask the flirtatious tone between the two. Meanwhile, Sam and Hugh saw where things were headed and hunkered down into their deepest theories of where the Boruto anime was headed after the time-skip, whatever that meant..

As time went on, Rachael found herself getting sober. The good form she'd felt up until then was as a consequence also going away. Before late, she figured it was about time to head on home.

"Welp. This has honestly been a great time guys, but I better get going. Mom's cooking tonight and I do NOT want to miss out on her famous lasagna, sorry!"

Getting up to leave, the look on Fred's face was not to be mistaken. He wanted more, but was scared to make it too obvious. Watching her walk away towards the park exit, his mind was racing. This was perhaps his only chance in a while to get closer with her. Of course, his friends knew all too well what was going on inside his head. It wasn't the first time he'd chickened out in the final moments of a potential catch.

You should ask for her number

At least that's what Hugh and Sam's eyes were telling him. Nodding towards the departing gal.

Fuck it. Here goes nothing..

Fred practically leapt up from the blanket and speed-walked over to Rachael. Good thing he was in good shape, or else he might've had to ask for her number in-between heavy breaths.

"Hey!"

Caught by surprise, Rachael turned around, seeing the approaching Fred.

"H- Hi"

"Sorry if I startled you, I just thought it'd be too bad if you left without giving me your number!"

Still tipsy from the game, Fred's confidence was still elevated from the liquor.

"Uhm. Yeah! Sure, I'll give you my number"

With reddening cheeks, Rachael told him her number and assured him it wasn't a phony one.

"I'll be sure to call you ..soon!"

"I'm counting on it!"

Rachael couldn't place it exactly, but she felt ..energized. Never in her life did she think she'd be giving away her number to a guy, let a lone someone as handsome and athletic as Fred. But the allure didn't lie with his looks, or ability to throw a football. No, she admired his intellect.