thirty, flirty & thriving ♡

“There’s this one thing I like to do with people I’m attracted to.” Kristen smiled and slowly moved toward him. “If you’re down?”

She paused for a moment, carefully considering his question. “Everyone  talks really fast and there’s a lot of pop culture references.” She couldn’t help but laugh at his next statement, wondering if she were too ignorant to notice how ‘white’ she was. “I don’t know.. Now I’m starting to think I’m walking around like I’m living in Dawson’s Creek or something.”

"That's the thing about college, it makes everyone feel like the dumbest person I alive." She chuckled, shaking her head at him referring to himself as dumb. "Since you were kind enough not to judge me for never seeing friends, I'm returning the favor when it comes to Gilmore Girls despite how shocked I feel right now." She teased, bumping her shoulder playfully into his. "I totally get it. The show can be a little.. too white? Gilmore Girls is the same way."

“Hey, I’ve been told I’m a pretty good listener. Even if the rants are 2 hours and about topics I don’t understand.  It’ll be like college all over again.” She chuckled, keeping close to him as they walked. “The only box set I ever purchased was Gilmore Girls. God was I dedicated to that show.. Now it’s on Netflix so the box set seems pointless. I’m glad friends is easy to access though, it should make our binge watching go smooth. Is there anything I should know about the show beforehand?”

With how much he seemed to love the show, she fully expected him to break into a rant about how uncultured she was for having not seen it. So his reaction was surprising, pleasantly so. “Yeah, you told me two of the friends got engaged. Monica and Chacelor? It’s okay if you get me drunk enough tonight I probably won’t even remember and we can binge the show with me spoiler free. Is it on Netflix? Or are you one of those crazy fans who owns the box set?” She teased, giggling. 

She found his obvious enthusiasm for the show adorable and couldn’t bear the idea of shattering his joy with what she felt compelled to admit. “Promise not to hate me?” She paused, waiting for him to promise before continuing. “I’ve never actually seen all of friends. Don’t get me wrong there were definitely times that I’ve seen an episode or two here and there, but... I don’t even know any of the the ‘friends’ by name.” She braced herself for what she assumed would be shock and disbelief, maybe even a little anger. 

“Only two?” She asked, wanting to believe him but knowing he was probably just being nice. “I’ll take your word for it, but next time.. if there is a next time, I promise not to keep you waiting.” She checked out his newly trimmed mustache as they walked down the street, smirking at how endearing he was. “That’s who you reminded me of! Total Tom Selleck vibes. Actually, dare I say... better than Selleck?” 

"But I hate that I kept you waiting. Especially by fussing over my silly hair." His compliment definitely helped her confidence. "If it means anything to you, I think you look perfect." She retorted, shooting him a coy smile.

“And you didn’t say anything?” she gave him a look, before sighing at her reflection. “As ready as I’ll ever be. Even if my hair has decided to do it’s own thing today.”

“This friendly stranger won’t forget it.” She gave him once last smile before stepping out of the car and walking toward the front door of the service station. She was only a few feet away when she heard his voice come from behind her. “Yeah?” She asked, turning toward him. His next question caught her off guard cause her tummy to do a funny-- but pleasant little tumble. Smiling softly, she nodded her head. “As free as can be. Are you asking me out?”

“You don’t have to be a father to give off ‘dad vibes’. It’s your whole... look.” She attempted to explain, but couldn’t find the proper words. “What I’m trying to say is.. in the very limited time I’ve gotten to know you, you seem very trustworthy.” She snorted when he mentioned murdering her, knowing it was only a joke, but still couldn’t help but subtly wrap her finger around the pepper spray on her keys.. just in case. “Thank you again for the ride. I mean, who knows what kind of creeps I would’ve ran into at this time of night. I got off lucky.”

“Maybe it’s because you give off “dad vibes” and a lot of them have complicated relationships with their fathers. What they went through makes connecting to men harder for them, I know that. But for what it’s worth, I think you look comforting. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t have asked you for a ride.” She admitted, with a shy smile. “A moisturizer is essentially a really important lotion for your face. It helps keep your skin hydrated.”