#ftf:004

Caro wasn't really in the best mood. Losing a race wasn't a new feeling, but losing yesterday with one of the most annoying girls around was not her cup of tea and it had left her with a bitter taste in her mouth.  She thought that maybe going grocery shopping would help her lose some of her frustration, especially if she had some good Green Day playing on her headphones the whole time. Honestly, it seemed like a great idea. The bad energy was actually very close to going away when she reached the cereal aisle, not even making a face when she saw how high the box of Cinnamon Toast Crunch. Without a second thought, she climbed the shelves, holding herself tightly to them with one hand and getting the box with the other. If Victor was there, he would for sure say that she was a monkey and that thought almost made her smile, until she saw a blonde girl beside her. She was moving her mouth, but Caro could not hear above 'Wake me up when September Ends' so she took one headphone out. "Were you saying something to me?"

AJ glared down at the shorter brunette holding her beloved hostage. It was clearly her box of cereal, and what was that whole climbing display? Annoyed at the thought of having to go without having cereal for even just one day, AJ pointed at the box clutched in the brunette's hands. "That, is mine. So hand it over."

Caroline’s whole face turned into the perfect image of confusion, actually looking at the box of cereal for half a second before eyeing the girl back. "The fuck?" Her voice even lacked heat, she just didn't know what the girl meant. "I literally just took it, how can it be yours?" Maybe this was a prank? Must be that.

Rolling her eyes as she sighed exasperatedly. Why are there so many stupid people in this world? AJ had just wanted to get her damn groceries and then get back to her dorm room where she can be happily alone with her food. "I was going to take it, and you, you did your little monkey trick and stole it from me." She grumbled, crossing her arms over her chest as she glared down at the brunette.

Caro lifted her eyebrows so high, that if she was a cartoon, they would be  completely out of her face. "Are you an idiot?" Again, her voice lacked the energy to be an insult, it was an honest question. "I took it, so it's mine. I don't even know why we are having this conversation?" Who even was this girl that thought that she was just gonna handle the box cause she wanted? Insane.

Mercedes shouldn't have been nervous, she had sung in front of millions sold out shows and played a love interest or two. But when if came to guys and actual dates, she didn't really know how to act. So when Ryan asked her out to say she was shocked was an understatement. She thought she was being punked at first, but when he texted her back asking for her address, she knew he was for real. 

Not knowing for sure where they were going, but knowing that he said they would be getting drinks, she searched through her closet until she found the black dress she was looking for. The dress clung to her curves, but was simple enough for her to fit in where ever they went. Letting her hair fall in curls down her back, she added simple hoops to tie in the look. Grabbing her purse she reapplied her lipstick waiting for the doorbell or a knock to come.

Ryan was pretty settled in when the idea of asking Mercedes out hit him. It didn't take more than a quick Google search to find out who she is. Granted, while her name sounded familiar, he didn't peg her as a famous singer. Her songs didn't fall in the genre that he typically listens to but it wasn't a big deal.

From the short messages they've been sending back and forth, Mercedes seemed like a pretty chill girl to Ryan. Not too high maintenance, and definitely no chance of a clingy one. It didn't really surprise him when she accepted his offer for drinks. But it did strike him that she might not be getting a lot of attention lately if she has to pick a date with a stranger.

A quick search on Google landed him a few suggested bars and clubs, Coyote Ugly stood out the most. Once decided, he got up and got dressed in a black t-shirt and some dark grey faded jeans. The drive over to the address didn't take long, so soon found Ryan standing in front of Mercedes' door. A quick push on the door bell ringer followed by a few sharp knocks, he leaned against the door post and waited.

Mercedes heard the doorbell and knocks and shooed both Chewy and Romeo away from the door, as she checked herself out in the mirror once more. Considering what she was doing, she had Bruno on standby, the man was 6'2 and built like the rock, he was intimidating to say the least so not letting people know who he was, especially a date was a good thing. Sending a quick text she grabbed her purse and opened the door.

She had done her research and knew Ryan was a good looking guy, but in person all she could do was mumble "damn" to herself. "Hey,  I am just about ready." She put her phone in her purse and placed her hair behind her ears. "So are you ready to go?"

When the door opened to reveal his date, Ryan pushed himself upright, and put on his best smile. It wouldn't do to start off a date on a bad foot."Hey yourself," He stepped off to the side, letting Mercedes out the door before offering his arm to her. "I'm ready if you are. You look real beautiful by the way, those pictures online didn't do you justice." He commented as he led them to his car. Once they reached his vehicle, he did exactly what was expected of him and held the door open for her.

His arm extended and she took it allowing him to walk her to his car. "Thank you, I would say you look good but i am pretty sure thats something you get tired of hearing." He was being a gentleman and she was truly impressed because well he was an athlete, and she dealt with a fair few.

Getting in the car, she leaned over to open his door. "Nice ride." She said as she settled in, putting on her seat belt.  "So where to?"

"Google's got some pretty good reviews for this place called Coyote Ugly, ever been?" Ryan started the car and started fiddling with the navigation system. Thankfully, it wasn't a long drive over to the bar. He decided to put on some music in the background, not wanting there to be a dead silence between them.

Mercedes laughed. "I have actually never been there, so if it has good reviews I am excited to go." He started driving and she glanced out the window. She wasn't sure what exactly happened when you went out for drinks with someone so she just winged it. "Okay so tell me about yourself. I know you play hockey and thats about it."

"It was a huge change for sure, I don't even remember how I managed it all at the beginning yknow? I didn't even have an agent." Ryan didn't care much to talk about what made him left LA. It simply brought back too much painful memories. Pulling up at the parking lot, he parked the car and helped Mercedes out of the car, together they made their way into the bar. It was pretty crowded already, but that was a given for Friday night. Spotting a couple of free stools by the bar, he manoeuvered them over with little issues. 

"Five languages? Damn girl, do you happen to know French? Because then I know for sure I'm not going to even attempt to speak it in front of you." He laughed heartily.

"Yeah moving to LA for me was a huge change. Here I had my girls my friends, in LA i didn't have anyone. Thats why I moved back her the moment I could. It wasn't Baltimore but its where I got my start. Its home."