Coffeerooms Passions

PART SIX

Ethan was getting ready for his date with Theresa. "How things change," he thought to himself. Years ago Gwen was convinced that Theresa wanted to have a relationship with him, it caused many an argument between the two of them.

"How things change," he said to his reflection.

He was actually nervous. It had been so long since he had been on a date. But he never recalled being as nervous as he was tonight. Theresa was a good friend. She had always been willing to lend an ear to listen to him go on about his problems with Gwen and was always willing to help him with work. She never asked for anything in return. He had a feeling that she had a crush on him but he didn't want Gwen going ballistic.

If he were honest with himself, he would also admit that at the time, he was attracted to Theresa. But there had been so many obstacles in the way back then, he just pushed the feelings aside. All those obstacles were gone now -- nothing to keep him from pursuing a relationship with Theresa.

But does she feel the same? he asked himself.

He finished getting ready and grabbed his keys. "Here goes nothing," he said softly as he walked out the door to what he felt may be the most important date of his life.

"Theresa, don't go getting your hopes up," Whitney Russell said to her best friend as she watched Theresa getting ready for her date with Ethan.

"Oh Whitney," Theresa said rolling her eyes. "Why shouldn't I get my hopes up? What is stopping anything happening between us?"

"It's just that you were hurt so much your senior year over Ethan," Whitney replied. "He always chose Gwen over you."

"Yes and Gwen is out of the picture now," Theresa responded. "Besides, Ethan ASKED me out. That has to mean something."

"Yeah, that he's bored on a Friday night," Whitney retorted.

"Damn it Whitney!" Theresa said with voice rising a little. "Why do you have to be so cynical? Just because your love life has practically been non-existent because of your career, it doesn't give you the right to blast what I'm doing!"

The hurt look that crossed Whitney's face made Theresa feel guilty over what she had just said to her friend. "Oh Whitney, I'm sorry."

"No, it's alright Theresa," Whitney said softly. "You're right, I have no social life. I'm sorry for trying to rain on your parade." Whitney stood up as she talked to Theresa. "Have fun on your date Theresa, and call me tomorrow and tell me all about it."

Theresa watched her friend go and sighed. She didn't like it when she and Whitney had their little spats. She'd make it up to her the next day. Right now she wanted to make sure her spirits were up when Ethan arrived.