Page 55 of Neo

“Definitely a date.”

“What should I wear?” She hops up out of her seat.

“You look good in anything, baby. Wear what you want.”

She hugs me, settling the side of her face into my chest, where I’m hoping that she’ll stay for a really long time.

“You’re adorable, Cap,” she playfully calls me. “But I need to know if I should dress up or down.”

“Dress down. Jeans are fine.”

Twenty minutes later, one of the starters on the team, Keith, drops Violet and I off on the strip. I give him a little side money to get something to eat with the promise of no alcohol. That way, he’ll be able to drive us back when we’re ready to go. I assure Violet that Keith doesn’t live in the house and so our privacy will remain safe.

“We’ll walk from here, Keith. I’ll text you when we’re ready.”

“Okay, Cap.”

“Do you know how to drive?” Violet innocently asks as we walk down the Vegas strip, taking in all the lights and the throngs of people.

I cringe inside, knowing that this question was coming sooner or later.

“Yes, I have my license.”

“Oh,” is her response, and I know she’s already come up with a theory as to why I don’t drive. Unfortunately, she’d be only partly right and I don’t have the balls to tell her everything.

When we arrive at our destination, I decide that will be a conversation for another night. I don’t want to talk about that or ask her about things that she might not be ready to talk about either. Tonight, I just want it to be light and airy between us.

“A Karaoke bar?” Her smile grows broader, and I feel relieved about my choice for a first date. She seems to approve.

“Are you ready to sing for me?”

“I was born to sing. The question after our little Christmas dance is, are you ready to sing for me?”

“Are you saying I’m tone deaf?”

“Your words, not mine.” She chuckles.

I love it when Violet laughs. Her chest expands and her smile could light up the sky. God, she’s gorgeous.

I booked us a private room with my credit card and when we arrive, the trays of sushi and other assorted appetizers I preordered are brought to the room fifteen minutes later. As I survey our private room, I realize it’s just the perfect blend of tacky and cozy. Neon lights outside the window, casting a glow on the half-eaten sushi rolls. I’m feeling a bit out of my element, wanting desperately to impress this girl.

“You know, I’ve never done karaoke before,” I admit, reaching for another piece of sushi. “I’m more of a shower singer.”

Violet’s eyes widen in mock horror. “You mean I’m on a date with a karaoke virgin? This is monumental!”

I chuckle, feeling the nerves settle. “Yeah, well, prepare to be amazed. Or horrified. Probably both.”

She picks up a microphone, twirling it in her hand. “You know the rules, right? You have to sing with all your heart, no matter how off-key.”

I nod. “I think I can manage that. But what’s your go-to karaoke song? Something tells me you’re a pro at this.”

Violet grins, a mischievous sparkle in her eye. “Oh, I have a few surprises up my sleeve. But first, I want to hear you. Consider it... initiation.”

“Fine, I’m good at everything I do, as you can attest to, so this shouldn’t be any different. Let’s see...” I browse through the song list, trying to find something that won’t completely embarrass me. My finger stops at a classic rock song. It was one of Jake’s favorites.

“How about some Bon Jovi?”

“Living on a Prayer?” Violet guesses, her eyes lighting up.

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