Page 96 of The Other Guy

JACK

Sierra: What’s the dress code for tonight’s festivities?

Me: Festivities, huh? You think I have something pretty big planned?

Sierra: Don’t you?

Me: Eh. I figured we’d share a tuna fish sandwich by the county dump.

Sierra: **takes in a deep breath** Can’t wait. That’s like the perfect combination. Tuna breath and rotten garbage. It’s a recipe for a fun, delicious smelling evening.

Me: I knew you’d get it.

I can’t stop smiling. Haven’t been able to since I woke up this morning. Not even the threat of another snowstorm could bring me down today. I love that she gets it when I text her something like that and replies cheekily.

Sierra: So now I know to dress casually and wear a mask.

Me: Perfect. See you at 5.

Sierra: 5? I thought you were picking me up at 6?

Me: Changed my mind. It’s been a while since I’ve seen your cute face.

Sierra: **blushes** You saying I’m cute?

Me: You know that song: Beautiful, Crazy?

Sierra: Yes! I love it!

Me: That’s what I think about when I think of you.

Sierra: Maybe be here a little early.

Me: You got it. And by the way, yes, dress casual.

Sierra: Sweatpants it is!

Me: Then we’ll match.

I’ll be disappointed if I don’t show up to Kyle’s house to see her wearing sweats and a mask over her mouth and nose.

* * *

I’m not disappointed. When Kyle opens the door, he’s sharpening a knife and is wearing his most stern expression that doesn’t even falter when Sierra comes around the corner wearing a hoodie that looks like Kyle wore it in the 70s, a pair of raggedy sweats and a paper mask that is absolutely homemade, considering it’s made out of printer paper and elastic hair ties. Her ears are pulling in at a weird angle and even though I can’t see her mouth, I know she’s smiling by the twinkle in her beautiful dark brown eyes.

I place a hand on my chest. “I’ve never seen you look more beautiful.”

“I paid attention to your clues about what to wear,” she says behind her mask.

“And here I was afraid I’d be underdressed,” I say, gesturing to my own attire of paint-splattered sweatpants and a ratty old t-shirt that has actual holes in it. I froze my ass off walking up to the house but I knew it’d be worth it. Especially now that I see she continued on with our joke from earlier.

“You look perfect. The exact image I hoped for on our first date.”

I lean in close and kiss her cheek, squeezing her hip slightly. “First of many,” I whisper.

“You two deserve each other. Weirdos,” Kyle says. “Here I thought I’d be able to do the cliché thing of asking what your intentions are with Sierra and putting the fear of God in you. But then you guys pull a stunt like this.” He tsks like he’s annoyed he didn’t get to scare me but it’s all in good fun. He places the knife down and walks away but then stops, turns around, and points at us. “Have fun! Stay out late. Make dumb choices. Drive fast and take chances. All the regular stuff I’m supposed to say, right?”

“Exactly,” Sierra agrees with a wink. She looks me up and down and grins. “This date is already starting off great. I would have been seriously disappointed if you hadn’t showed up dressed like this.”

---