Page 48 of Perfect Date
I smiled when I saw it come in on my iWatch. When I was available to respond, I replied with a simple, “Why?”
His answer, “They work on many levels.”
Then he proceeded to tell me that he doesn’t like elevators because he has a problem with small spaces.
This prompted me to ask him about various “small spaces” and if he found them a ‘problem’ - such as things like the car, a bathroom which he said he had no issues with, and then I asked him how he handles the small area behind the bar, but he said it doesn’t bother him because it faces the whole room at large. And then he said maybe it was really small, confined spaces where he doesn’t feel in control if he’d need to get out.
The next day he continued with, “What do you call two monkeys who share an Amazon account?”
I answered that I had no idea but then asked, “Do you have an Amazon account?”
He answered, “Prime mates. And yes.”
After, he followed with a question about my possession of an account and if I’d purchased anything from Amazon lately that was worth sharing. I told him all about my Amazon addiction and how my recent purchase was a breakfast sandwich maker that I had yet to try out.
After defining what a breakfast sandwich was (no, it wasn’t just a McD’s sausage biscuit) and describing a few favorites, he asked if I could make him one some time.
I admit, his jokes were corny as hell, but they made me laugh and all were used to initiate a fun, yet short, conversation. I’m sure that was the point of each, and they always prompted smiles throughout the day.
On Thursday, he sent me a text that beat all the others. He asked me out on a date, “How about you and I go on a picnic Saturday?”
“Sounds promising,” I replied.
“I don’t think any fights should break out at the park,” he said. “I’m pretty confident we should be safe.”
“I mean, I think you’re underestimating how ugly things could get if you don’t have good food at this picnic. Have you ever heard about the ant armies? I hear they can be vicious.”
“I’ll protect and defend you! And I wouldn’t dream of having anything less than delicious, don’t worry. There may even be deviled eggs.”
“Sounds perfect. What can I bring?” Though I was actually thinking that he himself just might be delicious.
“Just you. Pick you up at eleven-thirty.”
“See you then.”
Now, it’s almost time for him to pick me up, and I’m still staring at myself in the mirror. I decided to keep things simple, pulling my hair back in a ponytail with little wisps of hair framing my face. I’m wearing jean shorts, with a casual white t-shirt that has eyelet short sleeves. On my feet are my favorite, and comfortable, black and white checked Vans. I look cute, comfortable, and like me.
I admit I’m standing here wondering if maybe I should consider a simple sundress instead, but thinking about how lady like I’d have to be has me deciding to not change at all.
I’m going with my gut and this feels like the right choice.
There’s a knock on my door and I open it to find Justin. I feel amusement when I see he’s wearing a pair of khaki cargo shorts and a Metallica t-shirt with tennis shoes. Casual and comfortable was definitely the way to go.
I smile wide.
“Hey,” he says with a smile of his own. “Are you ready?”
“I sure am. Are you sure I don’t need to bring anything? I’m sure I have a bottle of wine, cheese, crackers, grapes… I just went grocery shopping.”
“What kind of gentleman would I be to ask you on a date and then not provide what we need?”
“Well, honestly, it would be right up my alley as far as dates have gone lately.”
“Nope, not this time. Let’s go!”
“Okay.” He waits for me to lock the door and then we walk side by side to his vehicle. I’m surprised when I see it’s a full-size bright blue truck. I wasn’t expecting it since he brought me home in a car from the club.
Thankfully as he unlocks it and opens the door, I see there’s a runner where I can step up to help get up and inside.
