Page 36 of The Fadeaway
I press a hand over my heart and bask in the feeling of awe that few films can pull off. “That was amazing.”
“I can’t believe I’m going to admit this, but that wasn’t terrible.”
“You picked a movie that you thought might be terrible?” I laugh into the phone.
“Well, I was confident you’d like it.”
That’s oddly sweet. “I did. Thank you. This is the best virtual date I’ve ever had. Also, it’s the only one.”
It’s given me some ideas for my play, and I itch to write, but I’m not about to end our virtual date prematurely.
“And it’s not over yet.”
Butterflies dance in my stomach at the prospect of what’s next. “There’s more?”
“Well, just like a regular date, after the movie you’re more relaxed and open so it’s a good time to talk and get to know each other.”
He continues to impress me with his insight. And he’s right, I do feel more comfortable now.
“If we were on a real date, I’d reach for your hand and we’d walk from the theater down to that ice cream store at the corner of Fourth and University. Ever been?”
“No, but I’ve seen it.”
Joel Moreno is good at romance. I didn’t expect that. I expected charm and smooth moves, but this feels so much more intimate. Personal. A small voice in my head whispers that this is probably how he makes every girl feel.
“What’s the most romantic thing you’ve ever done for a girl?” I ask, needing to know if this is just who he is. Wine and dine, make girls feel like they’re the most important thing in the universe, and then never call again.
I hear him expel a breath. “I don’t know.”
“But you’ve taken girls to the movies before?”
“Sure.”
“And to the ice cream shop after?”
He hesitates, but I know him well enough to know he won’t lie. “Yeah, I have.”
Obviously, I expected this answer. I know all about Joel’s reputation, so it shouldn’t sting to hear tonight isn’t exactly something special. He’s just treating me like he would any other date – well, the virtual aspect aside.
“What about you? What’s the most romantic date you’ve ever been on?”
No way am I telling him it’s this date. Especially now that I know it’s his go-to move.
“Prom night. My father lost his job right before so I couldn’t afford a dress and decided not to go. Anyway, the guy I liked skipped out too, showed up at my house unannounced the night of the prom and we danced under the stars.”
“Why didn’t you just wear a dress you already owned or better yet why didn’t he buy you a dress?”
“Oh my God. That would be your answer. It’s moot. That didn’t happen to me, it was aSaved by the Bellreference.” I groan when he doesn’t respond. God, my life is boring. “Never mind. I guess the most romantic thing someone has done for me is buy me roses. They were a surprise and he sent them to school, so it was like he was publicly declaring his love.”
“Lame. Flowers are cliché.”
“Every guy thinks that, and every guy is wrong.”
“And prom – yours wasn’t romantic?”
“I didn’t go. That part was true.”
“How come?”
