Page 24 of Milo
As we walk back to his truck, I spin and spin. “That was so fun. Perfect first date. No notes. Ten out of ten.”
“We’re not over yet, unless you want to be?”
“Nope.” Another couple of spins. “I’m happy to spend all night with you.”
“Good, because I planned for dinner next.”
He won’t tell me where, though. Every place we pass up I have to wonder how much further we’re going until we stop at a little mom and pop place that advertises dozens of arcade games.
I press my face to the window. “I’ve never been here.” Mostly because I hate driving to this side of town. The other drivers are that scary to me. Like I said, I’m a cautious driver.
“They have a little bit of everything, but we can go someplace else if you want.”
“No, I like new experiences. This’ll be fun!” I rip the door open and slide out of my seat again.
Clay scrambles to catch up, but he’s chuckling, so I don’t think he’s upset.
Christmas music blares from outside speakers. A blast of heat hits me in the face the moment the door opens and a cheery person dressed as an elf greets us.
“Howdy friends! My name is Patty, and I’m happy to be your server today!” They seat us at a nice table in a corner.
Instead of sitting across from Clay, I sit next to him, which earns me a two-second look of confusion from Patty, but they move on quickly.
After we eat, Clay making me laugh more than should be humanly possible, we play a few games at the arcade in the next room over. Clay kicks my ass every time, but it doesn’t matter because for the first time in a long time, I’m genuinely happy. I don’t feel like an outcast or a weirdo or someone desperate to be loved. I’m enjoying myself.
But then the yawns happen and won’t stop.
“Come on, let’s head on home.”
I’m—” yawn “not ready.”
“Maybe so, but your body is.” He pulls me in to a hug from behind as I’m trying to take out the last of the aliens in the game I’m playing.
“Okay. Okay.” I shoot the last alien and put the fake gun in the holster. He’s right, though, and I know it. “But we take the scenic route to look at all the Christmas lights.”
“Deal.”
I swear it’s colder than when we went inside and I shiver until the heat starts blowing on my face.
“Look over there.” He points to a huge display with lights that run across the house, into the yard, and up a blow up tree.
I gasp and notice the house next to it and across. The entire neighborhood is lit up. “You’re like the Christmas lights finding master!”
“I grew up in this neighborhood.”
“It’s so pretty.”
“My sister and I would help our dad put up our display every year until I moved to New York. Then he passed, and I swear my mom followed him with a broken heart.”
I slump back in my seat. “I’m sorry.”
“No. I didn’t mean to make you sad. They’re all good memories.”
“Okay, good. I have lots of good memories too. My parents always went big for Christmas. Then my brother did what he could and I don’t think there’s enough thanks for everything he did for me. I do what I can to show my thanks.”
“Tell me your favorite Christmas. Mine, my parents got my sister and I matching pajamas and a karaoke machine. Best thing ever.”
“Don’t tell me you sing too. The flower god might have too much power.”
