Page 15 of Wrong Place, Wright Time
“Romantic,” he says, giving me an impressed nod.
“I figured it shows her that my interest isn’t fleeting, nor is it dependent upon sex. And I’d hope she knows I’m not interested in her money.”
“I think it’s obvious you have your own. She could google you and find your net worth anyway.”
“Do people actually do that?”
“They sure do.”
“That feels a little dirty.”
Darren shrugs. “Welcome to the human race.”
I chuckle slightly, knowing he’s right, but also knowing that the majority of people in this world are good at heart. I have fallen down many times in my life, and more often than not, someone who didn’t need to helped me along the way.
“OK. So tell me how loyally bringing her coffee every morning and walking her to work is going for you?” he asks, getting us back on track.
“We have a date tonight,” I say, nervousness blooming in my guts the moment I say it out loud.
Darren turns to me and smiles. “Ah-ha! Now I know why you're here. You want more dating advice. Theo and I are starting to call ourselves the fairy-gay-mothers since every straight person connected to us seems to think we have the magic answer to all things relationships and commitment.”
“Don't you though?” I say with a smile, nudging him with my elbow as we arrive out the front of the Queen’s Delight.
Darren laughs and places his hand on the silver door handle. “Seems that way. So, what's your question?”
“I honestly don't have one. I was coming to you to help fill my day if I'm honest. I've kind of done everything on my to-do list and I found myself at a loss until it's time to get ready and go.”
“You're nervous.” Darren reaches add an brushes a speck of dust off the front of my shirt. “Well, if it's any consolation, I don't think you have anything to be nervous about. You, sir, are a catch. Just ask any of the girls on the other side of this door. They would date you in a heartbeat. Every time they see me with you they curse the gay gods for not making you one of us.”
“All that does is tell me that I'm attractive to gay men,” I say as I slide my hands into my pockets. “Wrong demographic.”
“Oh no, we are the right demographic. We have better taste than all y'all put together. It's why you keep making us your best friends.”
“Duly noted.”
“Anyway, what is this date you're taking her on? Tell me how you're going to romance her.”
“Dinner at her place.”
“She’s cooking for you?” His brow lifts like he thinks this night shows lots of promise.
“She doesn’t like to cook.”
“Oh. So you’re cooking for her?”
“Not exactly. I’m bringing takeout.”
“OK. So this is a Netflix and chill situation?”
“It’s a Chinese and puzzle situation.”
“Is that slang for some weird sex thing I don’t know about?”
“No,” I say with a laugh. “It’s exactly what it is. I’m bringing the takeout and we’re going to eat it while we do a puzzle.”
“Oh god.” Darren’s manicured hand lands on his chest, his face horrified. “Next you’ll be telling me you’ve taken up knitting together.”
“Well…” I start, just as Darren holds his hand up and turns his head to the side dramatically.
