Callan nodded before taking a sip of his beer. When he set the glass down, he said, “Drove up there once to film a video, but I’ve not had the chance to check out that telescope.”
I wanted to ask him what kind of video he shot up there, but I had a strong feeling that it had to do with porn, and so I ignored that information and focused on the “never had the chance to check out that telescope” part.
“It’s worth getting a look through it. You can see the planets on good nights, and it’s really impressive. The first time I went, I was amazed by how clear they were. It’s like looking at pictures of the planets on the internet, but you’re seeing them with your own eyes instead.”
A small smile tugged at his mouth when I continued to tell him about the many different exhibits in and around the observatory, and when I was done talking, he said, “You sound like someone who should’ve kept going with astronomy.”
That made me proud to hear. Mostly because he wasn’t making fun of the things I liked and sat there listening without a hint of judgment in his eyes.
“I just like that there’s no pressure coming with it, you know? I can learn about it when I want, without having to prove myself to anyone.”
“I get that. Keep that up. Not many have hobbies they’re passionate about.”
His words stuck with me as Emiko approached with the first tray of sushi. She set down plates of nigiri and rolls, then stepped back with a quick “Enjoy,” before heading over to a different table.
I picked up my chopsticks, and Callan waited until I chose my first piece before grabbing one of his.
I tried a slice of salmon nigiri and chewed slowly, savoring every bite. It tasted fresh. Way fresher than the sushi from the grocery store.
“This is delicious,” I said after swallowing.
“Yeah? You like it?”
I nodded. “Very much.”
“Good.” He looked pleased as he took another piece for himself.
We kept eating, taking our time with each plate that Emiko brought out. Neither of us rushed, and despite the recurring silence, it was never awkward between us. Every now and then, he’d glance at me, like he was making sure I was still comfortable. I was. More than I expected to be.
I started to feel full, but in a satisfied way, and when I was finished with my plate, I leaned back and watched Callan eat one more round. Once those pieces were gone, he wiped his mouth with a napkin and leaned back too.
“You good?” he asked.
“Yeah. That was amazing.” I smiled. “Thank you for bringing me.”
“You’re welcome.”
He waved Emiko over when she passed our table, asking her to bring the check. As much as I wanted to put my share in, I knew he’d reject the offer. He was already holding his card between his fingers, ready to pay.
I smiled up at Emiko when she came back, and while Callan paid, I told her, “It was delicious. This was definitely the best sushi I’ve ever had.”
She collated the empty plates and smiled back at me. “I’m glad to hear.”
“She’s only ever had sushi from the grocery store,” Callan told her, putting me on blast.
Emiko gasped, pressing her free hand to her chest.
I pressed my lips together, feeling my cheeks flush. “I’m sorry.”
“Now that you’ve eaten our sushi, I’m sure you won’t go anywhere else from now on.”
“Definitely not,” I assured her. “I’ll come back for sure.”
Her pleased smile was comforting. “Good.”
She left the table again, and Callan and I sat there for another moment before we both slid out of the booth. “Thank you,” I said. “For taking me here.”
“No worries.” He glanced at me, then nodded toward the exit. “Let’s go.”
