“Not at all. It’s that taco place, Julio’s, on Ridge.”
“I love that spot.”
“Me too; that’s why I picked it because at least if the date sucks, the food will be good.”
“Oh, so this is like not like a boyfriend date?”
“Nope some blind date, actually,” I cringe.
“That’s interesting. I tried that one time, and it didn’t go so well.”
“Do they really ever, though?” I ask, even though this was my second attempt at one. No one I’ve ever met has had a good one.
“I have no idea. You know, you should stop by more.”
“I’d like that. By the way—I love your decorations. I thought I loved Christmas, but you could give me a run for my money.”
“I’ll have to check out yours.”
“You should. I have to go,” I say, feeling much better about having stared at her brother like a crazy person.
I return to my house and prepare for my date with Tom. All I know is he works at one of the pet stores as the manager and is in college. We’re both twenty-three. As I do my hair and makeup, I’m not looking forward to this date. My mind is on the grumpy man who hates Christmas. I peer around my bathroom, which even has pink and white holiday towels, and I know that he and I wouldn’t mix.
Finishing my prep, I’m just about to head out to the restaurant when I get a text from Tom, telling me he’s going to be running late. He needs another hour, if that’s okay with me. It’s only six, so it’s not too bad.
I reply.
Me:That’s cool.
Tom: Thanks. Can’t wait to meet you.I don’t respond because I can’t actually say I am excited for this date.
I set my phone down, and my stomach rumbles. Damn it, I really want some tacos, and now I have to wait. With my calorie budget tight, I skipped lunch and that was a big no-no because now I’m ravenous. The smell of my calorie-laden cookies wafts through the air, tempting me, but I snatch only one. I made them to share at work and enjoy over the holiday weeks. I lean against the dining room table and admire my décor. My entire home is normally white and navy blue with gray wood floors, but now that it’s Christmas time, I have it decked out in pink and white colors. I think of the little fairies and snow. There are also shades of silver and gold, but it’s perfectly blended with everything.
It’s getting later, and I finally decide to leave. I’ll probably arrive a few minutes late, but that’s okay.
When I get there, it’s not busy and I see a tall, slender man in a puffy vest like it’s not winter outside. “Hey, you’re Carrie, right?”
“Yes,” I answer. “Tom?”
“Yes, it’s great to meet you.” We shake hands, and then a woman approaches with menus.
“Welcome. Will you be dining in, or to go?”
“Dining in. Can we get a booth for two, please?” I ask.
“Of course, please follow me.” Tom waves his hand to let me go first. Our booth is near the window and near the pickupcounter. We take off our coats and sit down. “Can I start you off with something to drink?”
“Water for now, but I’ll have a Coke Zero with my dinner.”
“A water, please.”
She nods and leaves the menus. “So, have you been here before?” I ask him.
“No, it’s new to me. You?” he asks, looking at the menu and not at me. I wonder if he’s just nervous or maybe he doesn’t normally make eye contact.
“Yes, it’s my favorite place.”
He lowers his menu and gives me a curious look. “You often bring dates here?”
