"Hi, is this Wendy?"
A long pause before she asks, sounding really concerned now.
"Atlas, are you alright?"
"Yes, this is Atlas," I say, hoping that she gets what I'm doing and I don't sound like a complete moron. "Is this Wendy?"
"...yes?"
"Hi, Wendy. I was calling because I wanted to take you out on a date."
Another long pause before she huffs, "Okay, what's going on?"
"What’s going on is that you're the most beautiful woman I've ever seen, and I just wanted to see if you'll put me out of my misery."
"Hmm... I don't know, I mean—I don't usually accept date invites over the phone from... my husband..." She trails off laughing, and the sound hits me right in the chest.
"That's fair, but let me see if I can convince you," I clear my throat once more. "You—the most beautiful woman in the world, in that sexy little black dress you bought years ago—the backless one that's got me whistling like a cartoon wolf—"
Her giggle makes me close my eyes. "Go on..."
"Me—cleaning up nicely in a nice dress shirt, sleeves rolled up because you have an odd obsession with my forearms—"
"God, they're so strong and hairy and...masculine."
I grin, perking up like a peacock at her words.
"Us—dinner at Antonia's again, not because I'm cheap, but because I know you go half-feral for their tiramisu—"
"The cream is the perfect consistency, and he doesn't soak the lady fingers for too long!"
"God, I love you," I mutter quietly and then continue on before she can say something, "So, Wendy, would you do me the greatest honor and allow me to wine and dine you?"
"Hmm..." she hums, playfully thinking about it. "Well, that was a really great proposal... I guess I can take some time out of my very busy schedule to go out with you."
My heart jolts and I say, "One moment..."
I place the phone down on the table and leap from my chair, fist pumping. "Yes! Woo!!"
My wife agreed to go out on a date with me.
Happiness courses through my veins as I gather myself and sit back down. I place the phone at my ear, "Sorry, about that. Thank you for agreeing to go out with me."
She burst out laughing, the sound so bubbly and sweet that I can't help but join in. This moment feels so right, like we're right back to beingWendy and Atlas.
"Will you be picking me up or should I meet you there—"
I gently cut her off, "You aren't doing a thing besides dressing up pretty for this date—I'll handle everything, baby."
She mock-gasps, "We haven't even gone out on the date, and you're already calling mebaby?"
"Oh, I apologize for being so forward," I say, sounding not sorry at all, and from her giggles on the other end, it sounds like I don't need to be. "I'm just so excited for our date."
Wendy is quiet for a long moment before she murmurs, so soft and sweet. "I'm excited for our date too, honey."
I smile, feeling ten feet tall.
Chapter Thirty-Six
