“If I had to rate your plans for our date, I’d give it a ten out of ten on the cheap scale, but at least a six on the cuteness.”
Okay, so it was probably an eleven out of ten on my cuteness scale. Cheap dates in my world was a five dollar fuck in an alley. But chili dogs and a scenic view? Was this real?
“What did you say?” He asked, his voice more level and serious than before.
I eyed him suspiciously, completely thrown off guard. “I said you’re cheap as shit but it’s pretty cute?”
“No, you said date.”
I froze and ran through the rolodex of bullshit I kept in my brain, trying to recall the exact moment I let the word ‘date’ slip. “I, uh, I didn’t–”
“Yes,” he nodded enthusiastically.
Wait– “What?” I asked, my brain failing to catch up with what the fuck was happening.
“Yes, I’ll go on a date with you.”
A date? With Joe?
I wanted to say no. Jesus was waiting for me to turn on the Breakfast Club while he chowed down on chicken and livers whilst I slurped down a can of SpaghettiOs beside him.
Or, maybe I wanted to say no to see if he could give me a reason worthy enough for yes. Would he chase me like Prince Charming? Or tuck his puppy tail and leave me behind like everyone else?
“Sorry, Batman. I have a date with Judd Nelson and Jesus.”
“Well, it’s a Saturday night. Sunday’s are for Jesus, and Judd Nelson will only break your heart. I figure if you let me buy you a subpar dinner while treating you to some high-quality company, you won’t even know what you’re missing.”
I picked up some random piece of beef to inspect while secretly throwing glances his way. What did I really have to lose? If he turned on me like every other man in my life, I’d just kill him and put his eyeballs in my refrigerator… like every other man in my life.
“Fine,” I acquiesced. “But you’re buying and I want to be home before midnight.”
“Deal, Cinderella.” Joe tried to wink casually, however, I could see the giddy excitement past the mask. The shine in his baby blues definitely helped his case.
“Whatever,” I swatted the air and walked away knowing he would follow like a lost puppy. “If you’re hoping for Cinderella, turn back now. I’m definitely the step-mom lounging in bed with her grumpy ass cat.”
***
“Two chili dogs with Diet Coke to go.” Joe pulled a few bills from his wallet and slid them across the stand’s counter top.
Memories soured the air around us. It smelled of chemically sweetened soda bursting over my skin as the full weight of the can exploded against my cheek. My heart pounded, silenced only by the sound of tires flying over gravel and the roar of drunken laughter.
“Hold the train.” I slapped my hand on top of his, pulled another ten out of his wallet and threw it on top of the pile before the silver can could touch me. “I’ll take my dog sloppy with a full calorie Coke. Thanks, Beef Daddy.”
My wink and air kiss combo was met with a nod and, “You got it, toots.”
I hoped it was dark enough that he couldn’t see the old anxiety glossing over my eyes.
“Let’s get one thing clear, Batman. I don’t need you to save me, and I certainly don’t need you to order for me.”
“I’m sorry,” he admitted with a nervous chuckle as he ran a hand through his hair. “I guess gentlemanly charm isn’t your style.”
Typically, no. But every time he treated me to it, I thought that maybe it could be.Could I be a Dany who got used to being treated like a princess?
“Have you ever seen Wreck-It Ralph?”
Stunned and a bit leery, he answered, “The Disney movie?”
“Yup.”
