Connor crosses to the fridge and pulls out an ancient Tupperware jug. He opens it, peers inside, and sniffs thecontents. Then he rummages around in my cupboards for a glass. Dred could help him if she wanted, since she knows where everything is, but she lets him fend for himself. Probably to keep him occupied for five seconds.
“Let’s get you dressed.” Dred motions to my bedroom.
“I have two potential suit options. I’m taking Tally to the aquarium and we’re having dinner with the sharks.”
“Seems fitting,” Connor calls.
“Feel free to keep your thoughts to yourself,” I retort.
“So happy to see you two getting along,” Dred deadpans. “Tally will love the aquarium. She’s forever watching the Shark Week documentaries.”
“And then regretting it on ocean vacations,” I add.
“So true, but she pushed through when we went to Aruba.”
“Exactly. And it’s a huge step up from keg parties and chain restaurants, without being overwhelming.” I want this date to be special, without being over-the-top.
“It’s fun, outside the box, and it shows you know what she likes.”
“That’s the goal.” Running into not one, but two past hookups after our last game sucked. We navigated that stressful situation, but I’d like to avoid another one tonight. On the upside, almost all of my previous hookups have been met at bars, so the aquarium seems safe. “I’ll just change into my suit and get your seal of approval, yeah?”
“Sounds great.”
I change while she and Connor wait in the living room.
“The suit’s a little understated,” Connor notes.
He wore a maroon tux for his wedding, so I’ll take his opinion with a grain of salt.
“Flip doesn’t need to piss off his sad, beige parents the way you do.” Dred pats his thigh and gives me a thumbs-up. “You look great.”
“Cool.”
“This stuff reminds me of the orange drink Meems loves from McD’s.” Connor swirls the liquid in his cup.
“It’s Tang.” I cross to the cupboards, pull out a packet, and toss it to him. I buy it by the twelve pack, so I feel comfortable parting with one. “You can blow her mind with this. I add an extra cup of water. Otherwise it’s too sweet.”
“Thanks.” He inspects it for a moment, then tucks it into his pocket. “Did you buy Tally a dress for tonight?”
“No. I didn’t want to scare her off by coming on too strong.” I adjust my tie and check my reflection one last time. “But I did stop by the Dutch Toko for dropjes, and I bought her flowers.”
“What are dropjes?” Connor asks.
“Salty and sweet black licorice. They’re her favorite,” I explain.
Connor seems skeptical. “People enjoy that?”
“Tally does.” I prefer the sweet ones exclusively, especially when they’re candy coated. “Okay. I’m ready. Any words of wisdom?”
“Tally’s used to university boys who think a keg party constitutes a date, so you’re already ahead of the curve.” Connor removes Dred’s glasses, cleans them and replaces them.
“I better be ahead of the fucking curve. Especially where the last guy she dated is concerned.”
“No one liked him.” Dred wrinkles her nose. “Just be your charming self.”
“And keep the focus on Tally,” Connor adds. “She’s used to being around people who want her for the wrong reasons, or guys who already have too much ego. Whatever she wants, she gets.”
“Except for one thing,” Dred chimes in.
