The boat jerks as the captain rams it against the dock.The happy couple nearly falls overboard, but laughs it off as they regain their balance.
We disembark the vessel.Henry takes my hand to help me onto the dock, and a spark flies up my arm, fizzing out somewhere around my heart.I know this is it—the last time we’ll be together, but that’s sadness I’ll save for later.
In this moment, I feel lighter.The burden of carrying a thousand secrets lifts now that I’ve shared some with him, a result I didn’t expect, though Dr.Broderick has argued as much for years.I consider extending the experiment to Ivy and Dad—to finally say everything I should have then.
For now, I twist to face Henry.Sunlight silhouettes his frame while a breeze ruffles through his hair.I expect him to stuff his hands in his pockets, glance around indifferently, and say something along the lines of “thanks” and “goodbye.”
He does the first two things, but then says, “Have dinner with me?”he asks, running a hand down his beard.“I don’t think this conversation is over.”
“Okay, as long as you don’t mind dining with a twenty-eight-year-old in a prom dress and hiking boots.”
“I know a place where you’ll fit right in,” he grins, pointing to a cheery restaurant on the corner with a bright sign that reads, “Queens and Dreams Diner.”I can’t help but smile.
Chimes announce our arrival when Henry swings the door open to usher me inside.A jukebox glows in the corner, currently playing “Sweet Emotion” by Aerosmith.Bright red vinyl booths and barstools stand out against the black-and-white tiled floor.Neon signs beam against multi-colored walls, and light from metal pendants bounces off the touches of stainless steel along the tables.If happiness had a color palette, this would be it.
“It reminds me of summer,” I say in a breath.
“I knew you’d love it,” he says, smiling beside me.
“Henry!”A six-foot hostess wearing a fifties-style polka dot dress with a lacy crinoline peeking from the hem steps from behind the counter, her red-lipped smile widening as she takes us in.She snaps her fingers over her head, drawing more attention.“Girls, come here!”
And suddenly, we’re surrounded by drag queens.
“Ooh, la, la, Cinderella grunge,” she says, eyeing my outfit.“I love it!”
“What’s the occasion, Henry?”a drag queen in a turquoise mermaid dress asks, linking onto his arm.“You on a date, for once?”
He looks sheepish, blushing again, but motions to me with formality when he says, “Ladies, meet Venus, an old friend.”
“The goddess of love,” one coos brightly.
“Venus, this is DeeDee,” Henry says, motioning to the hostess.
She takes my hand in both of hers, her eyes drifting over me from head to boots.“Venus, finally.”
I’m about to ask what she means when Henry diverts my attention.“Lucky Lucy’s the mermaid?—”
“I’m still waiting on my Aquaman,” Lucy laughs, shaking my hand.
“And Sunny,” Henry says.
“As in Sunny Side Up, but I’d say I’m over easy.Will you two be going hiking or dancing?I’m confused,” says the waitress in a bright yellow, fitted dress suit.
“Wherever the night takes us, I suppose,” I say.
They laugh, though I mean it.
“I love a girl who’s prepared for anything,” says Lucy, fondling loose strands of my long hair.
“Let’s get you seated before Lucy starts fixing your hair,” advises DeeDee, giving the mermaid a warning look.
She leads us to a booth in the back corner.I slide into the vinyl seat, my dress swishing as I go, and I can’t remember the last time I felt pretty like this.
“Henry, you want the usual?”DeeDee asks.
“Yeah, thanks.”
“I’ll take his usual, too,” I say, handing her the menu.
