“That’s because I don’t want to do the club scene again. I’m tired of that.”
Since when does Fran find going out every night tiresome? Who is this, and what has she done with my little sister? Jackie, me, andFran are all three years apart. Our parents had perfect stair-step children, but sometimes the three years between Fran and me seems further apart. Not to mention the six years between her and Jackie is practically another generation. In fact, I think Jackie falls in the millennial age range while Fran and I are Gen Zers.
Finally satisfied with my appearance, I turn my attention to Fran. “Do you want to take my place tonight?”
“No way.” Her nose wrinkles. “Blind dates scream desperation.”
“Gee, thanks, Fran.” But she’s not wrong. I want happiness. Don’t I deserve to have that someone special?
She scoffs. “Val, you’re not desperate, but youaretoo kind. You know you don’t want to go on this date, but you told Raimo yes anyway.”
“He’s a good friend. I didn’t want to disappoint him.”
Fran arches a brow as if sayingSee?“You’d rather risk disappointing yourself instead? How sad is that?”
“Whatever.” I grab my sparkling red clutch and slip my feet into my matching pumps.
“You’re taking a rideshare, right?”
“Yeah. I’m too pretty to ride the Metro tonight.”
She breathes out a sigh. “Good. Call if he’s a troll and you need help.”
“I will.” Though Raimo wouldn’t pick someone truly atrocious. My fear of having nothing in common with my future date, making the night move slower than paint dries, is greater than being hooked up with a troll.
“I’ll wait up.”
“You don’t have to.”
Fran shrugs. “Not like I’ll be doing anything better.”
“Thanks, Franny.” Is it me, or is this weird? Usually she’s the one going out, not staying in.
“Ugh. You know I hate that nickname.”
I wrap her in a hug. “Franny Fran Fran,” I taunt in her ear.
“Go, Val Pal.”
I chuckle and don my pink peacoat. The coat falls to my knees and will keep me warm in the February chill. Sometimes I wish we lived somewhere warmer. People in the South are getting spring weather already.Can you imagine?DC just got an unexpected snow fall last week, and there’s still iced-over snow piles around the city.
By the time I exit the lobby’s front door, the black Tesla that is tonight’s ride rolls into the circular driveway. I open the back-passenger door.
“Val?”
“Yes, that’s me.”
He confirms the address as I buckle and settle in. My fingers fly across my cell phone screen.
Val
Driver is Frank, black Tesla.
I add the license plate number and send the message to our sister group chat.
Jackie
Girl, you’re going out on Valentine’s Day? I’m scared of you.
