He smiled. “Yes, my friend.Allthe wooing.”
“I don’t think I have woo,” I deadpanned. Could I order some from Amazon, maybe?
“That’s why we’re watching the movies. You’ll find your woo,” he answered confidently.
I scratched my head nervously, not sure Mike knew what he was talking about.
“I promise you. You’re going to make her fall for you just like Tom,” he said, eating the pizza crust he’d abandoned earlier. “Tom Hanks is the zen master of love.”
“I don’t know. This could backfire on me. You know I’m not suave, and I’m definitely no Tom Hanks.” I got up and brought my plate to the kitchen, then walked back to him, worrying about how to make this work.
“You don’t have to be anyone other than yourself, my friend. Leyla knows now that you have autism and hasn’t changed the way she acts around you. This movie just gives you some ideas on how this could work. She’s going to give you the help you actuallydoneed on a date. Close quarters, cozy dinners, maybe a little farmer’s market visit like the movie.”
I nodded as I let those ideas filter in. “That could work,” I answered as I pictured it.
He slapped my back, making me growl. “Of course it will work. You’re a catch, Niko Demir. She’d be lucky to have you in her life, either as a friend if that’s where this leads to, or someone more.”
“Thanks, Mike. You’re a good friend.”
“Best one you got,” he joked. “Now, one more movie before I leave.”
Another two hours later, after watching Mike try to recreate the last scene from Hitch where they were all dancing at the wedding, I was done. Grateful he wasn’t going to make me practice the kissing part as they did in the movie, I felt a little more ready.
“Unless you want to watch another one, I’m going to head out.”
“No, no more, or I’ll be overwhelmed. This was helpful. Thanks for spending your Friday night with me.” I walked him to the door, where he turned to me before leaving. I backed up just in case he had any ideas about that kissing scene. He must’ve picked up on my reaction and shook his head, laughing like a hyena. When he’d calmed down, he put his hand on my shoulder.
“Just remember. Be yourself. Starting off as friends is a great foundation for a possible relationship. Relax and have fun. Don’t overthink it.” I smirked, and he laughed. “I know it’s hard for you, but I saw you two at game night. I don’t think it will be too difficult to convince her.”
“What do you mean?” I asked, holding the door open.
“She tried to play it too cool. Tried to act nonchalant, but she didn’t look at you like just a friend, in my opinion. She didn’t like the idea of this mystery woman either. Show her what she means to you. Tell her what you like about her. Let her know you see her.”
He suddenly looked sad as his gaze drifted from mine.
“Is that something you do on dates?”
His usual cheerful demeanor returned quickly. With a wink and a shrug, he said, “Nah. Girls don’t take me that seriously. They just want the fun Mike.”
He’d never said that to me before. I went to ask him for clarification, but he suddenly said, “Gotta go. Have fun tomorrow. Got my fingers crossed for you. Oh, and one last thing. Don’t declare your undying love for her on the first date, bro. Let it marinate.”
He waved as he walked to his car and drove off.
I wasn’t sure what marinating meant in the context of a date, especially since neither Tom Hanks nor Will Smith mentioned it,so I didn’t pursue it. But armed with renewed hope, I went inside to clean up and get ready for the next day.
Tom and Will each got their girl. Hopefully, I could do the same.
Leyla and Idecided to meet at La Jolla Shores early the next morning. I got there earlier than we said to, so I could make sure I had my wetsuit on before she arrived. Lying my hand over my chest, I knew it wasn’t time yet to reveal to her what I was hiding. Someday soon, she’d understand what she meant to me.
Straightening the beach blanket out on the sand for the fourth time, I stood up to keep watch. Drinks were on ice in the small cooler I’d brought. Just when I was regretting not bringing her breakfast, she appeared from behind the lifeguard house. She was like a vision walking toward me on the sand, her board under her arm, weaving around the people near the shore with ease and confidence.
Her wetsuit was only half on, revealing her bright-yellow swimsuit, sunlight dancing off the gold necklace around her neck. The swimsuit was completely modest, yet the sight still left my mouth dry.
When Leyla spotted me, she smiled and waved. Her hair in a ponytail brought back memories of her from years ago. She was breathtaking.
“Hey, you,” she said with a wide smile when she got closer. “Been waiting long? I had to circle a few times to find a parking spot.”
“No, no. Not long.” I walked toward her and took her board, walking us back to the blanket.
