The cleaning service had come while we were at practice, so the place was neat and tidy. The sheets had been freshly changed. I still had that bottle of scotch and the champagne. Steven had ordered some groceries, too, in case we needed a snack.
Steven, now half-dressed, stood in front of the mirror, holding two shirts up.
“That one,” I pointed to a light-green button down.
“I think I’ll wear this one.” I pulled out a dark-green button down.
“Matchy-matchy. I like that as much as you’re going to like the pirate costumes I ordered.” Steven grinned as he buttoned the shirt.
“That sounds good.” It sounded fun.
His arm sneaked around my waist. “I’m sorry I never asked you the right questions about outfits.”
“I never realized those things were possible,” I replied. “I like being comfortable, but I also want to make you happy. If being a pirate does both, then why not?”
Steven kissed me. “You already make me happy, even if you never dress up.”
We finished dressing and I put my hair up, carefully selecting a hair tie from my jar of scrunchies. Some of them were from the store. Some had been bought at farmer’s markets and craft fairs. Others I’d traded fans pucks for, or people had made or given me. I chose a dark-green one.
Dressed and ready we went down to our cars.
“Let’s take mine,” Steven said.
The two of us got into his black sports car, which was a four-seater.
“I didn’t see Marilyn today, did you? I thought for sure she’d corner me and grill me.” Steven rolled his eyes. “I really haven’t texted her back, other than the bare basics, because it feels weird.”
“She probably has a lot to do with the finals coming.” Which was better for us. We were upholding our part of the bet and showing Kai the best time.
That was all we were supposed to do anyway.
I’d also been hiding from Marilyn, not wanting any pressure. Because I was catching feelings for Kai and didn’t want her to sayI told you so.
Who was I kidding? I’d already caught feelings for them. Which was silly, because we were geographically incompatible. Also, Kai had just gone through a messy breakup.
I pushed those feelings down. This wasn’t about me. This was about showing Kai a good time.
Still, Kai smelled so good. We got along so well. Theyfit.
Steven drove to the hotel, and I texted Kai to let them know that we were on the way. When we pulled up, Kai was waiting, wearing boots, black slacks, a high-necked, sleeveless, black top, hoop earrings, and a little bracelet.
“You look great.” I got out of the car and opened up the door for her, like Steven had been doing.
“Thanks, you too. This car.” Kai whistled as they climbed into the back.
“This is Steven’s baby. He’s been talking about it since high school. This season he finally broke down and got it,” I said as I got in the front seat.
“I can see why,” Kai replied.
We drove to the beautiful brick building, decorated with lights. It was an understated iconic restaurant, servingelevated southern cuisine. Everything about it whispered wealth and power.
This place had no need to shout. Steven was also obsessed with their barbeque.
“Mr. Andromeda, is there a special occasion we’re celebrating today?” the host asked Steven when we checked in for our reservation.
Kai looked baffled.
“Kai’s visiting, so we’re out for a nice night on the town,” Steven said.
