“What options?”
I grin even though she can’t see me.
“I have prepared three excellent date scenarios for your consideration.”
“Oh, my god.”
“Option one,” I begin,“fancy dinner somewhere that will make you pretend you’re not impressed even though you absolutely will be.”
“That sounds fascinating.”
“I know you.”
She doesn’t argue.
“Option two,” I continue,“live music. Small venue. No crowds big enough to make you uncomfortable. I checked.”
“You checked?”
“I plan,” I say proudly.
She laughs again.
“And option three,” I say more quietly,“a surprise date I’m not telling you anything about except that you’ll like it.”
“That’s not an option.”
“It is.”
“No.”
“Yes.”
She sighs dramatically.
“You’re impossible.”
“And yet,” I say gently,“you keep answering my calls.”
There’s a longer pause this time.
“Option two,” she says finally.
“Live music?”
“Yes.”
“Excellent choice,” I reply.“I agree.”
“You’re ridiculous.”
“I’m charming.”
She hesitates for just a second.
“Yeah,” she says softly.“You kind of are.”
Chapter 16
