“Look, it wasn’t my idea to look after Misty, but now that I have the job and it’s her birthday the day after tomorrow, I figure I’d better do something about it. I can’t think of anything except taking her out to dinner.”
“Geez, Gabe. I knew you didn’t have much game, but I thought with someone you’ve known this long, you might be less clueless.”
“Thanks a lot. Now can you help me or not?” He waited for the light to change and then crossed the street near the public library.
“You can go online to a place called OpenTable. Check out a few places in the North End and make reservations.”
“But she lives in the North End. Shouldn’t I take her somewhere else?”
“Sure. But I still don’t know exactly what you’re looking for. Do you want a quiet atmosphere where you can talk? Or a loud, lively place with dancing?”
“Hell, I don’t know. That’s what I was hoping you could help me with.”
“Well, since you’re such a scintillating conversationalist, I’d probably suggest you take her dancing. We know she likes to dance.”
“But I don’t want her to get the wrong idea. This isn’t a date.”
“You’re really not giving me much to work with here, Gabe. How about taking her to the ballet?”
“Ugh. Not if I have to be there too.”
Jayce gave a long-suffering sigh on the other end of the phone. “I don’t know what to tell you, buddy. I think there’s a comedy club in Quincy Market. Maybe you can make reservations for the show and grab dinner at the Union Oyster House after.”
“I guess. Seems a little touristy, but at least I wouldn’t hate it.”
“This isn’t about you. This is for her. And by the way, don’t forget to buy her a present.”
“A present?” he nearly shouted.
A couple of passersby looked up at him but kept going.
“Shit, yeah. You need to buy her a birthday present. She has no one else but us, right? She might not get anything.”
“Like what kind of present?”
“I don’t know. Something nice like a cashmere scarf or leather gloves. Can you think of something she needs?”
“She had her wallet stolen. That was a week ago. She probably has a new one by now.”
“You know what?”
“What?”
“It shouldn’t be this hard. Why don’t you just ask her what she’d like to do and where she’d like to go? Then maybe take her shopping and let her pick out something she wants for her birthday. If she’s just a pal, you don’t have to surprise her.”
Oh brother… Why didn’t I think of that earlier?
“Yeah. That works. Well, Jayce, I’m almost home. Thanks for the advice.”
“Let me know how it goes.”
“Yeah. I’ll do that.”
Jayce laughed. “Don’t screw it up, or I’ll hear about it anyway. I have eyes and ears all over the city.”
“Whatever.” Gabe didn’t much care anymore. There sat Misty on his doorstep, shivering and looking miserable.
* * *
