Page 149 of Stage Dive: Short Stories & Novellas
Out of nowhere, Jamesy unleashes a noise best described as a yodel.So I do the polite thing and yodel back, earning myself a smile consisting of two small teeth and a truly remarkable amount of spit.Babies are such an even mixture of cute and gross.
“We should go over proposed topics of discussion,” says Evelyn.“You could ask him about his work and life.Draw him out like that.”
Lena continues sorting through the pile of clothes.“Most men do enjoy being the center of attention.”
“There will always be time to tell him about yourself later.”
Anne cocks her head.“Wait a minute.Which of you two wound up in a relationship because you pandered to the dude in question?”
“These are just some tips to see her through the start,” says Ev.
“Until she feels more comfortable,” agrees Lena.
Anne narrows her gaze on the two women.“Evelyn, the night you met David, you threw up multiple times.Including on him, from what I’ve heard.And Lena, I distinctly remember you telling Jimmy off the night I first met you.”
Ev sighs.“Why do people always talk about the puking?”
“To be fair,” says Lena, “those were both quite different and complicated situations.”
“But you were both being your own sweet selves.That’s the point I’m trying to make here.”Anne looks at her watch.“You can lose the face mask, Jude.Just out of interest, did they actually ask your permission before turning you into their own personal experimental dating Barbie doll?”
“Anne, you’re so salty,” says Lena with a raised brow.“This is quite unlike you.”
“Deal with it.My mood has been set to awful for days.Though that doesn’t mean I don’t also have a valid point.”Her shoulders sag tiredly.“Let’s just say I am having serious second thoughts about birthing a another child.Especially since said child is constantly pushing on my bladder and kicking all night, keeping me awake.Thank goodness this baby is due to get the heck out of me in four weeks.”
“To answer your question, it’s fine.I really do need the help.”I carefully peel the face mask thing off and pat my face dry with a hand towel.“All right, what’s next?”
At that, Lena’s eyes light up.“Now it’s time for your hair and makeup.”
When Dean walks in the door at around eight, I’m ready.i.e.Primped to within an inch of my life with my hair in a slick ponytail and a natural-looking full face of makeup.I’m not going to lie, the high-heeled booties took some work.It’s been a while since I wore four-inch heels.To be honest, I don’t know that I’ve ever actually worn four-inch heels.I tend to top out at three.But the girls did a great job putting an outfit together for me.The leather leggings and white silk shirt look sublime.Nothing like how I usually dress, but impressive just the same.And what does reality have to do with impressing someone anyway?Nothing.That’s what.While anxiety continues to have me in its cold and clammy grip, I refuse to let it stop me.
“Hey,” he says, his eyes going wide.“You look nice.”
“Thanks.”
“Are you heading out?”
“No.I thought, I just…I was in the mood.”He waits for me to say more.But that’s all I have in me.“Yeah.”
“Okay.”
He moves on to pulling off his hoodie, accidentally lifting the bottom of his tee in the process.Such a nice slice of tanned skin and stomach.It’s good to know his body has lost none of the allure of this morning.The proof being that my loins are wide awake and giving him their full attention.He really is something.Then he smiles again and just looks at me.Like he’s waiting for me to make my next move.Considering how limited my moves are, this could be over quickly.
“Are you hungry?”I ask.
“I could definitely eat,” he chuckles.
“Great.That’s great.”I feel like I’m going to start fidgeting at any moment, so it’s probably best to begin the meal part of the plan.
Lena and Ev initially had plans for a three-course candlelit dinner.They even discussed hiring a violinist at one stage.But Anne wisely suggested keeping things low-key.Thank goodness.Best not to spook the poor man by springing a surprise formal date on him.Or put more pressure on me.Though I did light a couple of pillar candles because I like candles.I find their gentle light soothing after a long day.
I pull the platter of sushi out of the fridge and nod to the sofa.Glasses, napkins, plates, and a bottle of sake sit waiting on the coffee table.“We might as well be comfortable.”
“You’ve gone to some effort,” he says as he walks over to the sofa.
“Consider this your welcome dinner.”I follow and pour him a glass of sake.
“Okay.Thanks,” he takes it and starts to look a bit intense, which makes me more nervous.
