Page 29 of Beautiful Small Things

“And that will be completed, as required. But I am enjoying learning about my dad. Aren’t you curious about your parents as younger people?”

“Not really,” he shrugs. “We’ve all heard their ‘soulmate story’ so many times.” He emphasizes that sentence for dramatic effect.

“Well, I am,” I reply. I finish half my stack of buttermilk pancakes and slide my plate to him. He digs in without stopping his conversation. This is what we do. We each order something different and share.

“I mean, what does it matter?” he says through bites of pancake.

“You’re such a boy,” I tell him, which earns me a cheesy grin. “I don’t know why, but I feel like their love story is important. I feel it in my gut.”

“Since when do you listen to your gut?” he asks.

“Never. Which is why I feel compelled to follow this. What can I say? It’s been a strange week.” I shrug. The insinuation in my statement isn’t lost on him.

Orion stops mid-bite and looks at me. “I guess it has.” I try to read him for a sign that he remembers anything about the night he was drunk, but I can’t be sure. I have no choice but to believe him.

“Hey, guys!” comes a voice from next to the table.

Orion stands and gives Henry the half-hug-half-pat-guy-hug. “Hey Buddy!” he says. “What’s up?”

“Not much,” Henry replies. “Just getting some breakfast.” Henry smiles at me, “Hi Iris.”

“Hello, Henry,” I reply. “It’s nice to see you.”

“You, too. And congratulations on the award last night.”

“My award? How did you know about that?” I question.

“I was there,” he replies casually.

“Why?”

“Isn’t it obvious?” he asks. “To see you.”

I’m taken aback by his reply. People other than my family don’t go out of their way for me. I’m the “pretty, but weird girl” that most people my age avoid.

“Well, that was extraordinarily thoughtful. Thank you, Henry,” I say sincerely.

“Iris, can I take you for a proper celebration? Before you say no-”

“Yes,” I answer, surprising us both. Maybe it’s my sudden interest in love or what Orion said the other night, but I am suddenly intrigued by going on a proper date.

“Really?” Henry studders.

“Really?” Orion parrots through a mouthful of pancake.

I glance up at Henry and smile. “Yes. I assume you will call me with details.”

“Absolutely,” he says with a wide smile. “I’ll let you get back to your breakfast. Talk to you soon, Iris.”

Henry has barely left the table before Orion blurts, “What the Hell was that?”

“Henry asked me out and I acquiesced. You were right here.”

“But, why? Why now?” he asks, doing very little to hide the irritation in his voice.

“Why not? I thought this is what you wanted?” I say, as my hands shoot up inadvertently in a questioning gesture.

Orion shakes his head before adding, “Sure, it is. You two will make a great couple.” There’s no sincerity in his voice. “Let’s go. I’ve got stuff to do today.”