Page 90 of Two a Day
She laughs with sheer delight, it seems. “Who doesn’t like animal documentaries?”
“People with no soul.” I shudder.
“And, for the record, my favorite kind of documentary—aside from the animal features—are the really twisty news-style ones.”
And this seems like the best beginning in the history of meeting women ever because, “Me too,” I say. “Have you seenF Boys And Girls?” I ask, referencing a recent Webflix special about a group of reality showstars who conned a long line of networks to get on their shows.
“Yes!” she says, her eyes widening. “It was guilty but addictive viewing.”
I lean closer, catch a drift of her honeysuckle scent. “I couldn’t agree more,” I say, only my voice comes out a little rough, a little gravelly, and I don’t even care if Drew hears and gives me shit about it later because I’m having too much goddamn fun.
“No clowns and the very specific twisty news documentaries,” Cara says, tilting her head toward me as we head toward our seats. “Sounds like we’re a match made in movie heaven.”
And she doesn’t need to tell me twice.
The four of us sit, with Cara next to me, chatting about some of our other favorite documentaries as the trailers roll on the screen. Then the lights dim, and the movie begins.
I was giving Drew a hard time about the flick. Yes, he’s the hardcore movie fan, but truly it’s not bad, especially when the hero realizes he’s been into the heroine all along.
I just met Cara, so it doesn’t feel like a mirror into my life, but what does match my emotions is the hero’s decision to go for it.
That’s how I feel.
Normally I don’t dive into romance or dates. I’m cautious. I research, like I do with investments.
But sometimes you just feel chemistry. Sometimes you have so much in common with someone that it’s worth taking a chance on them, even if it means risking heartbreak on the other side.
So after the movie ends and we’re all on Ocean Avenue, I say, “Want to grab a beer? Shave ice? Smoothie?”
The question is for everyone, since I don’t want to be rude, but truly, I hope Cara’s game.
She smiles brightly, eyes twinkling like she’s just as excited as I am to keep up this unexpectedly fantastic impromptu date. “Definitely.”
But Brooke yawns, and my chest tightens.
“It’s past your bedtime,” Cara jumps in, teasing. “It’s already nine.”
“Yes, someone has been working early and late,” Brooke says, with another yawn. “But I don’t mind if you want to stay.”
“I’ll drive you home,” Cara says, and my heart takes a littledon’t gonosedive even though I like that she’s taking care of her sister.
“I’ll drive you, Brooke,” my buddy steps in to save the day, and I should never have played with his text messages that time because the man is clearly a saint.
As Cara and Brooke say goodbye, Drew claps meon the back. “Have fun, buddy. And don’t forget to tell her I win the prank wars.”
“Yeah, that’ll be our topic of conversation for sure,” I reply, because I just can’t help needling him one last time.
As Brooke and Drew walk toward his car, I gesture toward the smoothie store on the corner, its bright lights spilling out onto the sidewalk. “Smoothies are calling our names.”
“Is it the berries calling to you? Do you prefer banana? Pineapple?” she asks as we walk.
“All of the above,” I reply. “I’m smoothie-omnivorous.”
She clasps a hand dramatically to her chest. “I’m a mango or bust gal.” She faux shudders. “And here I thought we had everything in common.”
“Ah, but it’s good to be different in some ways,” I reply, laughing at her antics. “Like work, for example. I can’t imagine you’re a financial advisor too?”
“No,” she replies as we stop in front of the store. “I’m studying to be a special ed teacher.”