when you met me

takeout

Takeout

The takeout box was hot against her chest. Mara hugged it close to her as she fought against the chilled breezy night to get to Dud’s flat. She had decided to surprise him at his flat with dinner and an idea. She ran her finger up the list of names until she almost passed Dud’s. A. Dudley. She smiled and pressed the buzzer. “Hello?” Dud’s sleepy voice asked her.

“Chinese takeout for two!” Mara cooed through the intercom. Dud’s scratchy laugh filled the cold air around her and the door unlocked. Mara pushed her way in and Dud met her on the staircase. “Hi.” She said, “Hi.” He replied, “Just up here.”

Dud tidied a newspaper off of his small kitchen table and Mara took in his flat. It was nicer than hers, but not really fancy. She could tell he was proud of it, though. “This is nice.” She said vacantly as she continued to inspect it. Dud smiled at the takeout. “I got your favourite.” She laughed as his stomach grumbled.

They sat across from each other, Mara looking out of his big window facing the lights of the city. “Thanks.” Dud remembered to say after a few bites. Mara simply nodded. They stayed quiet again. Dud wondered if he should bring up the incident last week. “I hope that kiss isn’t gonna to make it weird.” Mara said before he could gather his thoughts.

Dud shook his head. “No- I mean, if it’s going to happen eventually, a few slip ups are okay.”

Mara raised an eyebrow. “I guess it seems a little inevitable.” She admitted, and then broke into a wry smile. “Someday, we’re going to be great.” Her eyes lit up, and for the first time, she thought of the future with some measure of happy regard.

“Yeah.” Dud said with a smile in his voice.

“Anyways, I wanted to talk to you about something.” Mara leaned forward on the table. “We have our first gig, with my own song, in two weeks. The 20th of April. I really want you to be there. It’s at 8pm.” Mara could barely contain her excitement as she told Dud.

“That’s incredible, Mara! Of course I’ll be there.” He smiled genuinely, and Mara knew he meant it. They continued to eat in silence, taking in each other’s presence.