I struggle to put on my purple dress, as if maybe it would be too difficult and I would have an excuse not to show up. Scott gave me other reasons to cancel, by complaining the entire time we were getting ready, but I told him this plan was important to me. In a way, it was important to me. When Tim told me that Tati wanted to meet me, I could see the joy in his face. I knew this was important to him, and so, it was important to me.
"I'm sorry Scott, I know it was difficult to cancel your plans".
He looked at me and scowled, "Did I have a choice?". He didn't. Not because I had used my voice on him but, because he owed me. I dropped my plans for him before, so, when he declined my invitation, I simply reminded him of that event. I clipped a silver bracelet around my wrist and avoided eye contact, I knew he was upset and I tried not to aggravate him further.
While Scott struggled to get his belt around his waist, I looked down at my bracelet. The words read, "My favorite gem". It was a gift for my birthday. Because my name is Jade, Tim and I have this inside joke that i'm a "gem". I smiled to myself and quickly zoned back in to put on some perfume. Chanel No. 5 to be exact. What? I can't help it, I'm a New Yorker.
Scott and I heard a knock on our door. It was time. "Are you ready?", I asked, partially hoping he would say no. Instead, he said nothing and walked out of the bedroom, into the main area. I opened the door to our apartment, welcoming Tim in. But, it was just Tim.
"Where's Tati?", I asked.
"She wants to meet us there!", he smiled and waved over to Scott, who was looking down at his phone, "shall we?".
I grabbed my boyfriends arm, "we shall".
As we all piled into the taxicab, I wondered what I would think of her. What she would think of me. We pulled up to Prezzo, an Italian Restaurant, and I saw her. She had short, blonde hair and pasty white skin. When she turned to look at us, her smile almost put the sun to shame. she was tall and beautiful and happened to also be wearing a purple dress. However, hers flowed, while mine was tight around my body. I could see her excitement by the way she practically jogged over to us in heels.
"Jade! God, I'm so bloody happy to finally meet you. Tim rages about you!". I smile and look at Tim, unsure what to say next.
Tim saves me from mute embarrassment, "Tati this is Scott, Jade's boyfriend!".
Without skipping a beat, Scott suddenly paints a smile on, "It's so nice to finally meet you Tati". It doesn't come as a surprise to me that he put on this act. He only ever does this when he first meets people.
We walk inside and sit down in a booth. I love a booth.
About 15 minutes after we began eating, Scott gets a phone call. His facial expression suggests that this is a call he's been waiting to get all night. He stands up and gives his farewells before kissing me on the cheek.
Tati leans forward and says to me, "It's too bad Scott had to leave but, at least now we can swap embarrassing stories about Timmy!". I didn't get a bad vibe from Tati. She's nice!
"haha! of course!", I responded, a bit tipsy. We talked for what seemed like mere minutes. But we had been there for two hours. Tati was fun and I don't know why I wasn't happy about that. Of course I'm happy that Timothy found someone good for him. He's my best friend. However, it was strange hearing someone else call him Timmy. I would use that nickname when I tease him but, I've never heard anyone else say it. Nevertheless, I like Tati. I can see why Tim likes her.
Our waiter came by finally and handed us the bill. "You have to let me treat! After all, I invited you so it's only fair", Tati offered to pay. She's perfect.
