Sincerely, Vantae

ELEVENTH GRADE

Subject: Some Advice for Your Date Tonight.

Please don't embarrass yourself by wearing a goddamn sweater.

Sincerely, VANTAE

Subject: Re: Some Advice For Your Date Tonight.

Please don't embarrass yourself by talking for more than five seconds at a time.

So not sincerely, LILI

Subject: In All Seriousness...

Where is your date taking you? Do you have a curfew?

Sincerely, VANTAE

Subject: Re: In All Seriousness...

Since he's a TRUE gentleman and not just into sex like someone unfortunate I know...He's taking me on a "whirlwind" date. (Every girl at school is talking about these btw.) First, he's taking me to see a movie in the VIP section of Waldman's Theater. Then, we're going to Sandcastle to watch fireworks over ice cream...Then we're going to walk down the pier at sunset and get tattoos before a little stargazing to end the night. (Take notes. THIS is how it's done.)

Where are you taking Monica? No, wait. Let me guess. Since she's already told you that she's looking forward to having sex and just wants to do something simple...

A movie and Burger King?

Get more creative, VANTAE

Subject: Re: Re: In All Seriousness...

A movie and McDonalds.

Sincerely, LILI

As it turned out, lili was more than right about that "whirlwind date" thing.

The second I picked up my date—Monica, who was ironically wearing a sweater, she'd said, "I'm so grateful you're not like other guys, lili...I don't have to dress like a model to impress you and I'm sure you're not really taking me to a drive-in movie and a burger place like all the other guys I've been with..."

Of course not...

I googled "cheap whirlwind date," and pretended as if I'd planned to take her on one all along. I took her to a free art gallery and to Zapas—a restaurant a step above fast food fare. Then, because I was such a "nice guy," I took her to a private park.

When we returned to the parking lot, her true intentions began to surface. As soon as we got into my car, her arms went around my neck and her lips were against mine.

I reclined my seat and pulled her into my lap, rolling my windows all the way up.

....

Groaning, I gently lifted Monica out of my lap and placed her in the passenger seat. "Give me one second." I kissed her lips again before taking out the phone to see who it was.

lili...

"This better be a goddamn national emergency..." I held the phone up to my ear.

"It is..." She was crying. Hard. "It fucking is..."

"Whoa. Hold up." I changed my tone. "What's going on? Why are you crying?"

"I'm sorry for calling instead of texting during your date, but..."

"But what?"

"After you take Monica home—whatever time that may be, could you please come get me?"

"Where are you?"

"SIM Theater..."

"The one near the bookstore?"

"No..."she said. "The one by the airport..."