The walls are a light mustard yellow; the chequered floor has a few cracks. The tables are made of regular wood painted white, with a metal stand. The chairs have bright red cushions.
"It's better than it looks. Let's get a table," I smile. She walks with me, looking around as if I took her to a sewer. We sit down (after Joanna wipes her chair) and look at the menu (after she wipes that too).
"So, this is what... your class eats," she says. I just laugh and shove my frustration down. A waitress walks over to us.
"What would you like to eat?" she asks.
"I'll take a cheeseburger and onion rings with a banana milkshake," I say. Joanna's still looking at the menu. It's as if she's reading hieroglyphics.
"I'll have... the steak and fries, and a glass of water," Joanna says. The waitress walks away.
"Don't you think we could have rather gone to a... proper restaurant?" Joanna asks.
"For this date, you're getting the full 'commoner' experience," I answer. Plus, I'm not wasting gas to go to a restaurant when there's a diner in the same building.
"Well, the commoner experience hasn't been too bad, though I still prefer the upper class," Joanna smiles. It's so weird seeing her smile this much, but I like it.
The waiter brings our food. It's clear Joanna had expected better plating than a red basket with a chequered cloth on top. I've already started eating. I don't eat fast food a lot because a) I'm broke and b) I need to stay healthy. I could end up in the hospital if I don't take care of my body. Like I've said, sitting for over half of the day isn't good for you.
Joanna takes a fork and stabs the chips. She looks at them hesitantly, then takes a bite. She chews slowly, contemplating how it tastes. Finally, she swallows, and she looks satisfied.
"Very unsanitary, but the food does taste good," she says.
"I'm glad to hear that," I reply.
We finish eating and take the bowling shoes back. We put on our shoes and head to Joanna's car. I hop into the driver's seat while she sits in the passenger seat.
"On a scale of 1 to 10, what would you rate this date?" I ask. Joanna thinks deeply about it.
"8/10," she replies. I'm completely dumbfounded. I would've been satisfied with a 5/10. 8!?
"There were definitely some problems. But I can't lie, that might've been the most fun I've had in years," Joanna explains. Who would've thought? I drive back to my house and get out of the car.
"Goodnight Howard," Joanna says.
"Goodnight," I smile. I go into my house and close the door. An hour later, when I've fallen asleep, my phone rings. I look at the caller ID and see its Arthur. I pick up my phone and answer.
"Explain to me why you're calling me at 1 in the morning," I groan.
"You haven't come to the grocery store in over a week? Aren't your groceries finished?" Arthur asks. Crap, I completely forgot about my groceries.
I walk downstairs to the kitchen and check what I have left. I've got half a jug of milk, no bread or fruits, my cereal's finished, I got a tomato and two eggs left. I head to my bathroom, my shaving cream is finished, I'm down to my last bottle of toothpaste, and my soap's done for.
"Arthur, have you ever thought of doing home deliveries?" I ask.
"Go put on your clothes and buy your everyday necessities," Arthur answers. I hang up the phone and go change. I drive over to the grocery store.
The only person there other than Arthur and I is a Janitor mopping the floors. Arthur gives me a knowing look. I roll my eyes and get what I need.
"How did you even forget about buying groceries for a week?" Arthur asks.
"I think the changes at work are finally getting to me. The dates with Joanna, the packages, hanging out with Anna," I explain.
"Anna? So, you actually have another friend?" Arthur asks.
"Two, you're just my closest friend," I answer.
"What do you know? I thought you kept yourself in solitude because of how depressing your job is," Arthur says.
"Can you just finish scanning?" I ask, impatient. I pay for the groceries and drive back home.
The next morning, I get dressed and go down to the kitchen. I make myself a bowl of cereal, grateful that Arthur had called. I would've starved today. I get into my car and drive to work.
I have another package. I was actually hoping that Joanna would be so grateful that I got her out of her comfort zone, she would have sent someone else to deliver Mr. Callaway's package.
After work, I drive over to his house. This feels like a side job to my actual job, except I don't get paid for this. Unfortunately, Mr. Callaway's standing outside his house in his dark robe.
I open the trunk and hand him the package. He smiles at me, as if we're friends who are hanging out.
"Goodnight Howard," he says.
"Goodnight, Mr. Callaway," I reply.
YOU ARE READING
A Change of Heart
RomanceWe clock in at 6 'o'clock, and out at 7pm. Vacations are a myth, even on Holidays. There's no time for family at all. You bring lunch from home, if you don't have any, you don't eat. Never complain if the temperature is too cold or too hot (which it...
