Expect The Unexpected (H-Town)

Unexpected Date

Stacey

I had just finished getting ready for my date—
and not just with anyone.

I was going out with Shazam.

I still couldn't believe it myself.

He had smooth-talked his way into tonight, but I already knew why I agreed. I wasn't here to fall back into anything—I just wanted to hear him out. My heart wasn't in it like it used to be.

If I was being honest with myself, Kadeem was the one on my mind.

I checked my face one last time in the mirror when the doorbell rang. I took a deep breath and opened the door.

"What's up, Stace?" Shazam said.

"I'm good," I replied, smiling lightly. "How are you?"

"Doing better now," he said, spinning me around. "You look beautiful."

I rolled my eyes but smiled anyway. "Stop flirting with me and let's go," I said, pushing him toward the door.

I locked up behind me, and we got into his car.

"You look nice yourself—if I haven't told you that," I said as he pulled away from the curb.

"If I didn't know any better, I'd say you were flirting with me," he smirked.

"Boy, please," I laughed. "You wish."

He laughed too. "So... any guesses where we're going?"

"My favorite place?" I asked, narrowing my eyes. "Yale Street Grill?"

He grinned. "Either that or Barbecue Inn."

"Ooo," I said, rubbing my stomach. "Both sound good."

"You gotta pick fast," he said, merging onto the highway.

"Let's go to my favorite," I decided. "And if you behave, maybe we hit the second spot after."

He licked his lips playfully. "I like that idea."

I shook my head and looked out the window, trying not to smile too hard.

We pulled up to Yale Street Grill, and Shazam opened my door like he always used to. We got seated, and I didn't even bother opening the menu—I knew what I wanted.

"Good evening, I'm Marvin. I'll be your waiter tonight," he said, handing us menus.

Shazam studied his. I set mine aside and watched him until he finally noticed me staring.

I cleared my throat.

"So," I said, "what made you ask me out tonight?"

He put the menu down. "I know you talking to someone else. And I know I said we wouldn't ever be more than friends... but something's changing. I was hoping you'd give me another chance."

I raised an eyebrow. "Why now? You know this just makes things complicated."

Before he could answer, Marvin returned.

I ordered first. "Buffalo burger—no onions, no mustard. Large fries. Vanilla milkshake."

"And you?" Marvin asked Shazam.

"Chicken burger, everything on it. Large fries and a Sprite."

Marvin nodded and walked away.

We made small talk while waiting, nothing deep. When the food arrived, I dug in immediately.

"Someone's hungry," Shazam said, laughing.

"I haven't eaten all day," I replied flatly.

That shut him up.