Sunny Side Down

First Date (Grant, Sorta)

"That's it, I'm just gonna turn around and go home," Steve said into his speakerphone as he drove on the highway.

"Nope, not this time," Chris responded. "You're gonna go, you're gonna have a good time, and you're gonna take her home tonight."

"No man, this is going to be a disaster. A freaking trajesty!"

"It's travesty, dumbass, and it's going to be fine. Besides, Indie is way too hot to cancel on."

"I'm just going to show up, say hi, and then drive away."

"Steve if you do that I swear I will find you and put my foot in your ass."

"That's probably the most action I'm ever gonna get."

Chris laughed, "Hopefully not. Listen man, I've got to go, but it's going to be okay. You're gonna do great."

"Yeah, yeah. I'll look forward to that foot in ass scenario."

"Bye," Chris hung up laughing.

Steve dropped his phone to the passenger seat as he got off at Indie's exit. He made a right and drove for about two miles until he found himself at a red light. Tapping his finger against the wheel he waited for the green light to shine on him. When it finally did Steve eased the car into the speed limit.

"Come on, man," Steve said to himself. "You can do this; just be yourself."

He thought to himself for a second.

"Never mind; don't be yourself. Be Chris. Be George Clooney. Be anyone besides yourself. Hell even be yourself, just don't screw this up."

He turned into a nearby neighborhood and drove about five houses down. A moderate white house with a 16 stamped proudly on its mailbox awaited him. In front of it stood a gorgeous girl wearing a black dress with white flowers. She had her arms down in front of her grasping her bag. Her curly brown hair lied on her shoulders wonderfully and her posture made up for her lack of height. He made eye contact with her brown eyes and Steve swore she was looking into his soul. Smooth soft skin with high cheek bones to match.

This had to be a dream, right? Could Steve be that lucky? As usual Steve was absolutely astonished, but he realized that he couldn't just sit there and stare at her. Putting the car in park he quickly turned it off and used the rearview mirror to check himself. His face was clean shaven and his hair looked like it was recently combed. He wore nice jeans, a clean button down, and actual shoes, not sneakers. He looked good enough. With the smoothness of expired milk he jumped out of the vehicle.

"Hi, Indie," he said, attempting to conceal his excitement.

"Hi," she answered.

As he walked over to her, he felt one foot slip causing him to trip into a hug with graceful awkwardness. In the realization that quick wit all of a sudden became necessary he said, "Sorry, it has just been a really long time since I last saw you."

That wouldn't have worked in a million years, but it must have been the million and first year because she squeezed him tighter, laughed, and said, "I guess you're right."

Fortune was on his side for the moment, and he hoped it would remain that way for the rest of the night. Using his entire gentlemen prowess Steve opened and closed the car door for her, returned to his own side of the car, and reignited the engine. Within moments they were off to a local pizzeria of Indie's choosing. The ride would take approximately 10 minutes via GPS, giving Steve enough time to attempt to get some small talk out of the way.

"So, how are you?" Steve started, thinking it was the safest opening he could come up with.

"I'm good. You know, just started at a new job selling arts and crafts and stuff. What about you?"