El's Perfect Date

Simply Yes

Elliott straightened the hem of his sweater. It was cold out, but he was having a fit of nervous sweats. He fastened the button on his slacks and slipped his belt through the loops.

"I'm heading out now. Will you be ready when I get there?" He typed into his phone, tossing it as he hit send. He pulled on his loafers and gave himself a once over before grabbing his keys. He heard his phone ding and realized he almost forgot it. And his wallet... Elliott was rarely this forgetful, but he had never told Heather how he felt about her, but tonight was the night.

"Yes. Dress warm, okay?"

"Okay." He smiled to himself. 

On the drive over, he thought about her. Would she feel the same way? Would she stay to finish after he told her, or would she walk out alone? Was the date too elaborate? He couldn't decide if he should tell her right from the start or if he should wait until he brought her home. Maybe even surprise her sometime in the middle. The date wasn't all that different from their normal Saturday nights. Sometimes they would stay in with takeout and TV; other times, they went out for dinner and a movie. When it was warm in the spring, they went to an amusement park or the theatre. When it was hot in the summer, they went to a water park and got ice cream. When it was quiet in the fall, they went to a park and had a picnic. Life with her was never dull, and he had to tell her.

He got out and walked up to the door, and knocked. Heather answered the door in a sweater dress and tights with fuzzy boots. She grabbed his arm, and he escorted her to the car. She was quiet on the way to the movie, like something was on her mind. Afterward, when they got to the restaurant, she looked shocked.

"We only come here on my birthday. What are we doing here?" He couldn't think of a good excuse before she cut him off. "Did Pam tell you about the promotion I got at work on Friday?"

"Yeah," He smiled awkwardly. "So, uh, tell me all about it."

"Oh, uh, well, I will get a raise. Actually, a big raise, but there is a chance I might have to relocate if the person who has the position now decides not to move." She walked up the steps to enter the building.

"You can't!" He covered his mouth as he didn't mean to raise his voice at her.

"Why not?" She looked at him quizzically.

"Well, I... I wanted to ask you to go steady with me. I know we have been really good friends for a long time, but if you want to, I'd like to become closer." Her mouth fell agape. 

"Let me think about it over dinner." He had never anticipated her not having an answer immediately. "I'm just kidding. YES!" and they finished their date perfectly.