Satisfaction Brought the Cat Back

First Date

Peter

Peter picked up his phone again and navigated to the recent calls list, redialing the restaurant. Everything had to be perfect for tonight, and he couldn't leave anything to chance.

The maitre d' answered after the second ring and greeted Peter jovially.

"Hi, it's Peter Parker, just confirming my reservation for tonight, it's for two at..."

"At 7:30. Yes, Mr. Parker, we have your reservation marked as confirmed, the same as when you called last night and two hours ago."

"Sorry, I'm just a little nervous. I'm taking someone on a first date — well, we've dated in the past, so technically..."

"I'm sorry, Mr. Parker, but I've got a caller on the other line. Is there anything else I can help you with?"

"No, I think I should be..."

"We'll see you at 7:30, then."

The dial tone sounded, and Peter stared at his phone for a few moments before hanging up. Why was he so nervous? It was just dinner with Felicia. Dinner at a fancy, expensive restaurant with the mother of his child — a child he didn't know existed until a few days ago.

No pressure, Parker.

Peter sighed, looking through his closet again. He only had one suit; it was nice enough, though the jacket was a little tight in the...

Shit!

He pulled the jacket off the hanger and turned it around. Sure enough, there was a long tear down the back from when he'd chased those bank robbers after his interview at the engineering lab. He got the job and caught the crooks, telling himself he'd buy a new suit after his first paycheck.

But that went to his rent, which was late, and the next one to Spider-Man gear. After that he needed groceries and to refill his monthly MetroCard, then it was time for rent again, and eventually he forgot all about the jacket.

Two minutes later, Peter was panting as he knocked on the window of the dry-cleaners, hoping for a miracle.

"It's an emergency," he explained, holding the jacket up as the woman inside pointed to the 'closed' sign. "I've got a date in an hour and a half!"

"Better buy a new one," she laughed, locking up the store. "A tear like this? Three, maybe four days. Minimum."

"What am I going to do?" Peter groaned, running his hand through his hair.

"Not my problem," said the woman, waving goodbye. "Just wear a tie or something."

However, when Felicia stepped out of the elevator in her hotel lobby, Peter forgot all his worries, feeling his pulse quicken as she fixed him with a knowing smile.

They spoke of little things in the quiet of the car, and Felicia wove her fingers through his, sending a tingle down his spine. For once, everything felt just right.

But the moment was short lived, and the ol' Parker luck struck again when they arrived at the restaurant.

"Did the gentleman leave his jacket in the car?" asked the host, not bothering to hide his smugness.

"No, I..."

"A jacket is required for the dining room," the host said gravely, "perhaps a loaner is in order? Just a moment, sir."

A minute later, the host returned with a hideous tan suit jacket, and Peter stared at it in resignation before slipping his arms into the sleeves. It was easily two sizes too big. Peter looked down at himself, disgusted.