World of If

Lunch Date

"Oh! He's so cute!" Dahlia exclaimed, her eyes comically wide as Danny showed her a picture of two-week-old David.

They were out for one of their lunch dates and she had asked about how Beth and the baby work doing. It was weird, Danny reflected, to have his current girlfriend ask about his ex.

"They're doing good." Danny replied as he put his phone back in his pocket. They were waiting for their lunch and we were filling space, talking, as usual.

"I don't see how you managed to be away from the little guy." Dahlia said sympathetically.

"It's hard," Danny admitted, "but we manage."

"I noticed." Dahlia replied dryly, " considering you're always late returning my calls."

"I call and text every day and video chat on the weekend." Danny shrugged, "It's not ideal, but it works."

"How's school?" Danny asked changing the subject.

Dahlia and made a face.

"Kicking my butt as per usual."

Danny chuckled.

"You?" She returned as if to see if he had a better answer.

"Okay, I guess, I haven't really gotten into the hard stuff yet."

"You aren't planning on going to law school." She countered smugly.

"Just to do clerical work and handle cases not defend them in court."

This time, Dahlia smirked looking even more smug.

"Danny Harper:" she quoted, "glorified secretary. Who would've guessed."

"Hey!" Danny exclaimed, "Don't knock it keeping all the stuff organized is hard work. Who's going to keep all the judges and lawyers organized?"

Dahlia pursed her lips, conceding.

"Fair."

We were spared further argument when our entrées came. Dahlia having finished half a glass of iced tea.

Their discussion turned to more mundane things everyday things, things two college students would be discussing. Afterwards, Dahlia asked for the check and as they got up to leave she asked:

"So when can I meet him?"

It took Danny a while to figure out who she was talking about, but then he realized she was talking about David.

Danny considered, he hadn't discussed details of their holiday plans with Beth yet.

"Probably around the holidays, or a little bit before. Beth will probably come up here before she goes and sees her family."

Dahlia grinned, giving him a peck on the lips.

"Great! Can't wait!"

Danny gathered his things. He still had an essay for his English class due the next day and then there was work. He sighed, ready to return to his apartment, then reflecting he would probably have to crash at the library again at least until later that afternoon.

"So what are you doing for the rest of the day?" Dahlia inquired as they headed for her car a few blocks away from the café where they had eaten lunch.

"Homework." Danny replied flatly.

Dahlia pouted.

"Oh that's no fun, particularly on a Sunday."

"English essay on a Shakespeare play of our choice-nine paragraphs."

"Ugh!" Was Dahlia's response.

Danny laughed.

"Like what you're doing is any better?"

"No." Dahlia replied. "Sociology, don't think so."

They continued laughing as they walked in the direction of Dahlia's car.

"Hey, do you think you can drop me off at the library I have to finish that paper and get it printed by tomorrow."

"Sure, no problem." Dahlia replied as she ducked into the car behind the driver seat. "How are you getting back to your apartment? Unless you plan to stay at the library all night." She grinned.

"Bus." Danny replied.

"Do you want to meet for lunch tomorrow?" Dahlia asked when when she had dropped him off.

"Better make it Wednesday." Danny replied as he shouldered his backpack, "I have my late morning class tomorrow, doesn't get it out till quarter till one. Then work."

"Okay, see you then." Dahlia replied, "Same time? Eleven forty-five?"

"Yeah, that should work." He paused on the curb as Dahlia drove off.

Heading towards the computers in the library he headed for the corner and the computer he had been working on. Fortunately at this time there one that many people using them. Consulting his notes and a translation of the play Danny pounded out the rest of his essay on Julius Caesar; he still had to write up his references on a separate page.

Make that 6 to 7 pages. He thought, as he double checked the quotes he had used throughout the paper.

Danny couldn't believe it was almost October. It had been almost a year since his ordeal began and had met Dahlia and her family. So much of his life changed since and, as he had considered it, for the better. He wasn't worried about the holidays he would make them work; if anything in this last year had proved he could survive regardless of the circumstances, and that was one lesson he wanted to make sure he passed on to David.