As Everett was going to the hospital on his own, I knew that I would have a pretty big chunk of free time on my hands, and with that in mind, I thought it would be nice to get out and get something to eat. I'd be safe with Angie, as I imagined we'd go to a public place with lots of people around.
"Sure. You got anywhere in mind?"
"I do, actually. There's this new Middle Eastern place that I heard has these falafels that are totally to die for. How does hummus and falafel sound?"
"That sounds delicious. Uh, look, my car is kinda broken down; do you think you could do me a favor and give me a ride?"
"I can do that. I remember where your place is from when I picked you up in the taxi the other night."
"Hey, speaking of the other night, how did things go with that guy you were dancing with?"
She laughed. "Oh, those details will have to wait until I see you in person."
I chuckled. "Alright, alright. So, what time are you thinking of doing lunch then?"
"How about I pick you up around twelve o' clock?"
"That sounds perfect. See you then."
***
I finished off the last bite of falafel, and the joy of its deliciousness rippled across the surface of my tongue.
"These falafels seriously are to die for!" I exclaimed. "I'm definitely coming back to this place."
"Told you," said Angie with a proud smile.
"So," I said. "Spill it. Tell me about that guy you were dancing with... what happened?"
"You tell me first," she said. "What made you leave so quickly?"
"Oh, that guy who wanted to dance with me, he was a serious jerk. Got real pushy and started crossing boundaries way too soon. I'm sorry I left so early, but that guy was repulsive. I mean sure, he was young and really good-looking, but attitude-wise, he was just awful."
"Yeah, my guy was a bit like that, too. But I stayed and drank and danced with them for a while, and ended up having a pretty fun time."
"You didn't uh..."
"Go home with him?" she said with a laugh. "No. But we did make out outside the club before I left. Despite all his swagger and arrogance, he was a lousy kisser, so I think he would probably have been lacking in performance in... other areas, too," she grinned.
We both laughed.
"Now tell me seriously, though," she said. "How it is that
a beautiful girl like you is still single? I mean, yeah, I know that the Simon thing probably put you off guys for a while, but surely there's a decent man or two in this town?"
I smiled.
"Actually, there is..."
"Really?"
"The guy who stood me up on Friday."
"No way! Why'd you give him another chance? Come on, what kind of guy does that?"
"No, no, he had a very good reason, and he was really, really sorry about it. Like, hundred-dollar bouquet of flowers, sorry."
"Hmm, if you say so. Me, though, I wouldn't have given him a chance."