Plotting - Christine Whelan

Dave took her gently by the arm and guided her down the street to his car. She couldn’t look at him. Probably making a scene at a crowded restaurant was one of those things that would show up on a list of “Worst First Date Blunders.” This was their second date though, so maybe there was a little wiggle room. Then again, those lists usually involved talking too much about your ex. Not yelling at him. In public. While drunk. Still, she hadn’t mentioned marriage or children. That had to count for something.

Dave opened the door to his white Honda and Liz slid into the passenger seat. She leaned her head back against the seat. Dave had one of those little tree air fresheners hanging from his rearview mirror, and Liz wondered what the sweet chemical scent was supposed to be. It made her want to gag. She closed her eyes. Maybe she could pretend she was asleep and not have to talk on the short drive home.

The minute she closed her eyes though, she felt things spinning.

The key turned in the ignition and the radio blared. Thankfully, Dave turned it off.

“How are you feeling?”

“Oh, I’ve felt better.” Liz sucked in a deep breath and turned a little in her seat so she was half facing Dave. “Look, I’m really sorry about that. I guess I’m still a little angry.”

Dave smiled. “I’ve done some stupid things in my day too.” He paused, glancing sideways at her. “I’m not saying what you did was stupid. I mean it was …well, maybe not, uh, very well-thought out.”

Liz laughed. “You could say that.”

When they got to her house, Dave startled her with his boldness. Maybe he’d been plotting his moves all along, but they sure took her by surprise. He walked her to her front door and acted as if he expected to come in. Liz thought about sending him on his way, but she knew he was the only thing keeping her memories of Sunil at bay. Why not? Liz thought.