Page 56 of January

“Have you tried askingherwhat she wants to do?”

“No, I wanted it to be a surprise.”

“Okay. Well, I’m sure you’re right, and she’s done just about everything and led a tour about it, too.”

“So, what am I supposed to do?”

“Ky, don’t put too much pressure on yourself here. It’s a first date. Just chill. Have dinner somewhere. Make it nice. Talk to the woman. Kiss her goodnight if she lets you, and ask her out again if you want.”

“I’m wearing my stupid tennis shoes,” she replied. “I can’t take her anywhere nice. They wouldn’t let me in.”

“You’ll figure something out. You always do. Now, take care of my sweater. I’ve got to get to the airport.”

“Do you have to fly out today? Are you sure you can’t wait until after my date?”

“What if you bring her back here, or you go back to her place? I’d be sitting here, thinking about you having sex. No, thank you,” Jolie replied. “Besides, they let me book this flight with no change fee, so I’m going to take advantage.”

“I’d drive you, but…”

“You don’t have a car here,” Jolie finished. “I’ve already ordered one, and it should be here in a few minutes. Are you sure you’ll be okay here by yourself?”

“Yeah, I’m sure.”

“I’m not talking about the grandma stuff. I mean dating a woman. It’s been a while.”

“You’re hilarious,” Kyle replied, playfully shoving her sister away. “Go. Catch your ride.”

“Text me when it’s all over so I know how it went.”

“I will. I love you.”

“Love you, too.”

Minutes later, Kyle watched the car drive her sister away toward the airport. Then, as she looked around the house, she realized that she was now alone for the first time. It was true that Jolie hadn’t always been here when she’d been here, but she’d always been a phone call and quick walk or ride away. Soon, though, Jolie would be back home, and Kyle would be here dealing with all of this on her own. It was what she’d wanted, but it would also be hard. On top of that, in just a few short hours, she’d be picking up Melinda for a first date, and she had no idea what to do or where to take her.

???

Kyle walked into the office and looked around for any signs of Melinda. She knew the woman’s apartment had to have a door all its own, but she had no idea where it was or how to get to it without going through the office first.

“Kyle?” Jill asked.

“Yeah, hey,” she said. “Um… Is Melinda here?”

“No. She’s probably at home, though.”

“Right. I’m supposed to pick her up, but she took me through the office before, so I–”

“You don’t know how to get up there without going through here. Got it,” Jill said. “Come on. I’ll show you up.”

Jill motioned for Kyle to follow her outside, and when she turned instantly to the right, there was a very skinny alley, which she led Kyle down. Then, they turned left, and there was a courtyard and a metal staircase.

“She’s up there,” Jill told her. “I think she forgets that most people don’t have keys to the office, so if we’re closed or they can’t get behind the counter to her door, they can’t find her.”

“Thanks,” Kyle replied.

“Flowers?” Jill looked down at the small bouquet in Kyle’s hands.

“Oh, yeah. Just from the grocery store. Too much? Too little?”

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