Page 16 of Tropical Heat

“What do you think would happen, Oliver? If I joined him in the shower right now.”

At the sound of his name, he danced around, went to the side table, and retrieved the leash I had purchased earlier that day, and brought it to me. “Smart idea, boy.” I patted his head. “Let’s take a walk before I do something stupid.”

We had not gone a quarter mile before my phone buzzed. It was a text from Morgan. She apologized for not getting back to me sooner and was still looking forward to our date on Saturday. Giddy with relief, I picked up the pace and jogged as fast as I could with Oliver in tow.

Eleven

Zak

I did not see Dante again until Saturday, two days later. Although we lived in the same house, because of our work schedules, this was not unusual. Working long hours and different shifts meant even when we were both home, one or the other was usually sleeping.

I heard him come in earlier and knowing he had to be back on patrol at six; I expected him to sleep until after I was gone for the day. So when I heard footsteps coming up the stairs to my bedroom, the only room on the second floor, I went to investigate.

Dante clad in just boxers, which was more clothing than he usually wore around the house; was just cresting the landing when I entered the hallway. “What are you doing up so early?”

“I wanted to make sure you were ready for your big date.” It touched me, that he had remembered. “That’s not what you’re wearing, is it?”

“What’s wrong with how I’m dressed?” I had made a special trip to JC Penney's for the white Docker shorts and thought the pale blue Hawaiian shirt with pink parrots showed off my tan nicely.

“You look like a fucking tourist.” He shook his head and gave a long, pained sigh. “At least put on different shoes. Even the gays don't wear sandals anymore.”

After changing into a pair of canvas topsiders, I grabbed my wallet and headed for the door, but he stopped me. “Do you have rubbers?”

“For crying out loud, Dante. It's our first date.”

“What does that have to do with anything?”

I explained the three date rule, but he was unimpressed. “Life is too short for that kind of thinking.” He handed me a strip of three Durex Snug Fit. “Mine are probably too big for you, so I picked these up at Walgreens yesterday.”

“You bought me condoms?” I asked in disbelief.

“No need to thank me. Just promise me, if this woman’s up for it, you won’t let some silly rule about nice guys not fucking until the third date stand in the way.”

I shook my head and tucked the condoms in my back pocket. “Have a good day Dante.”

“You too, buddy,” he leered.

Morgan and I had agreed to meet near Gabby's Clam Shack at noon. I arrived fifteen minutes early. Five minutes later, wearing black running shorts and a yellow t-shirt which clung to her curves, Morgan got out of a Honda Civic and gave a shake of her long hair. It shimmered in the sunlight and my heart raced. I could not believe such a beautiful woman was there to meet me.

Spotting me across the parking lot, she gave a smile and a wave. Then on long, well-toned legs, she walked to where I was leaning against the breakwall, attempting to look cool. Any illusion of nonchalance disappeared when she kissed me on the cheek. “So, what do you have planned for us today?”

“I thought we could get something to eat first.”

“Great idea. I didn’t have breakfast and now I’m starving. Shall we get in line?””

“I didn’t mean here. I was thinking of something fancier than a food truck.”

“Zak, look at me. I'm wearing an old t-shirt and a pair of faded shorts. Do I really strike you as someone who cares about fancy?”

“I think you look amazing. Why, you’re the prettiest woman on the entire island. I just want our first date to be special.” Before I could run off at the mouth any further, she put a finger to my lips.

“The point I was trying to make is, I like simple things and I would love nothing more than a couple of shrimp tacos and a cold Corona. Now, shall we go get in line?”

As we waited to order, I contemplated my shirt, wondering if I had overdressed and would a t-shirt have been better. Dante was right. I looked like a tourist. But Morgan’s words made me feel better. “I like the parrot shirt. It tells me you don’t take yourself too seriously and know how to have fun.”

We found an empty picnic table and sat down to eat. “Are you going to tell me where we're going, or are you going to make me guess?”

“It depends on you. Do you know how to swim?” She nodded. “Then how do you feel about going out to the reef for some snorkeling?”

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