Page 8 of Happily Ever Laughter

“Don’t call her a chick,” I growl. “You’re talking about the love of my life.” I pause, realizing I sound like a complete weirdo. “At least, I’m pretty sure.”

He holds up the hand that isn’t busy whisking his matcha. “Hey, man, stand down. I’m just being silly.”

“I know. Hey – do you have any suggestions for a really fabulous first date?”

He stares down into his cup thoughtfully, his shaggy hair falling into his eyes. “Make sure it’s an enclosed space. Or at least a defined space. Not so much that she feels claustrophobic, but enough that you have to sit or stand reasonably close together.”

“Good idea. Proximity to encourage closeness. What else?”

“Don’t go too high brow with the food on the first date,” he continues. “Think comfort food. Simple, plain, delicious – oh, and not messy to eat. A variety of things, so that she doesn’t starve if she doesn’t like walnuts or whatever.”

I almost ask him why he’s such an expert on dating, then think about the string of young ladies I’ve seen leaving his corner of the loft early in the mornings.

“I have to say,” Dan grins wickedly, “she’s very cute. But beautiful, at the same time. But she also has that spark in her eyes. You know what I mean?”

I know exactly what he means, but can’t stand the thought of any other guy checking out my girl.

“I do know what you mean, but keep your eyeballs to yourself, dude.”

He sips his tea and shrugs nonchalantly. “I hear you. No worries. I just think she could be really great for you. I know it’s been a while. Happy for you.”

I take my coffee to the northwest corner of the loft. Dan is in the opposite corner, the southeast. The northeast is the kitchen, and the southwest is what we refer to as Oliver’s writing bunker.

Each of our bedrooms is gigantic, but Oliver has divided his up so as to include a tiny minimalist office so that he can stare at the wall or out the window and work on his fantasy novels. He also ghost writes blog posts and PR stuff for several companies, which pays his share of the rent.

Dan is a holistic fitness instructor, which partly means that we have keys to his gym downstairs and can pop in and out whenever we want.. It also means he has a roster of super hot female clients that he can choose from anytime he likes. Not my style, but I don’t judge.

I settle in the office portion of my room, and load the clips Tanis gave me.

After watching each of them several times through, I get a feeling for her flow and style. There is a definite structure to her pieces, even though they’re loose and fluid. When I get finished with the music and sound effects to go with them, they are definitely going to sing.

Just as much as my heart is going to sing when I get a chance to kiss my precious new girlfriend tonight.

CHAPTER FIVE

~ Tanis ~

I’ve dated so very little that tonight feels like a gigantic deal. A huge occasion. A spectacularly large event.

Even if we just go out for burgers, it’s going to be monumental to me.

I’ve never met a guy that I instantly clicked with. I’ve had guys that I worked with well on school assignments, or at the office. I’ve had guys who I thought were fairly attractive. But I’ve never even dreamed of finding a man who was the complete package, and then some.

Luckily, my work at the office today was calm and steady, just how I like it. Home by five, with plenty of time to shower again and fuss with my hair.

When my phone beeps, my heart almost jumps out of my throat.

Unknown Number: Hey, Tanis. This is Felix. May I pick you up at 6:30?

Me: Sure. Where are we going?

I use the pause to quickly enter his number properly as a contact in my phone, enjoying typing his name. I’ve never known a Felix.

Felix: There will be food and entertainment. No need to dress up, but bring a jacket or sweater.

That was strange, but intriguing. Instantly my mind begins to race, trying to figure out where we might be going, but coming up blank.

Me: OK - 513 Civic St., Apt. 6.

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