Page 23 of Will (Men of Bird's Eye)

“You drank like, the whole bar,” I say.

“Come on, it wasn’t that bad,” she says, pushing against me. Her muffled giggles from beneath the blanket sound so sleepy and genuine.

“No,” I say. “Not nearly as bad as that one Fourth of July party three years back.”

“Oh my god,” she says. “Why would you bring that up?”

I laugh, enjoying the ability to banter and tease about a mutually shared past. It’s nice. It’s…different.

“I mean, what can I say?” I laugh. “I know how much you love jello shots.”

Will gags. “Oh, don’t. Please. Never again.” Her giggle grows.

Once the laughter subsides, I let out a long sigh. “I have to get ready for work.”

“Yeah,” she says. “Me too.”

“Well, let me get out of here before you come out from under the covers,” I suggest.

“Oh god,” she says, as if she only just now remembers she’s virtually naked.

I laugh again, unable to stop myself this time.

“Don’t laugh at me,” she says. “I know I’m not one of your perfect Barbie doll women but I hardly think I warrant laughter.” Her tone is biting now, like she thinks I’m actually laughing at the way she looks.

“Oh, god no,” I say, halting my laughter immediately. “That’s not even close to why I’m laughing, trust me.”

She’s silent for a long moment, as if waiting for the rest of my response.

“You’re beautiful, Willette,” I finally say. “And if I were a lesser man, I might’ve done more than steal a glance last night.”

She doesn’t respond, undoubtedly shocked into silence by my admission. “I know this might sound insane, Willette, I do,” I say, turning more completely to face her again. “But, can I take you out?”

More silence. I swallow hard, wondering if I’ve made a mistake. She probably doesn’t remember anything. She probably doesn’t remember me mentioning wanting to kiss her.

“Out?” she asks, as if needing clarification. “Like on a date?”

I smile. “Yeah, on a date. A proper date.”

“Why?” she asks. “Why would you want to do that?”

My head tilts, almost involuntarily.Why? What does she mean why?Didn’t she—I mean,couldn’tshetell I was into her last night?Maybe she really doesn’t remember anything.

“Because, Will,” I say. “I know you. But I’d like to know you differently.”

“Differently,” she says, not a question, but more like a statement out loud to no one in particular, like she’s studying the word and all it could mean.

“Yes,” I say. “Differently.”

“Okay,” she says.

“Okay? Yes?” I clarify.

“A date,” she says. “Yes.”

I lean over and kiss her on the forehead, lingering for a soft but firm moment before hopping off the bed and leaving her to get dressed.

I tell her seven tonight just before leaving, and there’s a look of surprise on her face but she nods. Perhaps she didn’t think I would shoot for tonight, but this is a strange situation. I mean, we’re roommates. I can’t exactly tell her I will take her on a date three days from now and then spend the next three days around her all the while wondering what will happen.

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