MEMINISSE TE
Chapter 7- Consilium
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So what's the right direction?
I still need to know where I'm from
'Cause now my heart is on the run
"Hurt" by One Desire
I still need to know where I'm from
'Cause now my heart is on the run
"Hurt" by One Desire
Mira rolled to a stop in front of Skeet's house a few minutes past nine. Skeet dismounted and took off his helmet. He seemed genuinely happy. Mira smiled. "I hope you had fun tonight."
"Aw yeah," Skeet confirmed, handing Mira the helmet. "I had a great time. Thanks for takin' me."
Before Mira could respond, Skeet threw his long arm over her shoulder and pulled her into a hug. Mira warmed at the sensation. A blush came on--- of embarrassment that I'm feeling this way; seriously, Mira? She couldn't believe that she was falling for him. They were buddies. Just old buddies! Old buddies rekindling a friendship.
But there was no reason it couldn't become something... more... than friendship. Right? Especially after... whatever that was she'd seen tonight.
Skeet zipped to the door, then turned to wave at Mira. "G'bye, Meerkat! See ya again soon, OK?"
Mira smiled and waved back. "Of course!"
"Great." He smiled warmly, waved one last time, and disappeared inside.
Mira chuckled to herself and revved the engine. Who was she kidding? He was pretty cute sometimes. She sped back home, a happy smile on her face and giddy flutters in her stomach.
The next evening, Mira sat on her bed, staring down her latest sudoku. She tapped the Bic pen on the edge of the booklet over and over, unable to focus on the puzzle.
She'd been like this--- head in the Skeet-shaped clouds--- ever since last night. She'd been there in the morning too, her mind too glued to her friend (crush?) to think about much else for too long. Miles had noticed immediately and, in his own annoying way of showing concern, had alerted their parents then and there at the breakfast table. Cue both dads asking her how she was. It was appreciated on some level, but Mira was fine. And she'd said as much, with a smile on her face. She felt great. She was just thoughtful.
Speaking of Miles, Mira was honestly surprised that Miles had never brought up how much time she'd been spending with Skeet. He hadn't even suggested that there was anything going on between them--- no teasing her about a "boyfriend" or some such nonsense. Had the idea of Skeet as a boyfriend never crossed her mind? To the point where an AI of her brother, based on her memories and more annoying than ever, couldn't even consider teasing her about it?
The idea, once foreign, sure had crossed her mind now. And ever since their mealtime conversation last night, she hadn't been able to shake it. But that little talk had been the moment--- the moment when she'd had that fateful thought.
He loves me.
She wasn't sure how she'd realized it--- and she didn't know if she had, perhaps, only seen what she'd wanted to see in his eyes. But when Skeet had looked at her and told her all those things about how much she meant to him... something in Mira's head had clicked. How had she not seen that light in his eyes before? Blinders off--- she was convinced that he saw her as something more than an old friend. She couldn't say for sure if she'd imagined it, or if he even had "romantic" feelings for her. But what else could it be?
Unless, of course, she was imagining it. At the time, it, whatever it was, had been so convincing. Was it the look on his face? His tone of voice? That warmth in his eyes? The horror he'd expressed when she'd told him she felt like a bad friend? The force in his tone when he'd reprimanded her?
"Don't ever---" and he'd emphatically pointed his food in her direction, "---try to tell me you're a bad friend again." The almost threatening quality of his voice on that last word indicated he was serious. So serious about their friendship that his cool had briefly slipped. The aloof mask had fallen. Mira had caught a glimpse of Skeet's passion for, well... the two of them. If just for a fleeting moment. There were very few things that Skeet was passionate about, and they were usually activities--- not friendships. Their friendship truly was something different to him.
But was it possible that it was different to him because he liked her? One moment wasn't enough to jump to that conclusion, yet there she'd gone. And if he felt that way, why didn't he just say so? What was he afraid of?
Mira feared she knew the answer to that question. He was afraid of being laughed off because he knew she was oblivious to his advances, if he had indeed made any. Skeet may not think too deeply, but he was observant. Observant enough to notice she'd only seen him as a friend. Guilt stabbed her through the gut and twisted the knife. Despite what Skeet had told her, she still felt like an icky excuse for a friend. What childhood friend didn't notice the guy she was supposedly so close to had developed feelings for her?
If he indeed had developed feelings for her. Mira felt like he might have. But she couldn't know for sure. Despite living as the only girl in her house, and having more male friends than female friends, guys were still a mystery to Mira in some ways. Like, how was she supposed to know if one had a crush on her? She wasn't used to that sort of interaction. Not from Adam or Reeve, and certainly not from her family. She hadn't even realized that Kai, as obvious as his attempts to impress were, had a crush on her until he'd gibbered it out during their first night in Hollow Life.
But Skeet wasn't Kai. Mira had known Skeet longer. Kai might be obvious about his feelings (even if he lied about them more often than not), but Skeet wasn't going to do anything that might get him rejected. In his mind, it was easier to take the loss than to take the chance. A horrible mindset if there ever was one, but that was the way Skeet thought--- and it was a solid explanation for how he'd never just told her how he felt.
...If he indeed had developed feelings for her.
Mira groaned. This thought pattern could circle for ages. She needed to talk this through with someone. There was only one person whom Mira could talk to about such thoughts.
And that person just happened to be having a pancake breakfast in the morning.
Adam was as welcoming as ever when Mira showed up for those pancakes. Puddles the terrier also expressed his excitement, pattering around her feet, barking her name, and yelping about how happy he was to see her after so long since her last visit... over and over and over. Being able to understand Adam's dog was going to take some getting used to, although his topic was not unexpected.
Adam himself had something to say about how long it had been since they'd talked; she'd been so preoccupied with Skeet that she'd neglected to even text Adam since their meeting at Holey Donuts. So he was aware enough of the basic situation with Skeet--- he just had no idea about her swelling feelings toward the guy.
And as much as she wanted to take this time to forget about that particular affliction of hers, she also needed to figure out if it was an affliction of Skeet's as well. She was here to enjoy Adam's company and hang out with him, but she also needed his advice. Sure, Adam hadn't been in a relationship yet either (although he'd been on a one-time date once or twice), but Mira trusted him way more than she'd trust Kai with the ever-loaded question--- How do I know if my crush likes me back? The guy might get the wrong hint, then be sorely disappointed--- and Mira didn't want to needlessly hurt Kai.
Adam's thoughtful analysis of any given situation was not only comforting, but trustworthy. And he was a guy, so who better to ask about guys? She may as well give asking his advice a shot.
Soon the best friends were seated in the kitchen, side by side. Adam cut into his pancakes. "One of these days we'll have to invite Kai to breakfast," he said. "He's part of our team. I'm sure he'd love my mom's cooking."
"Well, you never invite Reeve," Mira pointed out. She took a bite. "Besides, Kai would hork down all the pancakes before the rest of us could even look at them."
Adam snorted laughingly. "C'mon, Mira. He's a fast eater, but he's not that fast."
Fast. Mira shoved aside the Skeet-thought. For goodness' sake, I'm trying to spend time with Adam--- my best friend--- and I STILL can't get Skeet off my mind!
"I'd like to have him over at least once. You're right, though," Adam continued. "Pancake breakfast is our thing." He ate a forkful.
"Yeah," said Mira. She nudged a bit of pancake through a pool of syrup, thoughtful. "Besides. I can talk to you about things I wouldn't dare discuss with Kai."
Adam smiled softly. "Like what?"
"Like... secrets. Silly stuff we did as kids. Cute guys. Middle school." She searched Adam's face--- he was listening intently, warm brown eyes fixed firmly. Her fork silently slipped from her hand. "Can I... ask you a question?"
"Sure." Adam nodded to make sure she knew he was still listening, then dug back into his breakfast.
"How would I know if... hypothetically speaking... how would I know if a guy liked me?"
Adam raised an eyebrow. "That depends on the guy." Blunt.
"Just... generally speaking," Mira urged. "Any... signs, or... things like that."
Adam's brow dipped. "Uh... I guess... looking at you a lot?" He twirled his fork between his palms, gears turning. "Treats you differently?" He shrugged. "That's the best I can think of. Everything else really depends."
"O...K." Helpful enough. Skeet did both those things. "And... if I wanted to ask a guy I think likes me out... what would be the best way to do it?"
Light dawned on Adam. Slowly, an amused half-smile crept onto his face. He leaned back in his chair, folding his arms. "Mira... are you asking me for dating advice?"
Mira cleared her throat, face heating up like a furnace. "Uh... Maybe."
"Let me guess." Adam raised a cautious finger. "...Skeet."
Mira nodded, growing hotter.
"That figures," said Adam. He leaned forward again. "You've been spending a lot of time with him since he... yeah." His eyes darted back down to his pancakes.
His unsure tone did not escape Mira. "It doesn't matter why he's back," she said, sharper than intended. "He's here now. And... a couple nights ago when we were hanging out, I got the impression that he might see me as more than a friend. And I think... I think I might... like him too. As more than a friend." She tried to swallow her awkwardness.
Adam chuckled. "I figured as much," he clipped.
Mira barked a laugh in return. "It's so embarrassing," she chuckled, barely restraining her smile.
Adam raised an eyebrow. "What makes it embarrassing?"
Mira ran one hand down her sweltering face, heart beating ever faster. "He's... he's like... well, until the other day I'd thought he wasn't my type. But in just four days I haven't been able to stop thinking about him. And... feeling about him. Him and his stupid face." She shook her head, pushed her plate aside and planted facedown onto the table. "I'm a wreck," she mumbled through her arms.
Adam was silent for a while, besides the clinking of his fork against his plate as he finished the last bite of his breakfast. He shifted. "Hey. I'm not that great at reading people, and... there's no way to know for sure unless you ask him to his face, but..." Mira peeked up at him. A smile tugged at his cheek. "I saw the way he looked at you, and talked about you, back when we were stuck in the Hollow. And the other day, at the donut shop."
Mira's eyebrows rose. "Yeah?"
"My gut tells me he likes you."
Mira's breath hitched.
"If you wanna ask him out, just ask him out."
So even Adam can tell if Skeet likes me? How dense am I? Mira lamented.
"Hey Mira?"
Mira looked up. "Hmm?"
Adam gestured down toward the floor. "You might wanna finish your breakfast before Puddles thinks it's for him."
Mira glanced down at the floor, where the little white-and-brown terrier sat waiting, big dark eyes gleaming hungrily. 'Pancakes!' he barked. His little tail wagged with anticipation.
Mira dragged the plate back in front of her and gave the dog a sour look. "These are mine," she said. Then she took a big bite for emphasis.
Puddles whined and twitched an ear, drooping. 'Gee. You don't have to be so rude about it.'
At one in the morning, Mira was still awake, planning her next move.
Adam had suggested that Mira go for it. That she should ask Skeet out for an honest-to-goodness date. Would Skeet even be interested in a "date"? Whether he would or not, Mira was going to ask him out. Mira felt like Skeet liked her, and Adam did too. Those odds seemed pretty good.
Still, to be on the safe side, Mira wouldn't call it a "date" right off the bat. She didn't want it to get weird over the phone. If it was gonna get weird, she'd rather it happen in person. There was still a small chance that he'd run away--- or worse (maybe better; Mira was still confused), he could have no romantic feelings for her at all. Giving Skeet the opportunity to hang up and end the conversation before fully resolved would only drive Mira crazy.
Besides... Mira needed some way to coax her friend into telling her if he had a crush on her.
But where could they go out together? It couldn't be too formal--- that'd be weird. It couldn't be too informal--- then it would feel like just another hangout and the whole date would pass without a single mention of feelings. If she hoped to encourage a confession out of Skeet, a romantic mood was vital.
Her first thought had been video games, but there was nothing romantic about that. Meeting over gaming was too normal for the two of them. A concert? No... if any of Skeet's favorites were in town, he'd have mentioned it. Plus, the music would be too loud; there would be no chance for any sort of conversation. A movie, maybe? A couple seeing a movie together always had a low-key romantic context. It had potential.
But knowing Skeet, he'd just comment on the movie the whole time instead of talking with her. And the sort of movies Skeet liked were not the sort of movies Mira liked. Mira liked a little heart, a little action, and a whole lot of character development. Skeet was a hard-action thriller guy--- the gorier the better. She could see him now, chowing down on popcorn and guffawing at the screen as a few hundred men got shot to bloody pulps, gore and brains flying everywhere.
Definitely not romantic.
The best thing for them to do, as cliche as it was, would be to go get food together. For dinner--- lunch was too casual. Somewhere with a good selection of vegetarian food. Picking a place that both of them enjoyed wouldn't be too difficult. Skeet wasn't a picky eater by any stretch of the imagination, and would eat whatever was set in front of him without complaint. He'd eat a plate of cooked asparagus and tofu just as happily as he'd eat his favorite--- a cheeseburger and fries. But most of the vegetarian-friendly restaurants were either too formal or too casual--- bringing her back to her initial dilemma.
What should I do?
Maybe... Maybe she should just ask him where he wanted to eat. Yeah! That could work. She didn't need to decide on everything for him. She could call him right now and clear her head. Sure, it was late, but that night owl was probably still awake.
Mira called Skeet's number and waited, heart pulsing. She beamed when a tired but chilled-out voice answered. "Heeeey, Meer. What are you doin' up so late?" She could hear the smile in his tone. The faint metal music playing in the background stopped.
"That depends," Mira said, tone teasing. "Why are you up so late?"
"Video games. What else?" He cackled.
"I get the feeling you do this a lot."
"All summer long, baby," Skeet assured. His voice hushed. "Just don't tell my mom, OK? She hates it when I play video games so late."
"Oh, I won't," said Mira. "But she probably already knows."
"Eh, whatever. She hadn't said nothin'." The distinct crunch of potato chips sounded on his end of the line. "So, why are you up callin' me so late? Somethin' botherin' ya?"
"No... I was just thinking about some stuff. And I've got a couple of questions," she answered cheerfully. "First. You up for a bite tomorrow night?"
"Ha ha! When am I not?"
"Second. Got any nice restaurants in mind? Not too nice, but... still nice."
There was silence on the other end. "Uuuuhhhh..." Further silence. Now Mira felt awkward. Were the "date" implications of that question too forthcoming? She hoped not.
"Let's see... Uh, you like Italian food, right?"
Mira nodded, breathing a sigh of relief. "Yes! Yeah, I do."
"I know a place," said Skeet. "I've been there a couple of times. I haven't tried it but I've heard their spinach and tomato calzone is killer."
"Hmm." Mira smiled. "Sounds like a good choice. Tomorrow night, let's say... Seven?"
"Arrite! It's a date."
Mira's heart jumped out of her chest and into her throat. She swallowed it back down. "Yep! See you then." They bid goodbyes and hung up.
Was he onto her? Or was it an unintentional choice of words? Or, could it be... his choice of words was intentional? Was Skeet even capable of thinking that fast?
Either way, the butterflies were back, and it was all she could do to settle down and fall asleep that night.
Tomorrow. Tomorrow she'd have her answer. Her closure. Tomorrow, she'd know exactly how Skeet felt about her.
"Aw yeah," Skeet confirmed, handing Mira the helmet. "I had a great time. Thanks for takin' me."
Before Mira could respond, Skeet threw his long arm over her shoulder and pulled her into a hug. Mira warmed at the sensation. A blush came on--- of embarrassment that I'm feeling this way; seriously, Mira? She couldn't believe that she was falling for him. They were buddies. Just old buddies! Old buddies rekindling a friendship.
But there was no reason it couldn't become something... more... than friendship. Right? Especially after... whatever that was she'd seen tonight.
Skeet zipped to the door, then turned to wave at Mira. "G'bye, Meerkat! See ya again soon, OK?"
Mira smiled and waved back. "Of course!"
"Great." He smiled warmly, waved one last time, and disappeared inside.
Mira chuckled to herself and revved the engine. Who was she kidding? He was pretty cute sometimes. She sped back home, a happy smile on her face and giddy flutters in her stomach.
The next evening, Mira sat on her bed, staring down her latest sudoku. She tapped the Bic pen on the edge of the booklet over and over, unable to focus on the puzzle.
She'd been like this--- head in the Skeet-shaped clouds--- ever since last night. She'd been there in the morning too, her mind too glued to her friend (crush?) to think about much else for too long. Miles had noticed immediately and, in his own annoying way of showing concern, had alerted their parents then and there at the breakfast table. Cue both dads asking her how she was. It was appreciated on some level, but Mira was fine. And she'd said as much, with a smile on her face. She felt great. She was just thoughtful.
Speaking of Miles, Mira was honestly surprised that Miles had never brought up how much time she'd been spending with Skeet. He hadn't even suggested that there was anything going on between them--- no teasing her about a "boyfriend" or some such nonsense. Had the idea of Skeet as a boyfriend never crossed her mind? To the point where an AI of her brother, based on her memories and more annoying than ever, couldn't even consider teasing her about it?
The idea, once foreign, sure had crossed her mind now. And ever since their mealtime conversation last night, she hadn't been able to shake it. But that little talk had been the moment--- the moment when she'd had that fateful thought.
He loves me.
She wasn't sure how she'd realized it--- and she didn't know if she had, perhaps, only seen what she'd wanted to see in his eyes. But when Skeet had looked at her and told her all those things about how much she meant to him... something in Mira's head had clicked. How had she not seen that light in his eyes before? Blinders off--- she was convinced that he saw her as something more than an old friend. She couldn't say for sure if she'd imagined it, or if he even had "romantic" feelings for her. But what else could it be?
Unless, of course, she was imagining it. At the time, it, whatever it was, had been so convincing. Was it the look on his face? His tone of voice? That warmth in his eyes? The horror he'd expressed when she'd told him she felt like a bad friend? The force in his tone when he'd reprimanded her?
"Don't ever---" and he'd emphatically pointed his food in her direction, "---try to tell me you're a bad friend again." The almost threatening quality of his voice on that last word indicated he was serious. So serious about their friendship that his cool had briefly slipped. The aloof mask had fallen. Mira had caught a glimpse of Skeet's passion for, well... the two of them. If just for a fleeting moment. There were very few things that Skeet was passionate about, and they were usually activities--- not friendships. Their friendship truly was something different to him.
But was it possible that it was different to him because he liked her? One moment wasn't enough to jump to that conclusion, yet there she'd gone. And if he felt that way, why didn't he just say so? What was he afraid of?
Mira feared she knew the answer to that question. He was afraid of being laughed off because he knew she was oblivious to his advances, if he had indeed made any. Skeet may not think too deeply, but he was observant. Observant enough to notice she'd only seen him as a friend. Guilt stabbed her through the gut and twisted the knife. Despite what Skeet had told her, she still felt like an icky excuse for a friend. What childhood friend didn't notice the guy she was supposedly so close to had developed feelings for her?
If he indeed had developed feelings for her. Mira felt like he might have. But she couldn't know for sure. Despite living as the only girl in her house, and having more male friends than female friends, guys were still a mystery to Mira in some ways. Like, how was she supposed to know if one had a crush on her? She wasn't used to that sort of interaction. Not from Adam or Reeve, and certainly not from her family. She hadn't even realized that Kai, as obvious as his attempts to impress were, had a crush on her until he'd gibbered it out during their first night in Hollow Life.
But Skeet wasn't Kai. Mira had known Skeet longer. Kai might be obvious about his feelings (even if he lied about them more often than not), but Skeet wasn't going to do anything that might get him rejected. In his mind, it was easier to take the loss than to take the chance. A horrible mindset if there ever was one, but that was the way Skeet thought--- and it was a solid explanation for how he'd never just told her how he felt.
...If he indeed had developed feelings for her.
Mira groaned. This thought pattern could circle for ages. She needed to talk this through with someone. There was only one person whom Mira could talk to about such thoughts.
And that person just happened to be having a pancake breakfast in the morning.
Adam was as welcoming as ever when Mira showed up for those pancakes. Puddles the terrier also expressed his excitement, pattering around her feet, barking her name, and yelping about how happy he was to see her after so long since her last visit... over and over and over. Being able to understand Adam's dog was going to take some getting used to, although his topic was not unexpected.
Adam himself had something to say about how long it had been since they'd talked; she'd been so preoccupied with Skeet that she'd neglected to even text Adam since their meeting at Holey Donuts. So he was aware enough of the basic situation with Skeet--- he just had no idea about her swelling feelings toward the guy.
And as much as she wanted to take this time to forget about that particular affliction of hers, she also needed to figure out if it was an affliction of Skeet's as well. She was here to enjoy Adam's company and hang out with him, but she also needed his advice. Sure, Adam hadn't been in a relationship yet either (although he'd been on a one-time date once or twice), but Mira trusted him way more than she'd trust Kai with the ever-loaded question--- How do I know if my crush likes me back? The guy might get the wrong hint, then be sorely disappointed--- and Mira didn't want to needlessly hurt Kai.
Adam's thoughtful analysis of any given situation was not only comforting, but trustworthy. And he was a guy, so who better to ask about guys? She may as well give asking his advice a shot.
Soon the best friends were seated in the kitchen, side by side. Adam cut into his pancakes. "One of these days we'll have to invite Kai to breakfast," he said. "He's part of our team. I'm sure he'd love my mom's cooking."
"Well, you never invite Reeve," Mira pointed out. She took a bite. "Besides, Kai would hork down all the pancakes before the rest of us could even look at them."
Adam snorted laughingly. "C'mon, Mira. He's a fast eater, but he's not that fast."
Fast. Mira shoved aside the Skeet-thought. For goodness' sake, I'm trying to spend time with Adam--- my best friend--- and I STILL can't get Skeet off my mind!
"I'd like to have him over at least once. You're right, though," Adam continued. "Pancake breakfast is our thing." He ate a forkful.
"Yeah," said Mira. She nudged a bit of pancake through a pool of syrup, thoughtful. "Besides. I can talk to you about things I wouldn't dare discuss with Kai."
Adam smiled softly. "Like what?"
"Like... secrets. Silly stuff we did as kids. Cute guys. Middle school." She searched Adam's face--- he was listening intently, warm brown eyes fixed firmly. Her fork silently slipped from her hand. "Can I... ask you a question?"
"Sure." Adam nodded to make sure she knew he was still listening, then dug back into his breakfast.
"How would I know if... hypothetically speaking... how would I know if a guy liked me?"
Adam raised an eyebrow. "That depends on the guy." Blunt.
"Just... generally speaking," Mira urged. "Any... signs, or... things like that."
Adam's brow dipped. "Uh... I guess... looking at you a lot?" He twirled his fork between his palms, gears turning. "Treats you differently?" He shrugged. "That's the best I can think of. Everything else really depends."
"O...K." Helpful enough. Skeet did both those things. "And... if I wanted to ask a guy I think likes me out... what would be the best way to do it?"
Light dawned on Adam. Slowly, an amused half-smile crept onto his face. He leaned back in his chair, folding his arms. "Mira... are you asking me for dating advice?"
Mira cleared her throat, face heating up like a furnace. "Uh... Maybe."
"Let me guess." Adam raised a cautious finger. "...Skeet."
Mira nodded, growing hotter.
"That figures," said Adam. He leaned forward again. "You've been spending a lot of time with him since he... yeah." His eyes darted back down to his pancakes.
His unsure tone did not escape Mira. "It doesn't matter why he's back," she said, sharper than intended. "He's here now. And... a couple nights ago when we were hanging out, I got the impression that he might see me as more than a friend. And I think... I think I might... like him too. As more than a friend." She tried to swallow her awkwardness.
Adam chuckled. "I figured as much," he clipped.
Mira barked a laugh in return. "It's so embarrassing," she chuckled, barely restraining her smile.
Adam raised an eyebrow. "What makes it embarrassing?"
Mira ran one hand down her sweltering face, heart beating ever faster. "He's... he's like... well, until the other day I'd thought he wasn't my type. But in just four days I haven't been able to stop thinking about him. And... feeling about him. Him and his stupid face." She shook her head, pushed her plate aside and planted facedown onto the table. "I'm a wreck," she mumbled through her arms.
Adam was silent for a while, besides the clinking of his fork against his plate as he finished the last bite of his breakfast. He shifted. "Hey. I'm not that great at reading people, and... there's no way to know for sure unless you ask him to his face, but..." Mira peeked up at him. A smile tugged at his cheek. "I saw the way he looked at you, and talked about you, back when we were stuck in the Hollow. And the other day, at the donut shop."
Mira's eyebrows rose. "Yeah?"
"My gut tells me he likes you."
Mira's breath hitched.
"If you wanna ask him out, just ask him out."
So even Adam can tell if Skeet likes me? How dense am I? Mira lamented.
"Hey Mira?"
Mira looked up. "Hmm?"
Adam gestured down toward the floor. "You might wanna finish your breakfast before Puddles thinks it's for him."
Mira glanced down at the floor, where the little white-and-brown terrier sat waiting, big dark eyes gleaming hungrily. 'Pancakes!' he barked. His little tail wagged with anticipation.
Mira dragged the plate back in front of her and gave the dog a sour look. "These are mine," she said. Then she took a big bite for emphasis.
Puddles whined and twitched an ear, drooping. 'Gee. You don't have to be so rude about it.'
At one in the morning, Mira was still awake, planning her next move.
Adam had suggested that Mira go for it. That she should ask Skeet out for an honest-to-goodness date. Would Skeet even be interested in a "date"? Whether he would or not, Mira was going to ask him out. Mira felt like Skeet liked her, and Adam did too. Those odds seemed pretty good.
Still, to be on the safe side, Mira wouldn't call it a "date" right off the bat. She didn't want it to get weird over the phone. If it was gonna get weird, she'd rather it happen in person. There was still a small chance that he'd run away--- or worse (maybe better; Mira was still confused), he could have no romantic feelings for her at all. Giving Skeet the opportunity to hang up and end the conversation before fully resolved would only drive Mira crazy.
Besides... Mira needed some way to coax her friend into telling her if he had a crush on her.
But where could they go out together? It couldn't be too formal--- that'd be weird. It couldn't be too informal--- then it would feel like just another hangout and the whole date would pass without a single mention of feelings. If she hoped to encourage a confession out of Skeet, a romantic mood was vital.
Her first thought had been video games, but there was nothing romantic about that. Meeting over gaming was too normal for the two of them. A concert? No... if any of Skeet's favorites were in town, he'd have mentioned it. Plus, the music would be too loud; there would be no chance for any sort of conversation. A movie, maybe? A couple seeing a movie together always had a low-key romantic context. It had potential.
But knowing Skeet, he'd just comment on the movie the whole time instead of talking with her. And the sort of movies Skeet liked were not the sort of movies Mira liked. Mira liked a little heart, a little action, and a whole lot of character development. Skeet was a hard-action thriller guy--- the gorier the better. She could see him now, chowing down on popcorn and guffawing at the screen as a few hundred men got shot to bloody pulps, gore and brains flying everywhere.
Definitely not romantic.
The best thing for them to do, as cliche as it was, would be to go get food together. For dinner--- lunch was too casual. Somewhere with a good selection of vegetarian food. Picking a place that both of them enjoyed wouldn't be too difficult. Skeet wasn't a picky eater by any stretch of the imagination, and would eat whatever was set in front of him without complaint. He'd eat a plate of cooked asparagus and tofu just as happily as he'd eat his favorite--- a cheeseburger and fries. But most of the vegetarian-friendly restaurants were either too formal or too casual--- bringing her back to her initial dilemma.
What should I do?
Maybe... Maybe she should just ask him where he wanted to eat. Yeah! That could work. She didn't need to decide on everything for him. She could call him right now and clear her head. Sure, it was late, but that night owl was probably still awake.
Mira called Skeet's number and waited, heart pulsing. She beamed when a tired but chilled-out voice answered. "Heeeey, Meer. What are you doin' up so late?" She could hear the smile in his tone. The faint metal music playing in the background stopped.
"That depends," Mira said, tone teasing. "Why are you up so late?"
"Video games. What else?" He cackled.
"I get the feeling you do this a lot."
"All summer long, baby," Skeet assured. His voice hushed. "Just don't tell my mom, OK? She hates it when I play video games so late."
"Oh, I won't," said Mira. "But she probably already knows."
"Eh, whatever. She hadn't said nothin'." The distinct crunch of potato chips sounded on his end of the line. "So, why are you up callin' me so late? Somethin' botherin' ya?"
"No... I was just thinking about some stuff. And I've got a couple of questions," she answered cheerfully. "First. You up for a bite tomorrow night?"
"Ha ha! When am I not?"
"Second. Got any nice restaurants in mind? Not too nice, but... still nice."
There was silence on the other end. "Uuuuhhhh..." Further silence. Now Mira felt awkward. Were the "date" implications of that question too forthcoming? She hoped not.
"Let's see... Uh, you like Italian food, right?"
Mira nodded, breathing a sigh of relief. "Yes! Yeah, I do."
"I know a place," said Skeet. "I've been there a couple of times. I haven't tried it but I've heard their spinach and tomato calzone is killer."
"Hmm." Mira smiled. "Sounds like a good choice. Tomorrow night, let's say... Seven?"
"Arrite! It's a date."
Mira's heart jumped out of her chest and into her throat. She swallowed it back down. "Yep! See you then." They bid goodbyes and hung up.
Was he onto her? Or was it an unintentional choice of words? Or, could it be... his choice of words was intentional? Was Skeet even capable of thinking that fast?
Either way, the butterflies were back, and it was all she could do to settle down and fall asleep that night.
Tomorrow. Tomorrow she'd have her answer. Her closure. Tomorrow, she'd know exactly how Skeet felt about her.