“Oh.Is that where we’re going?”Her nose wrinkled like I’d offered to take her to Mickey D’s.
“Is that a problem?”
She sighed dramatically.“My last boyfriend just took me there a lot.He was in tight with the chef.”
She waved a hand like everyone knew Johnathan Wagner, a Michelin-starred chef.
I was sure I was supposed to ask her who her ex was, but I wasn’t playing that game.“Ah well, since our residency is at the Oasis, the production company prefers the date happens at one of their restaurants.But we can always choose a different one if you want.I hear their Citadel restaurant is interesting if you’re feeling adventurous.”
The Citadel was known for unique dishes—Balut eggs and durian were on their menu.
“Oh.Ah.I suppose the Palms is okay.”She said it like it was a torturous decision.
“Are you sure?We really can go somewhere else.Maybe do drinks at the Oasis and then find a different, more suitable restaurant.We just have to take some pictures inside the Oasis.”
“Pictures?”Kylie perked up like that time I’d offered my niece chocolate.My sister had a vendetta against sugar.Poor kids.
I sighed.“The band’s social media manager is going to take pictures and post a little thing about the date.I was told you signed a release.”
“Yeah, but I didn’t realize it was going to bea thing.”She dug through her tiny clutch and pulled out a tiny mirror and pouted into it.“I need to fix my face before we get there.”
As far as I could see, there was nothing wrong with her face, but what did I know?
I settled back into my seat.
This was going to be a long night.
* * *
I was right.Two hours felt like two years.
Kylie had managed to namedrop reality stars and athletes into the conversation like she earned an endorsement for every name she used.By the time our deserts came, I was ready to pull my hair out.This night couldn’t end fast enough.
“This was so lovely.What’s next?”
“Next?”I repeated weakly.Next, I wanted to drive her straight back to her house and leave her at the curb.
“Right,next.A date isn’t just dinner.”She scoffed like I was an ignorant ass.
And maybe I was because I’d put zero thought into what was next.“Uh…” And then it came to me.“Do you like live music?My friend is playing a show at a bar off-Strip.”
“Off-Strip?”she repeated like I’d asked her to tiptoe through a garbage dump.
And then it hit me.
This was exactly what I’d done last time.Although unlike last time, the guys wouldn’t be there to charm my date.That was all up to me, and the way things were going, I wasn’t in the mood to be charming.Maybe the music would drown out all speaking opportunities.
So I pressed on.“Yeah.They’re good.I think you’d like them.”
“Okay.I guess if we start dating, I should get used to hearing live music.”
Get used to?“I thought you were a fan.At least that’s how your application sounded…”
“Oh, I am.”She perked up and blinked exaggeratedly.“I just don’t like going to live shows as much.The music is so loud, and everyone’s yelling.”
Exactly why I wanted to go.Well, that and to support our girls.They were pretty awesome.
“Sounds like a date.If you’re ready.”I gestured to leave.
