Marvel and I continue to sit, even after both of our plates are cleared. When we finally get up, he doesn’t seem to be in much of a hurry to leave.
Marvel: Hey, what are you doing tomorrow for Sun Day?
Is he asking me out on an official date?
Tambara: I don’t have plans.
I’d almost forgotten that tomorrow is a holiday.
Marvel: There’s going to be a big movie marathon at the Springside Outdoor Cinema, if you want to come.
That sounds like a date, but I’m not going to assume. And I don’t want to appear overly excited, but my body language sort of gives it away. I try to make up for it with my tone.
Tambara: *casual* Yeah, sure. I like movies.
Marvel: Cool. It starts at sundown. I’ll bring a blanket.
A blanket sounds warm and cozy, like a date.
Tambara: Should I bring anything?
Marvel: Just yourself. We can buy food and snacks there.
Tambara: Sounds like a plan. An outdoor theater seems pretty cool.
My comment keeps the conversation going. Marvel pays for our treats and leaves a tip, then walks over to a nearby bench and sits down.
Marvel: It is, as long as we don’t get some freak rainstorm.
Not quite ready to leave, I sit down next to him.
Tambara: Well, did you check the forecast?
Marvel: I did, but you know how inaccurate weather apps can be.
Tambara: True.
Marvel settles into his seat. Unlike yesterday, he doesn’t seem to have any place else he needs to be. Neither do I.
Marvel: I haven’t been to the Outdoor Cinema in a while. I figure tomorrow would be a good day to go.
Tambara: Do you usually go alone?
Marvel: No. I go with either a few coworkers or my gaming club. But if I do happen to go alone, it doesn’t take very long to find someone to hang out with.
Marvel is obviously outgoing. Making friends doesn’t seem like much of a problem. Why is he inviting me? I’m just on the brink of asking if this is a date when he starts speaking again.
Marvel: They’re supposed to post the movie lineup tonight. I’ll send it to you when I see it. We don’t have to stay for the whole thing if you don’t want to.
Tambara: I guess I won’t know until I see it. I’ll look it over.
We sit for a beat or two in silence. Hasn’t he said everything he needs to about the movie? Why is he lingering? Is he waiting for me to make the first move? I can only think of one that won’t seem presumptuous.
Tambara: Alright, I’d better be going. Thanks for dessert.
Marvel: Yeah, I should too. You’re welcome. I’m glad you came.
I finally stand. He shuffles in his seat, but doesn’t get up to join me.
Tambara: See you tomorrow.
Marvel: Yep, time TBD.
I walk away, replaying the entire meetup in my mind. He’s been nice, sweet, open, and observant, but he hasn’t tried to make a move. There’s been no physical contact, not even an accidental brush of the hand.
Getting dressed this morning, I chose this shirt on purpose. But has he noticed my toned abs? Why hasn’t he complimented me on my eyes? Most guys say something within five minutes of meeting me.
Am I wrong to assume that he’s into me like that? Maybe I’m just another friend to him…or maybe he’s gay. It’s possible. It’s not unusual for gay guys to be close friends with women. Is that why he keeps asking to see me?
I glance over my shoulder quickly to see if he’s watching me walk away. He’s not. What does he want from me…and more importantly, why do I feel such a strong urge to find out?
Marvel occupies my mind the entire ride home. I enjoy being around him, but I question if I’d be okay just being another one of his friends. I just met him a few days ago. Should I even bother with any of it?
I enter my house, barely noticing that the TV is on in my media room. I take a few more steps and see Juanita standing in front of it, completely engaged in whatever she’s watching.
She startles and becomes immediately apologetic as I enter the room, just like when I caught her sleeping in my loft without permission.
Juanita: I’m so sorry. I planned on getting out of here before you arrived. I’ll go.
Her watching TV is the last thing I’m worried about. I ignore her apologies, thinking she might be the solution to my dilemma.
Tambara: What are you doing for Sun Day?
Juanita: Working.
I should have guessed that’s what she’d say. She treats work like it’s a marathon.
Tambara: But it’s a holiday. Want to come with me to Oasis Springs? There’s an outdoor movie marathon tomorrow.
Marvel hasn’t specified that our meetup is a date, so I’m going to make sure it isn’t by bringing Juanita. That way I’m not playing myself and putting more into it than there is. There will be no repeats of what happened between me and Udom.
Juanita’s face lights up immediately.
Juanita: An outdoor movie? Yeah, I’d love that.
Tambara: Cool. It should be fun.
Did I just use Marvel’s favorite response? I want to kick myself.
Juanita: Sorry again for being in here.
Tambara: It’s okay. You can stay. I’m just going to sit and study my horse riding manual.
I walk over to the couch and pull out my book, while Juanita awkwardly stands there watching TV. Who does that? I almost want to see how long she’ll stay there looking lost, but I decide to put her out of her misery.
Tambara: You can sit down, you know.
Having to state the obvious makes me feel incredibly irritated.
Juanita: Okay, yeah, thanks.
She walks around the coffee table and finally takes a seat, but she makes even that feel unnatural. Do I also have to instruct her to sit back and relax? I invited her into my house from day one, even offering her a room, but she still treats the place like she doesn’t belong. I’m guessing that’s how the previous owners made her feel. I mean, I don’t want her taking over the place, but I also don’t want her acting like she’s in a foreign land.
Eventually she gets up to leave, which actually makes me feel a lot more comfortable.
Juanita: Thanks. I have a few things to complete before bed.
Juanita hurries outside, unable to contain her excitement. Tami invited her to hang out. The one thing she’s wanted from the beginning. Is it possible that she’s finally beginning to see her as a friend? Juanita wants that more than anything. Well, not more than anything, because her strong desires for something more with Tami are still there. But she knows that will have to remain a fantasy. Right now she’ll settle for a friendship. That’s more than enough.
(Generation 5 Chapter Summaries)
