I wake to a heavy storm the next morning; all I can do is hope it doesn’t put a damper on my plans with Marvel later. But then again, he lives in the middle of the desert where there isn’t much rain.
As much as I’d love to spend a lazy morning inside, I can’t let the storm stop me from checking on Finesse, making sure she’s happy and clean. I could easily ask Juanita to do it for me. After all, it’s her job, but it’s my way of bonding with Finesse, so it’s a task I like to take on myself. I reluctantly pull on my rain gear and head outside to brush her and clean her hooves.
After the rain dies down, I pull her out of the paddock for some jumping training, which we absolutely nail. There’s no doubt that the gold medal will be in reach the next time we compete. And with the storm finally clearing, I can’t help thinking about tonight and what Marvel wants to ask me.
It’s noon by the time I guide Finesse to her stall. I only have a few hours left to get ready for my date, so I head inside for a shower, passing Juanita in the kitchen. I’m glad she finally stopped being stubborn and is now eating her meals inside, rather than sitting out by the firepit in the rain and making everything feel awkward.
But she’s not my concern right now. I head to my bathroom and take a long hot shower. Afterwards, I find myself standing in underwear in my closet, trying to figure out what to wear on this date. I’ve narrowed it down to two outfits, one on the casual side and the other a little more dressy.
My friend Desi helped me pick out my outfit for my movie date with Marvel, but she isn’t here. I could take pics and text them to her, but that’s not the same as seeing them in person. Maybe Juanita can help. She’s not the most stylish person, but even she should be able to help me choose between a couple of outfits.
I leave my bedroom and step into the kitchen to find her. Luckily, she’s still there, sitting at the table eating her lunch.
Tambara: Juanita, I need your help with something.
Juanita looks up from her plate and gulps loudly as if she’s choking on her food. Her face goes bright red, and she stares at me like she’s forgotten how to speak. Yeah, I’m in my underwear, but we’re both female. It’s not like I have something she hasn’t seen before.
Tambara: Juanita?
Finally, she swallows and finds her voice.
Juanita: Sorry. What can I help with?
Tambara: I’m trying to decide what to wear on my date with Marvel. I narrowed it down to two outfits. Can you help me pick which one looks better?
Just looking at the panicked look on her face makes me regret even asking. I wish Mom hadn’t left early. She’d help without making it weird.
Juanita: I… yes, Miss Tami. I can help.
Tambara: Okay, come with me.
Juanita follows me to my closet, looking all around my bathroom as if she’s never seen one before. I separate the two outfits and put the casual one on first, which consists of a yellow tube top and white cropped jeans.
Tambara: Okay, so there’s this one.
Juanita’s eyes go wide like Maj’s when she hears a treat bag.
Juanita: I… it’s really nice, Miss Tami.
I strike a few poses.
Tambara: It is, but I’m not sure if it’s enough for a visit to a nectary. Will everyone be dressy there?
I take it off and put on the second outfit, which also has a tube top in a more luxurious material. It includes a grey skirt with shiny circles that give it an elevated look. I turn to face Juanita, whose mouth is now hanging wide open.
Tambara: What about this one?
Juanita: Y-you look like a movie star. That’s the one right there.
She’s staring again. I can’t blame her. I look stunning.
Tambara: Is it too much? Do you think Marvel will like it?
Juanita: If he doesn’t, he’s crazy.
I notice the sudden confidence in her voice, which is new. I turn back to my full-length mirror and take a good look at myself. She’s absolutely right.
Tambara: Certifiably crazy! Thank you, Juanita.
Juanita: You’re welcome, Miss Tami.
Sensing that her duty is done, she slowly turns to leave the room, while I take a look at every angle of the outfit.
Marvel offered to come to Chestnut Ridge and pick me up. But I insisted that I’d be fine taking a rideshare to avoid him coming out of his way. We eventually agree that I’d meet him at his house.
He’s standing out in front when I arrive at a cute desert duplex and step out into the stifling heat. I’m trying to will myself not to start sweating, but I’m eager to see his reaction to my carefully chosen outfit. He walks over with the same wide-eyed expression Juanita had earlier.
Marvel: You look amazingly beautiful.
Exactly the reaction I wanted.
Tambara: Thank you! You look good too.
He steps closer and pulls me into a hug, which makes me even more aware of how hot it is. But being in his arms still feels good.
The heat is pressing in on me, but my focus is on Marvel. I wait, wondering if he’s going to bring up whatever he said he wanted to ask me during our chat. But as usual, he keeps the initial conversation casual.
Marvel: So, how was your visit with your mother?
Tambara: It was good. She caught a little bug, so she had to leave a day early.
Marvel: Sorry to hear that. I hope she feels better soon.
Tambara: Thank you. I’ll let her know you said that.
Marvel: Do you want to go to the nectary now, or would you like to come inside and take a break from the heat?
A break from the heat and an excuse to see the inside of his place is definitely the better option.
Tambara: I wouldn’t mind going inside for a bit.
Marvel turns and leads me confidently to his place.
Tambara: Who lives next door?
Marvel: No one yet. It’s been empty for a while.
Marvel unlocks the door and we go in. The contrast of the cool air conditioned air makes the place instantly more comfortable. I look around at the sparsely decorated space. It isn’t very big, and there isn’t much in it, but the few furnishings and decorations he does have aren’t cheap. He definitely has good taste.
Marvel: It’s still a work in progress.
I look all around me, taking it in.
Tambara: Yeah, it could use a woman’s touch.
Marvel guides me toward the couch. It’s firm with that showroom feel, as if it isn’t broken in yet.
Marvel: I actually don’t spend a lot of time here. This is where I record my gaming streams and sleep, but when I’m not at work, a lot of my free time is spent at the gaming cafe.
Tambara: It’s a nice place, though.
Marvel: It’s quiet, but I never planned to stay here long. I moved here from Del Sol Valley.
Del Sol Valley is a much better place to be than this hellhole.
Tambara: Really? Why didn’t you stay?
Marvel: I had a roommate there, and things eventually got a little awkward, so I figured it was time to get my own space.
Tambara: Smart, but why don’t you want to stay here?
Marvel: The heat, for one.
Tambara: I can understand that. The heat is awful. Have you decided where you’ll move?
Marvel: I’ve been thinking about moving to San Myshuno. It’s closer to home and has way more career opportunities in the gaming industry.
Tambara: Oh, that’s right next to Chestnut Ridge. Have you ever thought about moving there?
Marvel: No, but it’s not a bad option. It’s right in the middle of everywhere.
Tambara: Exactly. And of course, that’s where I am.
Marvel: It is. I’ll add that to the pros list.
Tambara: Put a star next to it.
Marvel: I’ll put a heart.
I grin as we sit quietly staring into each other’s eyes, hyperaware of how close we are, our arms pressed tightly together. Eventually, he breaks eye contact. I hold my breath, thinking he’s about to ask whatever it is he wanted to ask. But he doesn’t.
Marvel: If we’re going to the nectary, we’d better leave.
The nectary is just a short ride from Marvel’s place. It’s perched on a small hill with rows of crops stretching across the front. Marvel points out the grapes and the apple trees, which lie dormant because they aren’t yet in season.
Marvel: They have a great buffet here in case you’re hungry.
I realize I forgot to eat breakfast today. As soon as he mentions food, my stomach growls to remind me.
Tambara: I’m starving.
Marvel: Okay, I’ll go get us a table before all the good ones are taken.
Marvel hurries up the hill to approach the hostess, while I take my time admiring the beauty of the place.
(Generation 5 Chapter Summaries)
