Arthur & Kelly's First Date

Friday night came quickly, and Kelly realized she wasn't ready. An hour into her prep, panic crept in. Curlers in her hair, makeup half-done, and still in a robe instead of a dress, Kelly sat in front of her vanity in her room and did her best not to blink while she completed her makeup. The mauve eyeshadow required a steady hand for the proper look, and the pale purple complimented her emerald green eyes and coppery red hair.

“How do my freckles look? Can you see any?” Kelly asked Katelyn’s reflection in the mirror.

Katelyn moved behind her, laying out her top three dress options and looking between them. She turned to check Kelly’s face in the mirror and bent over to peer at her.

“You look great.” Katelyn hugged her shoulders. “You’re gonna take his breath away.”

“But the freckles–” Kelly said, turning her face to check for any stubborn dark specks that might peek through her foundation.

“If he doesn’t like your freckles, you shouldn’t date him.” Katelyn said. “You have freckles, Momma. They’re cute! They’re what make you, you.”

Kelly sighed. “If freckle removal surgery was an option, they’d be gone.”

“Offer to let him play connect the dots on you, and he won’t care that you have freckles once he sees where they lead.”

Kelly pretended to be shocked. “Katty!”

“Oh, like you haven’t thought about what happens at the end of the date.” Katelyn laughed and returned her attention to the dresses.

“A kiss goodnight if it goes well.” Kelly said.

“Really?” Katelyn asked. “You’ve been crushing on this guy for years; he’s finally single; he finally asked you out, and you’re gonna leave him with a kiss at the door?”

“You never put out on the first date.” Kelly glared at Katelyn’s reflection in the mirror.

“You’re stuck in one of those old movies you like so much.” Katelyn said. She pointed a thumb at herself. “This girl absolutely puts out on the first date if the guy is cute and seems like he might be any good in bed.”

“Well, he’s definitely cute.” Kelly said and stopped talking. She pursed her lips and started applying her lipstick. Non-smudge lipstick.

“And…?” Katelyn asked. "You’re friends with his ex, right? Do you have any idea how he’ll be in bed?”

Kelly rolled her eyes and finished her lipstick, smacking her lips together a few times and pressing a line into a napkin.

“Lori was very complimentary about Arthur’s… bedroom abilities.” Kelly smiled. “But I don’t want to put out on the first date.”

“Your loss.” Katelyn shrugged. “You should take a condom or three, just in case.”

“I’m good.” Kelly said with a shake of her head as she started taking out her curlers. “Which dress, do you think?”

“You said it’s a burger joint?” Katelyn asked.

“Yeah, but it’s one of those 50s-themed places. It’s supposed to be nice.” Kelly said. “So it’s not a McDonalds or anything.”

“I'm not judging.” Katelyn raised her hands. “I'm just trying to think if you’ll be overdressed.”

“He’ll be wearing a suit, I expect.” Kelly said. “So nothing I wear will look out of place next to him.”

“Aw! He’s dressing up for your date?” Katelyn put her hand to her heart like it was the cutest thing she’d ever heard.

“Well, he wears them for work.” Kelly explained. “He’s usually in that or gym clothes. I’ve only seen him in casual clothes a handful of times.”

Katelyn shook her head. “Okay. Well… How about this one?” She held up a black and white polka dot dress.

“Hm…” Kelly examined the dress in the mirror. “It's too formal, I think. And too busy. And too cow-themed for a burger place.”

Katelyn laughed. “This is not cow-themed. The white spots would have to be a lot bigger.”

Kelly laughed with her. “The pale purple one.” She pointed to it on the bed, and Katelyn picked it up, flattening it against herself. It was a cute dress, sleeveless, with a squared neckline and narrow shoulder straps. The A-line skirt came from a high cinched waist to a pleated hem above her knees.

“Cute.” Katelyn decided. “White shoes?” She asked.

“Yes, please. The two-inch heels. And… the thin belt… oh, and there’s a white handbag in the closet behind the–”

“Got it!” Katelyn said, holding up the bag in question.

“Thank you.” Kelly dropped the robe to show off the white matching bra and panty set she’d chosen. They were lacy and scanty, showing off more skin than they covered, prompting Katelyn to raise her eyebrows. “What?” Kelly asked.

“For someone who’s sure she doesn’t want to have sex on the first date, you look prepared. Sean would jizz his pants if I stepped out in that.” Katelyn looked Kelly up and down to make her point.

Kelly laughed. “Well, it never hurts to be prepared.” She sat on the bed and put on her heels. Then she picked up her chosen dress and stepped into it. “Zip me up?” She asked. She turned her back to Katelyn.

Katelyn tugged the zipper up Kelly’s back from halfway down her ass to the top of the back of the dress at the midline of her shoulder blades.

“Thank you.” Kelly said as she slid on the belt. “How do I look?”

“He’s going to jizz in his pants.” Katelyn said as she took in Kelly’s appearance.

Kelly rolled her eyes. “So crude.”

“Sorry, Momma.” Katelyn teased her. “I am what I am.”

“And I am not your mother.” Kelly said.

“You’re not, but I’ll bet you a dollar you’re gonna leave me a list of numbers to call and food you’ve prepped before you leave for your date.” Katelyn said. She eyed Kelly daringly, and Kelly rolled her eyes again and sighed.

“You already have my cell number in your phone. I’ll text you if anything goes terribly wrong or if I’m not coming home tonight.” Kelly said.

“I thought you–” Katelyn shut up when Kelly raised her hand to stop her.

“There’s cider in the fridge. If you heat it up, use the crock pot, not the microwave, but be sure to unplug it before you go to bed.”

Katelyn’s expression said, ‘I told you so’ for her.

“And there’s some leftover roast chicken in the fridge. Help yourself. It needs to be eaten up by tomorrow at the latest, and I probably won’t be able to finish it.” Kelly finished.

Katelyn tried to frown and glare at her, but she smiled as soon as she met Kelly’s gaze. They hugged, and Katelyn squeezed her. “You spoil me.” She patted Kelly on her pert ass as they walked out of the room. “Now go get me a new stepdad.”

Kelly laughed. “We’ll see.”

She checked her hair in the mirror in the hallway and again at the door in a small compact.

“Kelly, seriously.” Katelyn took her hands and turned her around to face her. “I know you’re nervous. Don’t be. This guy likes you. You like him. It doesn’t have to be complicated. Remember what we talked about. Casual. Remember?”

Kelly nodded. “Right. You’re right.”

“You told me to remind you: Casual until graduation.” Katelyn said. “But if you change your mind, I won’t hold it against you.”

Kelly closed her eyes and drew in a deep breath. “No. Casual.” She nodded. "It’s a casual date, and we need to be casual—at least until after I graduate. I don’t want to pull a Lori and say we can’t date, but I need to put my grades and work first. For now.”

“You’re worth it.” Katelyn said. “He’ll understand, and he’ll stick around. You’ll see.”

Kelly nodded. “Wish me luck?”

“Get lucky, Momma.” Katelyn teased her and kissed her cheek.

Kelly rolled her eyes. “Mind in the gutter.” She double-checked the contents of her purse and added a package of gum. “If Sean comes over–”

“I’ll text you.” Katelyn said. “We’ll go to my room if you and Arthur come here.”

Kelly smiled.

“Have fun!” Katelyn waved goodbye, and Kelly steeled herself and exited, closing their front door behind her.

The restaurant was a few minutes off campus, somewhat closer to Arthur’s apartment. A twenty-five-minute drive later, she pulled into the parking lot of Jimmy’s Diner. The retro motif was visible from the street, and she smiled to see Arthur standing beside the doors, holding the door open for an older couple taking their time passing over the threshold.

She parked beside Arthur’s car on the passenger's side and rechecked her makeup in the mirror. She turned off the car and stepped out. She met Arthur’s gaze across the parking lot and smiled to see his expression. Kelly thought it was adorable that he frequently forgot how hot he was and acted like Kelly was someone out of his league.

Arthur looked downright delectable in a well-trimmed suit with a gray jacket and slacks. It wasn’t as retro as Kelly’s dress, but it was a slim black suit with a single button fastened on the jacket. A crimson and dark ocean blue striped necktie with a Windsor knot gave him a splash of color with his white shirt beneath. His black shoes and belt looked impeccable and almost shined.

Kelly shyly brushed her hair behind her ear as she approached.

“Well, well…” Arthur said. “I uh… I had an opening line I practiced, but I honestly can’t remember what I planned to say. You look amazing.”

Kelly smiled. “So amazing I made you forget your lines?”

“So amazing. I’d be amazed if that was the only thing I forgot.” He gave a blank, spacey look for a moment and staggered. “Who am I? Where am I?”

Kelly laughed, high and melodic. She turned him toward the front door and took his arm in hers. “Your name is Arthur, and we’re on a date.”

“Really?” Arthur asked. “Well, I know better than to question your lapse in judgment. Lucky me.”

Kelly laughed and prodded him toward the door. He opened it and held it for her to step through. She did, releasing his arm to do so, and he stepped up to the hostess stand.

“Two, please. A booth, if you have it.” Arthur said to the hostess. She took them to a booth not far from the bar.

Jimmy’s Diner was classically retro in its design to appear as though the decade of the 50s had happened all at once and vomited everything in its catalog in shades of red, white, and black all over the place. The checkered floor spread between the booths, tables, and the bar. The stools with the red cushions and chrome poles shone. The jukebox was built into the wall decorated with scattered memorabilia, promoting long-dead actors and actresses in their prime.

A Coca-Cola-themed wall held a variety of bottles on a shelf with an old vending machine made to dispense ice-cold cola. An old thematic gas pump in the corner had been retrofitted as a gumball machine. Everywhere was a blast from the past in a way that no diner in the actual decade could have been, but one that evoked the spirit of an era neither of them lived to experience. Quaint, cute, and fun were the order of the day.

A waitress in a surprisingly short pink skirt approached a few seconds after they sat and asked if they wanted anything to drink.

“Water for me.” Arthur said. “Thank you.”

“Water for me as well.” Kelly said. “Thank you.”

“Are you ready to order, or do you need a minute?” The waitress asked. She was friendly but appeared to be in a rush. They weren’t her only customers, but the restaurant wasn’t packed to the brim either.

“We’ll need a minute.” Arthur said. “Sorry.”

The waitress nodded and left.

Kelly smiled at him from across the table.

Arthur returned Kelly’s smile. “You can get something to drink if you want. I ordered water because I wasn’t sure about the other options, but I knew I didn’t want soda.”

“Oh, I wasn’t worried.” Kelly said. “I was planning on splitting the bill.”

“Oh.” Arthur said. “Is it unfeminist of me if I say don’t worry about it, I’ll take care of it?”

Kelly contemplated it for a quick second. “No.” She said. “That’s very generous of you.”

“I know it’s old-fashioned.” Arthur shrugged. “But I don’t know. I was raised that way, I guess.”

“I’m not complaining.” Kelly laughed. “I promise not to order the surf and turf.”

Arthur laughed. “I don’t know if I’d get the seafood here anyway…” He glanced around. “It’s not like we’re at the beach.”

Kelly laughed. “True.”

The waitress returned with their water and placed them on the table. “Can I get an appetizer started for you or something from the bar?”

“An appetizer sounds good.” Arthur said, looking over the menu. “Would you like to split some onion rings?”

Kelly’s eyes widened. She loved onion rings but wasn’t ready to eat them in front of Arthur. Onion rings were messy, beyond being totally devoid of any nutritional value. “Or a basket of spicy fries?”

“A basket of spicy fries.” Arthur said. “And do you want a milkshake?” Arthur asked Kelly. The iconography surrounding them subliminally convinced him a milkshake was a good idea.

“Do you like cookies and cream?” Kelly asked.

“Well it’d be for you.” Arthur pointed out. “But yeah, I like cookies and cream.”

“Oh, right.” Kelly nodded. “I was thinking of splitting one.”

“We can split one if you want.” Arthur agreed.

“It comes with a refill cup anyway.” The waitress added. “So you can each have your own.”

“Oh.” Kelly said, disappointment in her tone. “Okay.”

The waitress walked away, and silence reigned, filled in by the jukebox on the wall playing Earth Angel by The Penguins.

“Is that okay?” Arthur asked. “You seem disappointed.”

“Oh.” Kelly said. “Yeah. I was just thinking it would be one cup and two straws. You know, like… cute.”

“We can still do that if you want.” Arthur said. “It’d be a cute pic for Instagram.”

“Okay.” Kelly nodded. “That’s a good idea. It’ll break up all my gym selfies.” She smiled.

“There's nothing wrong with a good gym selfie.” Arthur smiled. “You’ve been a fitness inspiration of mine for years.”

“Really?” Kelly asked. “You’ve been a fitness inspiration of mine for years. Your progress has been amazing, and you work hard for your gains.”

“Thank you.” Arthur said, blushing slightly.

“So, what started your fitness journey anyway?” Kelly asked.

“What?” Arthur asked.

“Well, you’ve been a gym rat since I’ve known you, but you started working out in high school? Was that for sports?” Kelly asked.

“No.” Arthur answered, a look of uncertainty on his face. “I started working out after high school, but before college. I uh… I wasn’t happy in my skin, so I decided to put the work in before trying anything desperate.”

“Oh, like plastic surgery?” Kelly asked. “I'm glad you didn't do that. You've achieved a lot.” Kelly said. “Even since Freshman year.”

“Thanks.” Arthur said. “You’ve been putting the work in, too. Though, you’ve always been the hottest girl on campus.”

Kelly looked surprised. She knew she was attractive, but to hear she was the hottest girl on campus from the man she considered the most attractive man on campus? Anyone would consider that an ego-booster.

Arthur winced. “Sorry, that was–”

“That was a wonderful compliment.” Kelly finished his sentence for him. “You’ll make me blush if you keep that up.”

Arthur smiled a cute, bashful smile and sipped his water.

Kelly sipped her water. “Have you been here before?”

“Once right after it opened, yeah.” Arthur said. “It’s close to campus, but the Garden Wok has a more soothing atmosphere, so we’d usually go there for homework dates.”

Kelly didn’t let his passing reference to Lori break her soft smile. “You’ll have to take me there sometime.”

“Have you never been?” Arthur asked.

“Once or twice, but I don’t often go out to eat, and I haven’t been on a date like this in…” She frowned, trying to recall the last time she’d been on a proper date. “In a long time.”

“Have you been here before?” Arthur asked.

“Yes, but not on a date. I like the decor and the atmosphere, and they have trivia nights here sometimes.” Kelly gestured to the bar. “They’re a lot of fun.”

“That’s cool.” Arthur said. “I’ve never tried bar trivia.”

“You’d like it, I think.” Kelly nodded.

“We’ll have to try it sometime.” Arthur agreed.

Their fries arrived, and their milkshake. The waitress waited after she set them down and stared at them. Arthur appeared confused. “Thank you?”

“Are you ready to order?” The waitress asked.

“Oh, right.” Arthur glanced at the menu. “Yes, I’ll have the pickle burger.”

“How would you like that cooked?” The waitress prompted when Arthur didn’t continue.

“Medium-well.” Arthur said.

“And you?” The waitress asked. She turned to face Kelly.

“The Royale burger, no cheese, and with a lettuce wrap instead of a bun.” Kelly said. “And well-done for mine.”

“Oh, can I get mine with a lettuce wrap as well?” Arthur asked.

“Yeah.” The waitress made a note. “Pickle burger on lettuce, medium-well, and a royale, no cheese, on lettuce, well-done.” She repeated. “Fries okay?”

Kelly and Arthur nodded.

“Got it. I’ll put that in for you. Enjoy your app and the shake. Let me know if you need anything.” The waitress recited her lines with a bored expression and unenthusiastic tone before she departed.

Kelly pulled her phone from her purse, took a picture of the food, and apologized. “I swear I’m not one of those social media crazy girls.”

Arthur laughed. “I know.” He nodded. “I follow you on… all of them.”

“Right.” Kelly nodded. “You know, it’s kind of inconvenient that we’ve already known each other for so long. It throws off a lot of the normal first date get-to-know-you stuff.”

Arthur shrugged. “Well, we’ve known each other for years, but we’ve only been friends for… what, a year, maybe? We would see each other at the gym a bunch, and sometimes when I hung out with Lori at your dorm, but it’s not like we’ve been having deep conversations and getting to know one another on a deeper level.”

“That’s true…” Kelly said. “Perhaps I’m coming into this with a slight advantage. Lori and I talked about you, after all. I feel like I know more about you than you know about me.”

“All good, I hope.” Arthur teased, but he didn’t smile. He ate a french fry instead and opened his straw for the milkshake.

“Lori was very complimentary to you. It's one of the points in your favor, really. For as often as you came up in conversation, she didn’t have any complaints to air after the first year or so of you two dating.” Kelly said. She opened her straw and placed it into the glass cup of the milkshake. They both ignored the metal refill cup for the time being.

Arthur was quiet, eating another fry, and Kelly realized he was frowning.

“I’m sorry, I don’t mean to keep bringing her up.” Kelly said in apology. “Are you… okay?”

Arthur considered her question before answering, taking stock and evaluating himself to give an honest answer. “I’m okay. I knew she would come up. This is my first date after she left, and I didn’t want to talk about her too much. I don’t want you to think I’m not ready to move on. I am.”

“I don’t think that.” Kelly said. “I mean, I don’t think you’re not ready to move on. I believe you’re ready when you say you are.”

“Thanks.” Arthur said. “But I’m glad she was complimentary.”

Kelly noticed his nervousness but didn’t comment. She sipped the milkshake and ate another fry.

“What kind of stuff did you two cover? What do you know about me already?” Arthur asked.

“Hm…” Kelly said, bringing up everything she knew about him. "I know you’re from Crofton City, so you're a local boy, more or less. I know you’re into musical theater because I’ve been to several of your shows. I know your workout schedule, and I saw you bench three plates the other day.”

Arthur laughed. “Only three reps and–”

“That’s still very impressive.” Kelly cut him off. “And your form was on point. Only those swole powerlifting guys lift three plates on the regular. Brad was right to make a big deal about it.”

Arthur blushed and cooled his face by leaning forward and sipping the milkshake.

“What I don’t know, I suppose, is some of your likes and dislikes. Like… what do you drink, usually, besides water and milkshakes?"

"I drink beer occasionally, but if I'm going to drink alcohol I prefer whiskey." Arthur answered. "You?"

"I'm a wine drinker, but not like, all the time. Maybe once a week to relax." Kelly said. Then, after a pause, she decided to ask another question. "What kind of music do you like? What do you listen to at the gym, and what do you listen to at work?” Kelly asked.

“Hm…” Arthur considered the three questions. “I enjoy many different genres of music, but show tunes will always win out if you check my Spotify Wrapped.” He grinned. “I listen to heavy metal remixes of show tunes in the gym.”

Kelly laughed, high and melodic, not at him but at the absolute sense that made about him.

“I listen to instrumentals, a lot of film soundtracks when working in the office or doing homework.” He finished. “What about you?”

Kelly ate another fry. “I listen to a lot of rock and roll for my workouts.” She said. “Otherwise, I listen to a little bit of everything. I enjoy modern and retro stuff, country music, jazz, pop, Taylor Swift, and Postmodern Jukebox.”

“Nice.” Arthur nodded. “I’ve always wanted to see Taylor Swift in concert, but the last time I looked up tickets, the price made me realize I’m not a dedicated fan.”

Kelly laughed. “It’s good to have goals.”

Arthur laughed with her. “I guess I just need more realistic goals. Something like, become an astronaut.”

“Is that what you wanted to be as a kid?” Kelly asked.

“As a kid?” Arthur asked. “No.” He shook his head. “As a kid, my career plans involved becoming a knight errant, rescuing damsels, slaying dragons, defending castles, and searching for the Holy Grail.”

“Aw.” Kelly couldn’t help the condescending but appreciative tone in her voice. “That’s the cutest thing ever.”

Arthur laughed. “Yeah. My teacher sat me down in third grade and explained that wasn’t a viable career path for what I wanted to be when I grew up. She recommended I try to become a police officer.”

“And you didn’t want to be a police officer?” Kelly asked.

“Not really.” Arthur said. “Now, if policeman defended their cities against dragons, I’d be into it.”

Kelly laughed. “Pity. You’d look good in a uniform.”

Arthur blushed. “What about you? What did you want to be when you were a kid?”

“Promise not to laugh?” Kelly asked.

“I promise not to laugh.” Arthur raised his hands to swear it.

“I wanted to be a homemaker. A wife and mother, not to scare you off already.” Kelly said.

Arthur smiled, but to his credit, he didn’t laugh. “I don’t think that’s silly. It makes sense with you becoming a teacher. You have to enjoy kids to do that job.”

“True.” Kelly said.

“Did you get that from your mom?” Arthur asked.

Kelly laughed. “Sorry.” She said when she realized Arthur didn’t know why she was laughing. “No. I think I got it from I Love Lucy and TV Land. I know it’s not very realistic, but–”

“It’s more realistic than my childhood dream.” Arthur cut her off. “I don’t think it’s silly. Being a homemaker and a full-time mom? That’s exhausting work but incredibly necessary to society. And those jobs actually exist. No one’s hiring knights anymore.”

Kelly smiled. She took another sip of the milkshake, and Arthur lowered his head to take a sip simultaneously, making him smile, too, after he managed a gulp of the thick drink.

“So you’re in favor of marriage then? Long term?” Arthur asked.

“Long term.” Kelly nodded. “Definitely not anytime soon. I’m looking for something decidedly more casual until after graduation.”

Arthur nodded. “That makes sense.” He agreed. “Most people don’t get married until they’ve settled into their careers anyway.” He shrugged. “I’ll have another year of school yet, and then I’ll have my master's, thanks to my program.”

Kelly nodded, and silence fell between them. They’d finished the fries during their conversation, and Arthur took a moment to refill their milkshake. Their meals hadn’t arrived, but Arthur had an idea.

“Would you like to dance?” Arthur asked.

“What?” Kelly asked, surprised.

“Well, they’ve got some space by the jukebox over there.” Arthur gestured. “I thought maybe… never mind, it’s silly.”

“No, I’d– I’d love to.” Kelly said. “Can I pick the song?”

“Absolutely.” Arthur nodded.

Kelly smiled wide and practically ran to the jukebox. Arthur followed behind after wiping his hands on his napkin. They weren’t the only people in the Diner, and Kelly was a little nervous about attention, but the dance floor was there for a reason. The other patrons watched them, but Arthur didn’t seem to mind any more than Kelly. The way they were dressed, Kelly wouldn’t be surprised if half the people thought they were performers working for the restaurant.

Kelly picked her song and watched as the record moved to the player. She moved to Arthur when he offered his hand, and the two started dancing in twists and turns to the song's style. The instrumental vamp was only a few chords long before Elvis Presley came on and began singing All Shook Up.

Arthur did his best not to sing along. He tried, he really did, but he only made it to the chorus before he sang along, in full Elvis impersonation, which only made Kelly smile wider.

When the song finished, Arthur was ready to dance to another, so they did. He chose one from the same album, Burning Love. The beat was fast, and the vocals were fun. The dance was goofy, but the mood of the patrons followed the fearless fun Arthur had on the dancefloor. Other couples joined them, and Kelly smiled to see Arthur looking into her eyes.

Another couple beat them to the machine to pick the next song. The old man, easily in his sixties at the youngest, and his wife slowed the dance to Can’t Help Falling in Love. Kelly watched Arthur to see if he would suggest they sit at the more intimate song, but he offered her his hand, and she took it.

Dancing with Arthur was wonderfully carefree. Kelly closed her eyes, mirroring the old couple on the dance floor as she rested her head on Arthur’s shoulder. The slow dance was soft, and Kelly followed Arthur’s lead. He stepped with confidence and skill to every note, and she wondered if he and Lori ever came here and danced like this.

“Old couples are the cutest.” Arthur said, his voice soft so as not to be overheard.

“Relationship goals.” Kelly said automatically.

“Yeah.” Arthur agreed. “Though I hope I’m a better dancer at that age. I’ve been practicing.”

Kelly smacked his arm gently and playfully, and the two eyed each other as they danced. The following songs were a mixture of fast and slow, with various artists branching out from Elvis. Some of them were less romantic than others, but the dance was fun either way.

They were several dances in when they realized their food had arrived at their table without them. Arthur laughed and brought her to the table, sliding into the booth.

The lettuce wraps for the burgers were more like scraps of lettuce beneath the jumble of what would have been their burger contents on a bun.

Arthur raised his fork, realizing there was no way to feasibly lift the burger with his hands. Kelly did the same, and they smiled at each other as they started eating.

“You’ve got a good Elvis impersonation.” Kelly said. “Have you ever considered going professional?”

Arthur laughed. “No. But we did Bye Bye Birdie, the musical, last year. I played Conrad, the Elvis character.”

“Oh, that’s right. I saw that.” Kelly smacked her forehead. “Maybe that’s why that popped into my head.”

“Maybe.” Arthur agreed. “There’s actually a musical called All Shook Up, though. It also has an Elvis character, Chad, but its plot is based more on Twelfth Night.”

Kelly smiled.

“Sorry.” Arthur turned his attention back to his meal. “I promise not to geek out too much about musical theater.”

“Don’t be sorry. I think it’s cute. I know you like musical theater, and it’s impressive you know so much about it.” Kelly shrugged. “I’m guessing you enjoyed a lot of Disney movies as a kid, right?”

Arthur shrugged. “I guess so.” He considered the question, but in the end he shook his head no and amended his answer. “Honestly, I think I was more into old movies than Disney musicals. My mom introduced me to Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, and Gene Kelly at a young and impressionable age. So I’ve always enjoyed old movies and branched from musicals into other stuff, like film noir, etcetera.”

Kelly did her best to control her smile. “I love old movies too.” She said. “It’s one of the first things–” She cut herself off.

Arthur’s smile turned brittle, then faded. “Lori loved them too.” He said. “I’m guessing you two must have watched them a lot together, being roommates.”

Kelly nodded. “Yeah. Sorry.”

“It’s okay.” Arthur said again. Kelly couldn’t tell if he was assuring her or himself, but she decided moving the conversation onto other topics was best.

“Maybe we can go see an old movie sometime at that theater in the city?” Kelly suggested.

“The Majestic?” Arthur asked. “Yeah, I’d love that.”

The Majestic movie theater was a historic theater remodeled within the last decade. Its retro 1930s motif was part of its charm, but an infamous part of its charm was that it didn’t show new releases. The Marquee bore re-releases only, and older films the theater worked out the rights to show. Kelly had only been there once or twice. Old movies weren’t her roommate’s preference, and her roommate’s boyfriend couldn’t handle watching anything in black and white.

They ate the rest of their meal in comfortable silence, sipping their waters and their melted milkshake as necessary, until they sat back, entirely too full, but neither wanting to end their date.

“Could I interest you in a walk?” Arthur asked. “Something leisurely.”

From anyone else on a first date, Kelly would have worried about the possibility of walking somewhere with her date. A young man might lead a young woman anywhere and get up to who knows what away from prying eyes. From the expression on Arthur’s face, however, she could tell he hadn’t even considered those implications.

“A walk sounds nice.” Kelly said. “I’ll admit, I’ve never explored your side of the tracks before.”

Arthur laughed. “We live one town over from each other.”

“Yeah, but with campus between us.” Kelly countered. “My world is tiny. My town, campus, and sometimes the city if it’s a special occasion.”

Arthur laughed. “To be fair, mine’s very similar.” He shrugged. “Once the waitress comes–”

“Would you like dessert?” The waitress appeared so suddenly that she startled Arthur.

“No, thank you. We’d like the check, please.” Arthur said.

The waitress nodded and walked away.

Arthur smiled at Kelly. Kelly smiled at Arthur.

The waitress returned with a small black case. Arthur reached to take the check, but she put it in the center of the table, so he picked it off the center as Kelly pulled out her credit card.

“Please, allow me.” Arthur said, producing a debit card he’d had between his fingers before the waitress walked away, putting it into the case and handing it to the waitress.

“Are you sure?” Kelly asked. “I don’t mind splitting.”

“We discussed it already. I invited you. I’ll cover it.” Arthur waved her concern away. “I’ve got to do something with all this full-time office work money.”

Kelly smiled. The waitress rolled her eyes and walked away.

“Maybe don’t be too generous with the tip.” Kelly scrunched her nose a little and laughed.

Arthur laughed. He tipped twenty percent, as was his standard, and didn’t make a show of it. Kelly pulled her purse together, leaving the diner side by side. Arthur held the door for her and walked beside her as they turned down Main Street.

The two sides of the lane weren’t as populated as they used to be, and many storefronts were empty or closed, but a handful were still active. Jimmy’s Diner was a destination treat for some, and the businesses around the Diner did well. The Garden Wok, an Asian fusion restaurant four blocks down and across the street, was Arthur’s usual go-to for dine-in food. Between them, an archaic used bookstore, a locally owned coffee shop, a rustic hardware store, a shiny comic book and game store, a fragrant florist, a steepled brick church, an Italian Water Ice shop, Gianni’s Pizza, a pretentious art shop, a fire hall, a ‘country store’ that mainly specialized in quilts, and a town hall were all the businesses of Reedville’s Main Street.

“Welcome to Reedville.” Arthur said, putting his hands in his pockets. He drifted to the curbside of the sidewalk, putting Kelly on his right.

Kelly smiled and placed her hand on the inside of his elbow. She didn’t know if he’d taken the street side on purpose, but her heart nearly skipped a beat when he did.

“It’s cute.” Kelly said. “I love old towns like this. We have a few of them where I’m from.”

“Connecticut?” Arthur asked.

Kelly nodded. “I don’t know if you’ve ever been to Mystic village, but it’s like… a recreation of an old New England town.”

“You haven’t been home in a while, right? Do you miss it?” Arthur asked.

Kelly shrugged. “I miss my brothers, but they’re not there anymore anyway. My youngest brother just started college this year.” She shook her head.

“What’s he studying?” Arthur asked.

“No idea.” Kelly said. “He said he plans to remain undecided until he has to make a choice.”

“There’s some wisdom in that.” Arthur said. “If you don’t know what you want to do, it can’t hurt to try a little of everything and see what fits.”

Kelly nodded.

“I can’t imagine growing up with three siblings. That must have been awesome.” Arthur said. “I always wanted siblings as a kid, and I had like... one close friend for a while. My parents did their best to make up for it.”

“Were you close with your parents?” Kelly asked.

“Well, my mom.” Arthur nodded. “My dad is a bit stand-offish, and we have zero interests in common, but my mom and I are close. What about you?”

Kelly shook her head. “No. Not at all. She’s a corporate monster in Hartford. She never had time for me or my brothers.”

“Did your dad stay at home?” Arthur asked.

“He left when I was young.” Kelly said a little sadly. “He went back to Ireland and started a different family. We don’t talk much.”

“Ah.” Arthur said, nodding. “I’m sorry.”

“What about your parents?” Kelly asked. “What do they do?”

“They’re both in corporate finance.” Arthur answered. “Which is where I’m heading.” He shrugged. “To join the ranks of corporate monsters.”

Kelly scoffed. “You’re not a monster. You’re one of the kindest people I know.”

“Oh, I can be cutthroat when I need to be.” Arthur said with a confident growl. “I once played a pirate in a musical version of Peter Pan.”

Kelly laughed. Arthur smiled, and their slow walk turned around to walk down the other side of the street.

“So you’ll be a teacher this time next year, and I’ll be a financial advisor or corporate lackey after I graduate from my five-year program.” Arthur surmised. "Would you want to return to Connecticut? Or stay down here?”

“I don’t know.” Kelly admitted. “I’d like to stay close if I can.”

“There are plenty of schools around, especially in the city.” Arthur suggested.

“Yeah.” Kelly nodded. “What about you? Will you work for your parents or forge your own path?”

“Forge my own path, if at all possible.” Arthur said confidently. “It's not that I don’t love my parents—I do—but the ethics of nepotism seem… icky.”

Kelly smiled and walked with him as they slowed and returned to the parking lot.

“I guess… this is goodbye. For now.” Arthur said as he walked Kelly to her car.

“For now.” Kelly said. “I’d…” She sighed. “I had a lot of fun.”

“I did too.” Arthur said.

“Same time next week?” Kelly asked. “Maybe we can have dinner at my place?”

“Sure.” Arthur nodded. “If you’re comfortable with that. We can cook something together, see if we work as well together as we dance.”

“We were pretty good.” Kelly said with a smile.

“We were fabulous.” Arthur agreed. “Though I think that elderly couple was cuter.”

“Oh, definitely.” Kelly agreed. “You’re pretty cute, though.”

“So are you.” Arthur said and looked bashful about something.

Kelly spared him the worry. She stepped into his space, put her hand on his bicep, and tilted her lips to his.

He kissed her softly, gently, and firmly. She kissed him, and the heat between them exploded, overwhelming them both as the kiss blossomed into something passionate. The pent-up attraction, sealed away for so long, burst forth, and Kelly’s world tilted.

Arthur didn’t press or grab, but Kelly’s core warmed at the thought of him pushing her against her SUV. He was gentle and kind, nowhere near as forceful as she expected from Lori’s descriptions. She probed his mouth with her tongue, and his tongue answered. She realized he was taking the lead, but only after she gave him a signal that she wanted him to.

Her heart sank. He wouldn’t ask her back to his place or suggest they go to hers. He would let her show an interest and then take the lead. That meant she would have to be the one to break her rule. She didn’t want to fuck on the first date, and he was too much of a gentleman. If he asked her, though, she’d go with him, even as she knew he wouldn’t ask. He wouldn’t pressure her.

Fuck. He was perfect.

“I hate to interrupt you two, but I need to get into my car.” An old woman’s voice interrupted them, and they turned to see the couple from the dancefloor.

Kelly blushed and pressed her lips together as she and Arthur came apart.

“Sorry, ma’am.” Arthur said. He led Kelly to the front of the cars, and the old couple moved into the space between the vehicles. The old man opened the door. His wife kissed him before sitting down and winked at Kelly.

The old man gave them a smile, and he walked around the car to the driver’s side. They drove away, and Kelly smiled at Arthur. This was their first date. She knew better than to say she hoped they were that way one day, but she felt it, and that was enough.

Arthur opened her car door for her, and she climbed into the driver’s seat after giving him a peck on the lips farewell. “I’ll see you on Monday?” Kelly asked. “At the gym?”

“As always.” Arthur said.

Kelly smiled, and Arthur moved to his car as she drove away.

Arthur stood against his car long after Kelly left, smiling.

Kelly didn’t stop smiling until she fell asleep. “I should have fucked him.” She sighed. “Second date. I kept my word, no fucking on the first date, but second date?” She asked her ceiling. “We’re fucking.”