In with the New Baby

“I just wanted to do something for you to let you know how much I appreciate you,” I tell her, in an apologetic tone, with a fake pout on my face that I know she sees because she smiles a little bit.

I look away, across the street. A used car salesman is moving his arms up and down, pointing to a brand-new Jeep Grand Cherokee. He’s talking to some guy in a baseball hat and pink Izod shirt, with his arms crossed over his chest.

“So, it’s a no?” I ask.

“Not exactly,” she says.

I brighten.

“So, can we?” I ask.

I feel like a kindergartner pestering his teacher for recess or his mom for a snack. I remind myself to act more chill. I look over at Mr. Pink Shirt, who storms away while the salesman runs after him.

“Yes, but it would have to be professional,” she says. “I can’t date clients.”

“Yeah, sure,” I say. “I knew that.”

I pound down the rest of the drink. For something that’s initially so disgusting, it really isn’t that bad after a while.

“OK,” she says. “Let’s get back to work.”

I stand up.

“Sure thing.”

She starts walking back in the gym, then turns around.

“Let’s talk after tomorrow’s session.”

“Sure thing,” I say again.

I follow her in and am willing to do anything she asks me.

Especially now that I know she wants to date me, even though she claims it’s not going to be a date.

I think that that’s just talk. Both she and I know better than to pretend, but since that’s what she wants to do, that’s what I’ll do.

Chapter 7

Lincoln

The next day we meet for lunch at this little place in the West Village with an outside patio. It’s very simply called Pete’s Burger Joint. Simplicity must be its whole goal.

I have no idea what to order since the options are so limited that it’s like, how many different ways can they dress up a hamburger and call it by some different name I can’t keep track of?, but I don’t say that to anyone out loud, because Amanda had chosen the place and I’ve told myself not to be a grump on this date. Or this not date.

Still, I brought Rex along for emotional support. Although he’s not a service dog, I rely on the good nature of lots of places that let people bring their dogs in, which is why I was glad we were coming to this place with the outdoor patio.

It had been my only request, and we had a plethora of options since no one wants to sit outside in the early winter in New York, but Amanda didn’t protest, which is a good sign. When she suggested this place, she said she liked the shakes here. They only have chocolate and vanilla, though, so I can’t see what there is to like.

Rex is a good boy. Already so loyal to me for saving him, he sits, stands, waits, or lies down quietly whenever I tell him to. Plus, I think Amanda will fall for him and that’s to my benefit.

Amanda shows up wearing jeans and a winter coat. She looks good. I can see her curves – she can’t hide them even under a wool jacket – and she has her hair up, curly and dark, looking casual but very cute. Of course her juicy ass is more tempting to me than any of the burgers on the menu and I wish I could bite into it.

“Hi,” she says.

“Hi.”

She looks down.

“And who is this?” she asks.

“Rex,” I say. “But I’ve been calling him Rexie lately.”

“I didn’t know you had a dog.”

“I didn’t. Until the other day.”

Rexie puts up his paw and Amanda shakes it.

“Nice to meet you, good sir.”

Rex pulls his paw back, yawns, and lies down at Amanda’s feet and falls asleep.

She leans down and pats his head and neck.

“He trusts you,” I say.

“Really?” she asks.

Rex whimpers and curls up even more tightly and soon starts snoring.

Amanda looks up at me.

“Like I said,” she says, as if to remind herself as well as me, while she moves slightly so as not to bother Rex. “This is business. You know, like going out for coffee with your professor to talk about your work.”

“I wouldn’t know anything about that,” I say.

This is more than just coffee, I want to tell her. This is burgers. And shakes. They may be the simplest ones on the planet, but they’re still more than just coffee.

But I don’t want to push it too far and risk losing the date that’s just started. I remind myself to stay on my best behavior, something that has never been an easy task for me.

I look down at Rex. I’m happy that he’s happy and that I’m here with Amanda.

The server comes over.

“How are you both today?” he asks.

“Wonderful,” Amanda says and looks at me.