Three nights later we were standing outside of a dingy bar waiting in line to see some no-name band. We were talking about our days and customers she hated. Talking about my little brother and parents, and her family. I can’t tell you when the line started moving or when we got to the front. But I can tell you the exact way her face fell when the bouncer told her the club had reached max capacity and we wouldn’t be able to go in.

            “Are you kidding me? We’ve been here for hours.”

            “This is hilarious. Come on.” I grab her hand and pull her out of the line. And we start walking down the street towards where I had parked.

           “If we actually knew who that band was, I would be furious right now.”

           “Let’s just get to the car and find somewhere to eat. I’m starving.” Her stomach growled immediately after I said that. “And I guess you are, too.”

           We got over to the car and as it warmed up, we looked up restaurants.

           “Sushi? Chinese? Steak? Burgers?”

           “There’s a Thai place that just opened a few blocks away.”

           “That sounds amazing.” She plugged it in to her phone and we got ready to go. “Can I DJ?”

           “Sure.” She grabbed the AUX cord and started playing, what a surprise, a love song.

           Darling I may not be

           Everything you want

           But I can give you

           All I have

           I’m not the perfect man

           But you are just perfect and

           I want to be the one that holds your hand

           “Okay first off, you’re definitely not a man at all.” She laughs.

           “Which is why I’m not the perfect man.” And the song keeps playing.

           I’m sorry if I come off strong

           And it could be that you’re all wrong for me

           But I just had to see

           Cause you are broken

           And I am such a wreck

           I think we’d make a lovely mess

           “What kind of love song says you’re broken and could be wrong for each other anyways? That seems like setting yourself up for disaster.”

           One day we could wake up in a bed we call our own

           I would buy you lots of flowers and someday I’d build your home

           I’d sing you Frank Sinatra as we’d sway along and dance.

           This life of course, could be all yours, if you’d just give me a chance!

           “Oh, so he’s pulling that ‘nice guy’ thing where he tries to talk the girl into having feelings for him. Yup. That’s where the song fails.” The song ends, and she turns to me.

           “You liked that one and you know it. It’s different from other love songs because he’s saying they’re both a mess, but they can be a mess together. And he isn’t asking her to have feelings for him, he’s asking if she does and if they can give it a try.” I find a parking spot and pull in.

           “I’m not giving you the point for that one.” I turn and smile at her. “Now, let’s go get some food.”

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

             “Going for this walk was absolutely the best idea. I was so full I would’ve fallen asleep in the car.”

             “You’re the driver!”

             “Now you see why it was the best idea.” I turn to Eve and smile. And she laughs again. We walk in silence for a minute. Enjoying the night together. This park was just down the block from the restaurant. It isn’t the biggest park, but it’s well-lit and has a small pond in the middle with benches around it and ducks sitting on the side.

              “It’s too quiet. It was nice at first but now it’s just…quiet. Y’know?”

              “Yeah, I know.” I pulled my headphones out of my pocket. “Here. But I’m in control of the music.”

              “I don’t think you’ve ever suggested a single song or anything for me.”

              “Well, the game we play isn’t based on my music. It’s yours.”

              “Okay, now shush and play something I’m really curious what you listen to.” I press play on one of my favorite songs. We listen for a second and then it comes to the first chorus.

               All of your friends have been here for too long

               They must be waiting for you to move on

               Girl I’m not with it, I’m way too far gone

               I’m not ready, eyes heavy now

               Heart on your sleeve like you’ve never been loved

               Running in circles now look what you’ve done

               Give you my word as you take it and run

               Wish you’d let me stay, I’m ready now

               “What is this??”

               “It’s just a random song I found one day and fell in love with.”

               “I think I need it. Like, so I can download it.”

               “I’ll give you the name and everything when it’s over.”

                And what the hell are we?

                Tell me we weren’t just friends,

                This doesn’t make much sense.

                 I kind of zoned out, thinking about what Derek said a few days ago about this being a date. Are Eve and I just friends? Are we more than that? Do I want to be? Am I ready? I get snapped back into focus when the song ends.

                 “I actually love this! You gotta give me the name!”

                 “Yeah. It’s- “Her phone starts ringing, and she checks the caller ID.

                 “I gotta take this one sec.” She takes a few steps away to answer it. It’s a short conversation and when she comes back she says “Sorry, that was my roommate. She says something is wrong at the apartment, could you give me a ride back real quick?”

                 “Oh. Yeah. Let’s go.” As we walk back to the car I shake the thoughts about dates and feelings out of my head. We’re just friends.