Surveying my options, I massaged my temples, frustrated at how long I had been standing in my closet trying to find the perfect outfit. I spent most of the day laying around catching up on my shows. Now, with just an hour left before I meet with Theo, I still didn’t know what to wear. For once, I wished I would have caved and bought some of the sexy clothing my sister always snuck into my dressing room on our shopping sprees. Sadly, most of my closet consisted of workwear and old soccer team clothing. Already knowing what awaited me, I called said sister. “Melly-belly! Perfect timing, settle this debate for me, fishnets are work appropriate right?” “No. Chels you can’t wear fishnets to your job interview on Monday for the receptionist position. Anyways, I need your help. I need an outfit for the bar tonight… I’m meeting a friend.” Pausing, I waited for the gasp I knew that was coming. “MELODI LEE DAVIS! A friend, or special friend? When did you have time to meet someone? Send a picture! Which bar are you meeting at? What’s the vibe? How much skin are you will--” CLICK. I should have known it wouldn’t be worth it calling Chels. I love my sister, but she’s just too much sometimes and I was running out of time to get ready. Ignoring her calls, I glance at my options again before settling on my default outfit. Eyeing myself in the mirror, I sighed. Why do I always waste time going through my closet when the outcome is always the same: High waisted, ripped mom jeans, converse, and a cropped tee. I really need to go shopping. Shoving my ID and cards into my phone case, I scurried out the door just in time to make it to my Uber before it pulled off. I smoothed my sweaty palms against my jeans as I stepped out of the Uber. Theo towered over the crowded sidewalk casually checking his phone. Plastering on a shaky smile, I walked over to him, suddenly very aware of how childish my outfit looked as I got closer. The man was gorgeous. He opted for a white t-shirt as well with black Nike sweats. How could an outfit so simple make a man look so delicious? “Mel.” “Theo.” We smiled goofily at each other as he motioned for me to enter the bar before him. I became very aware of his hand on my lower back leading me to two empty barstools. “What can I get y’all?” “I’m very curious after our pizza conversation what your drink of choice is.” His smirk sent a warmth through my body I was not expecting. I think I like his smirk more than his smile. Without breaking eye contact with Theo I ordered, “I’ll have a rum and coke.” He seemed surprised but nodded approvingly. “Good choice. I’ll have one as well.” Sitting in a comfortable silence, we watched the bartender make our drinks while checking our IDs. Well really he checked mine with barely a glance at Theo’s. I swallowed that oh too familiar insecurity as we made our way to the corner with the darts and lounge chairs. The rum and coke was perfect. Just the right rum to coke ratio. As I enjoyed my drink on the lounge chair, Theo grabbed my hand unexpectedly and guided me to the darts. “Oh, I’m not too good at this, maybe I’ll just watch from the couch.” I turned to go, but was stopped by a gentle hand resting on my waist and motioning me back to facing the dart board. His large, warm hand rested so gently on my waist as he grabbed some darts. I scrunched my face as he placed it in my free hand. “I’ve never done this. I don’t even know how to hold it.” I missed the warmth of his palm as he took our drinks away before adjusting the dart in my hand. But not for long. Slipping behind me he returned his palm to my waist as he guided my hand with the dart. “Ready?” I fumbled the dart between my sweaty fingers. His lips were so close to my ear I became dazed. He smelled amazing. Like mahogany teakwood candles. I took a big swig of my drink to return some moisture to my mouth as he chuckled, returning the dart to me.