Post-Concert

The car ride back to his house is quiet. David seems pensive and I don’t want to interrupt his thoughts. Instead, I slide a CD into the player and soon my SUV is full of the sounds of soft, acoustic guitars. The music matches our moods.

We pull up to his house, and he gives me a brief hug and peck on the cheek, then jumps out of the car as if it were on fire. I had been sure he was going to try to kiss me fully on the lips, but he doesn’t even try. I feel disappointed but relieved.

“So,” he says, “is Friday night good for you?” He hadn’t been able to repay me the full price of the concert ticket, feels terribly about it, and he is getting paid on Friday.

I nod. “Friday’s fine. I’ll just tell R. that I have to run some errands after work. Where do you want me to meet you?”

“How about Applebee’s down the street? My bank is in the same shopping center. I’ll get there before you do and cash my check so the money is ready for you.”

I think about it for a moment. Applebee’s is perfect. It is far from my house, far from my office, and the chances of running into anyone who knows me there are extremely slim. “Okay, Applebee’s sounds fine.”

He takes a long look at me and smiles. “Thanks again for tonight. See you on Friday. Drive safely.”

He shuts the door and quickly walks up to his front door.