We take you now to Steve’s music room. He plays one of his favorite bands …………this week.
“You remember what I said to Allie about dancing?
“That you’d do it at her house after school?”
“Ummm-humm. She took the bait.” I’m bubbling.
“Great!! So Doug is taking you there?”
“Yea, I walk across the street from the elementary school. There’s a row of connected houses with small walkways between them. He’ll be in the alley behind the houses.”
“How long do you think you’ll have with her?
“Around an hour. I already told my mother I’d be late, but before the old man gets home.”
“So she knows about Alison?
I sigh. “Yea, I had to explain why I’m on the phone on Wednesdays. Old man could care less. I have to spoon-feed Mom; I may need her to drive me somewhere if Doug falls through.”
He considers this. “Be nice to Doug, friendly but don’t kiss his ring. Make some jokes, but don’t be a wise-ass. No kissing in front of him, just hold hands. And don’t bring up the fight.”
[There had been some sort of confrontation at the high school during a basketball game. Some kids from another school had cornered our quarterback outside and Doug somehow stopped things until other boys arrived to even the odds.]
“Doug isn’t crazy. He’s just so big that he attracts idiots who think they can be a big shot by bothering him.”
“Any parting words?”
He’s up, putting on a new record.
“Relax. After dancing, just suggest you watch tube, or get a snack. You have an hour, so just talk. Plenty of time for necking later. Time will go fast. This is your first date. When you string dates together, you build a relationship. And don’t forget Doug has a car and can drive you guys places.”
“You can drive soon, too….” I’m being weaselly.
I get a raised eyebrow. “Yea, I have a mother, too; she’ll be watching my car use. I could step in if you need an emergency. Remember, first priority is always keep that asshole father in the dark………….and do NOT stare at her chest!”