After conferring briefly with Phil, I set off to do some reconnaissance. Grabbing a seat next to her on the sofa, I said, "Hey Jane, how's your night going?"
"Really well, we always have a good time when we hang out with Dan and Phil. And it's great to meet you as well."
We talked for a while about school and the comparative merits of psychology versus philosophy. Eventually, though, I went in for the kill. "Ok, let's get to the good stuff. Girl talk time. So do you have a boyfriend?"
"Sadly, no. I mean there have been a few guys in my courses and such, but nobody who's really held my interest, you know? And I'm pretty sure that the only guy that I've actually liked in a long while doesn't even like me as a friend, let alone like that," she lamented.
"No way," I protested. "I mean, I've only just met you, but you're pretty, smart, and have great taste in movies," I said with a smile. "I refuse to believe that."
"I'm not too sure about that, but thanks for saying it. You're a sweetie."
"Alright, let's see if we can get to the bottom of this. Can you tell me about Mr. Mystery Man or is that classified?"
"Just between us girls?"
"Absolutely, cross my heart."
"Okay, because I would be mortified if he ever found out, so you can't say a word," she emphasized sternly.
I nodded and she continued in a whisper, "Okay, so it's Dan. But you must have noticed how he acts around me. With everyone else he's joking around, making sarcastic remarks and teasing them, but he barely says three words to me. I don't know what I ever did to him, but nothing's going to happen there. But of course I haven't been able to stop liking him even though I can clearly see it's not returned."
"I wouldn't be too sure about that. I haven't known him for long, obviously, but he strikes me more as someone awkwardly smitten than who dislikes you."
Jane gave me a skeptical look. "I definitely would like that to be true, but I can't say I'm convinced. Anyway," she continued, changing her tone, "enough about me, what about your love life?"
"Oh boy," I answered, "pretty much the only men in my life right now are Arthur Schopenhauer, Immanuel Kant, and a bunch of other long-deceased, rather quirky intellectual types. I mean, I'd like a boyfriend, but school's just been so intense, and I haven't really made that many friends here yet."
"Well you've got me," Jane announced happily. "I know I'm not exactly boyfriend material, but you seem totally awesome and I could really use some more female friends. I love Anja, but she's moved away now and can't visit much. We definitely need to hang out again!"
"That sounds great. Remind me to give you my number before you leave, and we can make plans for next week!"
"Okay," I reported sotto voce as I sidled up next to Phil, "She's definitely in to him. Crushing pretty hard, actually, I think, but the problem is, she's convinced herself that he hates her because he gets so clammed up around her."
"Aw, such star-crossed lovers. But at least now that we know she's into him, I can fully support encouraging Dan to make a move."
"So what's our plan?" But just as I finished asking, we heard Dan loudly announce, "I'm hungry! Somebody feeeeeed me!"
Everybody laughed at Dan's outburst before Jane spoke up, "I could definitely go for some food."
"Pizza?" asked Anja hopefully.
"Yes please!" Dan chirped. "Having an excuse to order pizza is the best part of inviting friends over."
"Sounds like it's decided," Phil said. "I elect Dan and Jane to run out to pick it up. Angelo's is the best around, but it always takes them ages to deliver."
Instead of being his lazy self and complaining about the extra effort, Dan acquiesced to Phil's suggestion rather quickly. Oh yeah, he's so into her.
Jane looked hesitant at Phil's declaration, but then perked up a bit when she saw how easily Dan agreed to the outing with her. I caught her eye and shot her a quick I-told-you-so look across the room. She tried to look nonchalant, but I could tell she was at least a tad excited.
As the designated errand-runners grabbed coats, keys, and wallets, everybody piped up with their order requests. After the toppings were decided on and the door was shut behind them, I turned to congratulate Phil. "Well done, sir, very smooth. I'm impressed."
"That was a golden opportunity," he responded graciously, "I had to take it. Hopefully they just need a little time alone to talk and realize that they're clearly perfect for one another."
Anja came bounding up to us then, with Tom following behind. "What are you two up to over here? Don't think I don't see you whispering in the corner," she accused playfully, her eyes narrowing.
"Making plans for your future world domination?" suggested Tom.
"Nah, I've already got that planned out," joked Phil. "We were actually attempting to play matchmaker for Dan and Jane. Kate even picked up on it, and she's only know Dan for half a day."
Almost true. "I saw Dan acting all sketchy around her and then it just clicked in my head. Then Phil said he'd noticed it before, so I got the inside scoop from Jane. They both like each other, but think the other isn't interested."
"So clearly they need a little push in the right direction," concluded Phil.
"I can't believe she never said anything to me! I could totally see that though," remarked Anja. "They have very similar senses of humor and competitive drive when it comes to videos games. Even though Jane can be a little quiet when you first meet her, she definitely has a bit of a wild side too."
"I definitely think they could be good together. Let's hope their little outing is a success," added Tom.
"Who's ready for some cheesy deliciousness!?" hollered Dan as he pushed open the flat door, baring several familiar flat boxes.
As we all declared our excitement and gathered up plates, I eyed the two of them appraisingly. They certainly looked happy, but I couldn't be sure if anything had happened. I mean there was pizza involved.
We hadn't gone too crazy with the wine, but everyone had had enough to make late night pizza extra delicious and ensure we were all a little extra giggly and silly. Basically an excellent night.
I ended up sat next to Phil on the floor at the coffee table. And Jane's next to Dan on the sofa, I see. We were mostly involved in the group conversation, but every once in a while he'd turn to me with a little side comment, or lean into me playfully with his shoulder and those damn butterflies would take flight again. Honestly, how could any girl not swoon looking into those big blue eyes with that adorable lopsided smile? I'd never been so glad to have been spilled on in all my life.
After we had pretty much demolished the food, I saw my opening. Jane excused herself to use the loo, and I quietly slipped down the hallway behind her. "Hey," I called softly, touching her shoulder. She spun around and her face lit up immediately.
"Ah, I've been waiting to tell someone! Quick, in here," she said, motioning me into the bathroom.
After the door was closed behind us, I encouraged her, "Okay tell me all about what happened with you and Dan on your pizza trip. I've been dying of curiosity over here."
"It was pretty awkward at first, I mean, we were both pretty much silent the whole 38 floor elevator ride. Dan with his hands in his pockets, doing his little awkward times dance and me probably looking scared stiff. But then once we were outside and walking, I began to relax a bit. We chatted about how nice the night was and the party. Finally, I couldn't stand it anymore though, and I asked him outright if he didn't like me," she flushed a bit in embarrassment at the memory.
"He looked a bit stunned for a moment before he started apologizing for acting to weird and explaining that he actually really liked me. 'Like really liked' me," she exclaimed happily.
"Oh my gosh, that's so great! I knew it!"
"Yeah, I couldn't even believe it was happening. But then we spent the rest of the time just talking about anything and everything. We have so much in common, and I mean, clearly the boy is gorgeous. He asked me out on a proper date this weekend," she confessed with a huge grin on her face.
"Aw, I'm so happy for you! It was about time you guys came clean," I smiled.
"Yeah, he just seems like a very private person when it comes to romantic things, so I think some time alone was exactly what we needed. Thank you by the way. Don't think I didn't see what you and Phil did there."
"My pleasure!"
We made our way back to the lounge to see everybody sprawled out, happily sated from the wine and pizza. It was nearing two, probably early evening to Dan and Phil, but way past my bedtime. The night had been like a fairy tale, but it was definitely high time for me to turn back into a pumpkin.
It had been decided that Anja, Tom and Jane would stay over since they had driven into town. In fact, Anja was already passed out on the loveseat, one arm flopped over her eyes to block out the light. When I announced my intention to head out, Dan offered, "I know we have a bit of a full house, but you're more than welcome to stay over. I'm sure we could put something together for you."
"You guys have been so nice already, but to be honest, I'm pretty excited about climbing into my own bed right now. Anyway, it's not a long walk, and it's well lit. I'll be fine," I assured them.
I was a bit sad to leave, but I figured I still had Dan's t-shirt so I was more or less guaranteed to see them again. Plus, I had plans to see Jane again soon.
On my way out, however, Phil caught up with me, pulling the door nearly shut behind him as he stepped out into the hall in to face me. "Hey Kate," he said with a shy smile. "So I was just wondering if you might like to hang out again? Just us, I mean. Maybe have dinner tomorrow night?"
Um, is this real life?! Stay calm. "Yeah, I'd really like that."
Visibly relieved, he continued, "Maybe I could stop by your halls tomorrow night and we can go to this really good Indian place I know nearby."
"That sounds great. Why don't you give me your phone, and I'll put in my number," I said, trying for a flirtatious tone.
As I was trying to control my shaking hands enough to type in the right numbers, he confessed, "I figured with all that talk about encouraging Dan to man up and pursue the girl, I should take my own advice."
Handing him back his iphone, I answered, "Well, I for one am very glad that you did," probably turning a bit pink in the process. "I guess I'll see you tomorrow," I said with a smile, moving towards the elevator and pressing the call button.
"Till then," Phil said with a smile and a small wave. "Get home safely."
"Will do. Have a good night!" I called out softly as the doors closed him out from view.
Safely hidden away, I couldn't help but have another mini fangirl freak out, practically shaking with excitement and a touch of nerves for tomorrow evening. It was a little bit different this time though, as mixed in with the inevitable fangirl feels were definitely the butterflies of nascent real-life romantic attachment. Holy crap, I actually have a date with Phil Lester! Can. Not. Wait.