Chapter Four: Second Date

I feel great tonight. I'm meeting Corey at his place, his mother is making us dinner. I talked to him on the phone earlier.

Me: So, are you psyched about our date tonight?

It had been two days since we became an official couple. I'm not sure if the extent of our feelings collide with the Trends of Merryweather but I can't honestly sa I care.

Corey: Yeah. Hey, instead of going out, how about you come over, I'll have Mom whip us up some of her famous Shrimp Alfredo.

Me: It's okay Corey. I'm over that whole thing. I promise you, I'm not going to break.

Corey: Okay but my parents really want to meet you. Just this once, please?

Me: Oh all right. Dinner at your place. What time should I show up?

Corey: 7:00. I'll prepare a welcoming ambiance. What's your favorite song?

Me: No question. Something In The Way by Nirvana.

Corey: Done. See you tonight.

DINNER DATE

Now I'm standing outside his front door, butterflies swarm inside my stomach. This is the first time I'm meeting a guy's parents without the embarraqssing aid of my mother and the ever promenant baby pictures. I knock slowly four times. The door swings open not a second too soon, a sweet lady's voice greets me.

Woman: Hello. You must be Melinda, Corey has been expecting you. Won't you please come in?

Suddenly I feel embarrassed. Even if this woman is Corey's sister, I'm wearing a slightly revealing black cocktail dress. I brush past her nervously. I spot my boyfriend (it's funny to actually use that term without shivering) holding a rose.

Corey: For you my lady.

He pins the flower to my right cup, being careful not to touch anything but the dress.

Me: Thank you so much.

I sniff the air. A sweet arouma captures my senses.

Me: Mmmm, what's cooking?

A woman enters the room. Corey's mother.

Mother: Shrimp Alfredo silly. Hi, I'm Kerry.

I shake her hand. Nirvana echos from a stereo speaker the size of two fifth graders.

Man: Hello. Who do we have here?

Kerry: Oh Frank. This is Melinda Sordino. Corey's girlfriend.

Frank: Pleasure to meet you young lady.

Corey's father pulls him into a father-son huddle and whispers:

Kerry: You are forgiven. No need to be uptight around us.

Frank: Yeah. If you think what you said is bad, you don't want to be around Kerry for more than a minute in a bar.

Everyone burst out laughing. Halfway through the meal, Corey's parents excuse themselves and start clearing their plates. They light two peppermint candles and turn down the lights.

Me: Corey, you're family is so sweet. Have you told them about what you know?

Corey: I told them. Only because I thought that they should know.

Me: Okay. No problem. I would've done the same thing.

After our meal and a slow dance to Nirvana (he hesitates when holding me close so I press myself against him) we bid good night before Corey escorts me home. We stand outside my door.

Corey: So, did you have a good second date?

Me: Yeah. Thanks.

I kiss him voluntarily, wrapping my arms tightly around him. The pleasure of the kiss takes my breath away. What a night.