Variation
"Just tell him," Carly said to Sam as the girls sat on the Shay's couch playing balloon tennis.
"No, it's no big deal," Sam said.
"Come on, it's Freddie, he'd do whatever you want," Carly reasoned.
"Yeah, I know, but-"
"What's up, muchachas?" Freddie asked, stepping into the apartment.
"I'm gonna go wash my hair," Carly said, jumping up off the couch.
"Um, okay," Freddie said. He turned to Sam. "Hey, princess."
"Hey," Sam smiled as he leaned down to kiss her.
"So, guess what I have planned for us tonight?" Freddie said sitting down next to his girlfriend.
"Dinner at Pinni's," Sam said at once. "Followed by the latest romantic comedy and then smoothies at the Groovy Smoothie."
"Uh-huh," Freddie said happily. "We should probably leave for Pinni's at six because the movie starts at eight and-"
"Freddie," Sam sighed. "Can we talk?"
"Oh, um, sure," he nodded. "What's up?"
"Well, we've been dating for, what, like ten months, right?"
"Right."
"And well, we've been on a lot of dates during that time."
"Every week," Freddie nodded. "Wait, why are you bringing this up?"
"It's just," Sam said. "Every date's the same thing. Dinner, movie, smoothies. I just think our relationship could use a little…variation."
"Variation?" Freddie repeated. His eyes grew wide. "Variation as in dating other people? Are you breaking up with me? Is this-"
"No, no, I'm not breaking up with you," Sam said quickly.
"Oh," Freddie said, relieved, as his cheeks turned red. "Good."
"I'm just saying that maybe it wouldn't be terrible if we did something a little different."
"Different," he nodded. "Okay. I can do that."
"Really?" Sam said.
"Of course," Freddie smiled. "If that's what you want, I'll do it."
"Thanks," Sam said, wrapping her arms around Freddie's neck. "I love you, nub."
"Love you too," Freddie laughed. He pulled away. "Okay, well, if I'm going to plan a completely new and different date, then I'm gonna have to get started. I'll pick you up here at six?"
"Sounds good," Sam nodded.
….
"So you don't have any idea what he's planning?" Carly asked as she helped Sam zip up the back of her dress.
"Nope," Sam said, sliding on a pair of heels. "None."
"Wow, pretty exciting," Carly grinned.
"I know," Sam nodded. There was a knock at the door.
"Right on time," Carly said as Sam hurried to let Freddie in.
"You look…great," Freddie said when Sam opened the door. "I hope you don't mind me saying that every date, but it's always true."
"You look nice too," she laughed. She grabbed her purse. "See you later, Carls."
"Have fun!" Carly called after them.
"So," Sam said, walking hand in hand with Freddie down the hallway towards the stairs. "Where are we going?"
"Well," Freddie said. "First I got us tickets to see that vicious animal show that's going on in that stadium downtown."
"Really?" Sam said happily. "I love carnivores!"
"And then," Freddie said. "We're going to go get some dinner at that dinner theatre place; they're doing a murder mystery tonight."
"I love those," Sam grinned.
"And finally," Freddie said. "We're going to finish up our night by getting some desert at that fancy chocolate fondue place that just opened up by the art museum."
"You planned all of this today?" Sam asked.
"Uh-huh," Freddie said. "Just for you."
"You're the best," Sam whispered, kissing his lips. "Now come on. Mama wants to see some tigers."
