That evening at six sharp Soda was parking in the middle class neighborhood at the address Tiffany gave him.
He rang the bell and knowing that it was for her Tiffany opened the door. She was wearing a white lace blouse and a black skirt. Her hair was down and she looked really beautiful.
"Hey, you look great," Soda said admiring her.
"Well, thank you, you are not so bad yourself," she smiled widely. Soda knew he couldn't take her to his neighborhood, couldn't take her to the Dingo so he drove to Danny's which was a middle class joint. They took a seat and ordered food. The place was nice enough. It was clean and a nice band was playing soft relaxing music.
"So tell me a little bit about yourself," Soda asked.
"Well, I was born and raised in New Orleans. I love it out there, but we moved here six months ago because my dad got sent here from his job. What about you?"
For a second there Soda felt embarrassed because he didn't have education but he was working and helping to pay the bills and he was proud of that. "Well," he started, "I dropped out of High School when I was seventeen. My parents got killed in a car crash and I had to help my older brother to pay the bills so I got a job at a gas station."
"I am really sorry," Tiffany said, paling a little.
"It's ok," Soda replied quietly, looking down, then continued. "I wasn't doing that well in school anyway. It's just not my thing." She nodded, "I understand it's not for everyone."
"My best friend and me we are going to own that gas station one day." Soda added and there was determination in his voice, like he really meant it. She nodded again, "that would be nice to have your own thing, to be your own boss."
"Yeah, that's pretty neat," Soda agreed.
"Well," Soda said after they talked for a little longer and were done with their food, "dinner is only a part of our date today".
"What's the other part?" She asked smiling.
"Well, I kind of drag race and there's a race tonight would you watch me race?" She was thoughtful for a moment then looked up at Soda and said, "Isn't that dangerous?"
"Well that's the point," Soda said, excitement in his voice "that's the thrill of it." Soda paid for the food. She wanted to pay her bill but Soda insisted on paying. She was a little quiet as they got to the car.