Despite the wonders I have seen of the 21st century thus far, these so-called "big box" stores and chain restaurants intrigue me the most. By intrigue, I mean to say that they are fascinating: the sheer size of open selling space, the variety of products, the redundant menus and bulk packaging of everyday items. It is impressive, yet impersonal. I am taken aback each time I'm approached by someone trying to help me, especially given the number of shoppers around the store. That and I'm not too fond of anyone but Myka fawning over my accent, especially if I am shopping for something as mundane as socks or parsnips.

If there is one thing I have learnt from Myka regarding modern consumer culture, it's that so-called "mom and pop" and local shops are disappearing and these big stores seem to be putting them out of business. Whenever we go somewhere, we look for local places just because sometimes we like to be quirky and adventuresome.

Today it's Myka's turn to pick out our date location. She always seems to know exactly what sort of activity we should do. I typically am bewildered and suggest a walk in the park, tea/coffee or a movie curled up in bed. Even though we have only been "together" for a month or so, it still feels as if we have been doing this little dance for far longer. I think about the before and after of it, there isn't much difference aside from the physical affections we bestow upon each other and the more open expression of our emotions and feelings.

As we're in Seattle for a case and have the afternoon and evening free on a Friday, Myka decides it's as good a time as any for an impromptu date.

"This is a proper date, right?"

We still have the hired car and are driving in some residential area of the north of the city. "It's a date." Myka's behind the wheel as she is the only one with the patience for driving in cities and residential zones; I prefer speeding on the highways and not having to look out for pedestrians. She reaches across the console to hold my hand. "

I squeeze her hand as we approach a traffic light. "You are at least going to buy me dinner? Tea? Coffee? I am fairly hungry."

She angles her curly mane towards me, exasperated that I even have to ask. Her hair is even more out of control with this humidity. "Of course! What sort of girlfriend would I be?" she asks with a wink.

A few minutes later, we drive up to a small red brick building with windmills and a giant Starbucks sign. I sometimes fear where Myka will take me on these expeditions, but in the end I simply succumb to her excellent judgment. She parks the car and we saunter up to the entrance. It's chilly and a bit rainy; however, we enjoy the varied weather as opposed to the either intense snow or heat of South Dakota.

Apparently we're at some sort of local eatery that specializes in handmade, gourmet burgers. Myka stands slightly in front of me as she looks up at the board with the menu options. There are so many choices nowadays, no matter where you go: it's sometimes overwhelming.

"Would you be terribly opposed to me getting something with lots of onion?" I whisper into her ear.

Myka quietly laughs and grabs my hand when she leans backwards to reply. "No, go ahead and get something oniony. You'll only be kissing me anyways."

We order our food, sit down at a table by the window and wait. Myka's quiet, toying with her ring, looking out the window. I sit besides her, quiet too, until I reach for her fidgeting hand.

"You alright?"

"Yeah, I'm just a bit tired."

I look at her, tilting her head backwards, still looking outside. She does look exhausted. She's trying to make the most of this bit of downtime that we have and it's so sweet of her. "How about I ask them to wrap up our dinner? We can eat back at the hotel, indulge in a view of the Bay, run you a bath and then I can tuck you into bed."

"That sounds wonderful."

"If you're tired, tell me. I can...rise to the occasion, Myka." I kiss her unruly head of curls and approach the counter. In a matter of moments, everything is packaged up and we're heading out the door back to our hotel. I veer her towards the passenger door, passing her the bag of food. "Here, I'll drive."

She smiles at me, fully well knowing how much I hate city driving, but love pleasing her at every opportunity.