Looks Can Be Deceiving

I rushed around my kitchen, getting things ready for dinner. Pandora was coming over and I wanted her to feel absolutely comfortable with her surroundings. I laid the two steaks I had selected, out on my counter along with some shrimp and cut up lettuce for salad. Alan and Tino came down the stairs both adjusting their hair simultaneously.
“Are you sure you don’t wanna come out with us tonight, Austin?” Alan rose and eyebrow.
“No, Pandora is coming over in a little bit.” Tino looked down at the counter, resting his elbows on the granite.
“Your famous steak I’m assuming?” I nodded, looking around to make sure all the alcohol was out of sight.
“Someone’s getting a piece of ass tonight,” Alan winked.
“Would you please stop talking like that about her?”
“Wow,” Alan seemed shocked. “You really like her don’t you?”
“Yeah, dude. I’m doing everything possible to get her to trust me.”
“Damn, I’d never waste as much time as you chasing a girl.”
“You just don’t understand… she’s amazing… she’s different.”
“Well I think you’re trying hard, and in the end it will pay off,” Tino smiled. Alan looked at him with a glare.
“Suck up.” Phil came down the stairs as Alan turned around. “Finally, you’re done straightening your hair!” he rolled his eyes.
“Hey, I gotta look nice,” Phil laughed, grabbing my keys. “Austin can we take your car?”
“He doesn’t need it. He’s got a hot date,” Alan muttered.
“Very funny Alan,” I looked to Phil. “It’s all yours just please don’t let Alan smoke pot in there. Last time he did it smelt for two weeks straight. And please no sex.”
“God, so many rules,” Alan whined.
“Do you want my car or not?” I pressed my palms into the edge of the counter and leaned into it.
“Fine, but what if I have sex with my clothes on?” he questioned.
“Alan, no sex: period.” He put his hands up.
“Okay, okay fine… no sex Mr. Celibacy.” I rolled my eyes and sighed, looking to Tino.
“Can you please get him out of here before he ruins my good mood?” Tino laughed. Sometimes Alan was a really cool guy, but he was also the youngest and most immature: sometimes at the worst times.
“Have a good night Austin,” Tino smiled and grabbed Alan’s arm, following Phil to the front door. Alan muttered something as the three of them left. I stood up straight and looked around, wondering what else I could do to make Pandora’s night comfortable. I put all the alcohol away, made sure the air didn’t smell like booze, got the guys out of the house for the night and was gonna cook something I was sure she’d like. I paced around the kitchen, waiting for her to get here. I couldn’t wait to see her. I had waited all week for her to be off of school; finally the moment was here. It was Friday night and I was going to make tonight perfect for Pandora. This really was the make or break date between the two of us. Either she’d have fun and want to be with me, or she’d have a really shitty time and leave again like she did the last time when I took her out for dinner. I really had to make her trust me tonight.

Notes