We Met Like This

by Kasie West

“Ugh, I’m sorry,” I said. “I’m usually so much better on dates. Funny and witty. Not that this is a date, but I feel bad that after all this time, this is the person you get to hang out with.” “Please stop apologizing, Margot. I already know you’re funny and witty. Also … is this not a date?” he asked. My eyes shot to his in surprise. “Oh … it’s not,” he said. “You did use the words celebration partner. I should’ve realized you were just wanting to…” He tilted his head as if piecing together my thoughts and how I had jumped him in the car. I had jumped him in the car, and my body wanted to again as I sat here under his intense gaze. But my thoughts were all over the place. “No, that’s not … It’s just our last date was…” “Terrible?” he said. “Despite my epic souvenir.” “Yes,” I said. “Exactly.” “With your talk of resets, I thought you were giving me a do-over.” “You want a do-over?” I asked. He had seemed like he hadn’t when I’d brought it up. “Yes,” he said. “Very much.”