This time I want to be sure

 

Really it was happening so quickly. Dora hadn't expected it to be such a whirlwind. When Holden said let's go out. He meant now.

NOW WAIT A MINUTE, she meant to say, but it felt like she was in the midst of a dance number like that couple in the musical LaLaLand. And as Dora remembered that didn't really last. She guessed this wouldn't either. But she would have liked to have dressed up for the occasion.

Except, it was just Mexican food and they got there for Happy Hour. Dora ordered herself two margaritas and promised she'd drink both. "You drink what you like." She sipped at the drink on the rocks. No way was she the kind who needed them made into a smoothie.

So they drank like it might lead up to something. She ordered the enchilada platter and he got fajitas. Her plate was clean and he had plenty of leftovers by the time it was near the end.

"I could eat that tomorrow," she told him wondering when he was going to get to talking about the software he used for bookkeeping.

Holden shook his head. He said he never ate leftovers.

"Well, good," she smiled. "I'll take them." She didn't ask for a box. She had a plastic container in her bag.

He watched as if he'd never seen anyone do that. 

"How are you so prepared?" He wanted to know.

"Years of experience," her smile was sharp. "I know you saw my I.D." She had to get it out when they ordered drinks. "I'm twenty-four and left the house when I graduated high school." She packed the food away. 

"I bet your business is thriving," she then said. "I wish I could work for you, but I kind of said I'd help somebody out with his dance studio and I really don't want to let him down."

"Why are you telling me this?" Holden was serious, or maybe the alcohol was turning him to stone.

"I thought you wanted me to work for you. I thought that's why you asked me out," Dora looked at him blankly. Maybe he didn't think she was cute after all, or it had suddenly expired.

"I just want to date you," he said.

"Me?" She laughed. "But..but you look like the type who'd date those who take business trips to Europe and daytrips to New York City."

"Where did that come from?" He looked at her as if she was the one who was judging him.

"I used to watch Sex in the City with my Mom," Dora shrugged. "It's just..well, you're like the coolest. And well, I've been with someone really cool before, and that ..." She was straight-lipped. "That didn't turn out so great."

"What happened?" He wanted to know.

"I dunno, maybe it was all too fast." She cleared his throat and wondered if she could make a quick exit if she had to, but she didn't move.

"I won't go that fast," Holden said. "After all, I just got out of a relationship from hell. I never want anything like that again. Let's just, you know..go out. Get to know each other. Just see where it goes."

"You sure, you wouldn't want to go out with Delia?" Dora looked at him as if he was confusing the two.

"Oh, Delia, I don't even remember what she looks like," he practically belched. About then the Mariachi band began to play.

Dora was surprised. Maybe it was a birthday party, but couples got up to dance.

"Want to do the Mexican two-step?" He took her by the hand. Dora felt as if she wasn't sure about this. But he had her on the floor in no time. "It's much better than the regular two-step." He smiled.

"Oh," she couldn't help but laugh. It might as well have been the tango to her, but he was light on his feet and she felt as if she was flying.