Tuesday morning was date day. Mandy found herself excited at the prospect of the fledgling romance between Paul and Melissa progressing. Paul just felt extremely nervous.
Over breakfast Mandy asked Paul ‘So the big day is on us. Melissa is going to meet you at the cinema at 6. What are your plans once you get there?’
‘I suppose we buy tickets and popcorn and watch a movie’
‘You buy the tickets and whatever food Melissa would like. What movie did you have in mind?’
‘I don't know what movies are on? I’ll let Melissa choose’
‘Perhaps you should look up the schedule and have a couple of suggestions in mind. Do you even know what sort of movie Melissa likes?’
‘How would I know? You arranged the date’
‘Well she did indicate she was not a fan of horror movies so rule any of those out. I’d suggest a feel good movie. Maybe a romantic comedy? While I’m taking my class you should see what the options are’ Mandy was teaching an adult ballet class at 10.
‘I suppose’ Paul didn’t sound very excited.
‘And what about dinner? Have you made a booking anywhere?’
‘Dinner?’ Paul seemed puzzled.
‘Your meeting her at 6pm. She would expect to eat either before or after the movie’
‘You think?’
‘Yeah I do think. Don’t you think you would be hungry yourself?’
‘I suppose……. I could take her to McDonald’s. That way I wouldn’t need to make a booking. And we could eat before or after the movie depending on when it started’
‘I’d advise taking her somewhere a little more upmarket’
‘Mum! I couldn’t afford anywhere up market. You don’t give me a very big allowance’
He had a point. The allowance Mandy gave Paul weekly wouldn’t go far if he was dating. Perhaps she could reconsider how much pocket money she gave him weekly. ‘Well you make sure you buy her meal. You don’t want to appear tight. Here take this’ She found her purse and passed him three $20 notes. ‘This is just a one off’
‘Ah thanks Mum!’ Paul took the money eagerly.
‘That’s okay. Now Melissa told me that she would find her own way in and out of town. "My sister can take me" were her words. You make sure she is back with her sister before you come home yourself. Don’t abandon her in town on her own’
‘Okay Mum’ Mandy could tell Paul was tiring of the conversation.
‘Well I’m off to work. You should go and get yourself a haircut. Save your shower and shave for the afternoon’