Crimson Conviction

“Well Crim, this is Manuel.” she declared.

“Nice to meet you. You can call me Manny.”

“Same here. I mean, don’t call me Manny, but,” I stuttered, “it’s nice to meet you, too.”

His laughter lingered in the awkward silence that followed. Neither of us having something else to say, Trish interjected, “So, Manny, did you like her music?” Right after the words escaped her mouth, the look on her face showed realization, she wasn’t supposed to know about that yet. This made it obvious that we had been talking about him in the back room.

“Yes. I’m sorry I went up there, I just couldn’t stand the two melodies colliding. The instrumental Italian music and the indie rock didn’t exactly blend.”

“No, no! Don’t be sorry! It was completely appropriate. So, was Crimson drooling like she was when I left?” She laughed at her own joke and I glowered at her.

“Of course not. She looked absolutely peaceful… and completely lovely.”

My face was bright red and I could hear the rumble of Alfred’s voice from the kitchen, “Aw, you hear that? I guess you were right Trish.”

“I always am! You’ve known me since I was a kid, you must learn never to agree to my bets!”

“Thank you,” I managed to choke out. He returned my timid smile with an enthusiastic one of his own.

“What are you doing tonight, Manuel?” her attempt at subtlety was ridiculous.

“I don’t think I have anything planned. I might go to my grandmothers house for dinner, but other than that I’m free. What did you have in mind?”

“Well, Crimson really needs to be shown around town. I was hoping you could be the one to do that.”

“Sounds great! I’ll pick her up around seven? Maybe we’ll catch a movie?”

“Perfect! Seven-thirty would be great, you can have your dinner with your grandma and we can have our dinner”

“Don’t I get any say in this.” I interrupted. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to go, I just needed to feel like I had an opinion.

“Oh, of course! How rude of me! Would you like to go out with me tonight?” How could I resist that?

“Sure. Pick me up at seven forty-five.” I had to be slightly defiant.

“No problem.”

As soon as his shift was over, he left with a smile. Trish was quick to start picking out an outfit for me, complaining that we only had four hours. I wondered what kind of torturous makeover she was planning on putting me through.

She decided upon a jean skirt and a rather tight fitting black and white striped sweater. It was comfortable enough, but I found myself wondering if he would like it. That was so unlike me, usually I wouldn’t care.

Author's Note Please reveiw! I would really appreciate it and it would help me get some constructive criticism! Thanks so much! Until we meet again!