Todd scooted his butt out of Liz's room, so that she could get ready for their first official date. Now, he wished he had actually planned a little further ahead. Where were they going to go? Things had gone pretty well so far with Liz, even if they were both moving into uncharted waters. But, there was some unfinished business Todd wasn't looking forward to. He still needed to talk to Hollie. Todd had figured to go out with the cute cheerleader a couple of times just for fun and be done with it. Instead, in a very short time she had become a part of their close knit group, Liz's good friend, and something more than friends with Todd.
Her intuition and sacrifice had led him to face feelings he didn't really understand and to take this new step with Liz. Hollie had done this for them, no matter the possible cost to her own feelings.
Feeling a twinge of guilt and his stomach tighten, Todd took out his cell phone and dialed.
Hollie picked up on the second ring. "Hey Todd. Everything OK?"
"So far," he replied. "But, we need to talk."
"Well that's almost never a good way to start a conversation," Hollie answered. "I assume its about the stuff from last night, and I understand why you may have not wanted to go into it with so many witnesses."
"Well, some of its about that. The rest is about me and you...and Liz."
"You want to have a threesome? She must be taking things
very
well," Hollie giggled.
"NO! I mean, not that that wouldn't be amazing...er..I mean, no that wasn't what I was saying," Todd stammered.
"Easy there tiger. I was just teasing to try to lighten the mood. Let me make things easier for you. You're calling to break up with me because you're with Liz now, right?"
"Well, I'm not really with Liz, but after last night I realized that maybe I should be, you know? Wait. Of course you know. You knew before I did. That was sneaky, by the way, but really well done"
"Thanks, I think" Hollie replied. "I had help, but it wasn't easy and I felt a little guilty tricking both of you, then kissing Liz...you sure you don't want that threeway?"
"Not as sure now," Todd sighed. "You know I thought this was going to be harder on you to talk about."
"AWWW, poor baby," she laughed. "Well, if it makes you feel better, I had pretty much figured that this was what was going to happen, so I dealt with a lot of the mixed emotions already. If you two have the love of the ages, it would have been pretty selfish to stand in the way. Should I ask how the magical first night was, or is that none of my business."
"Well since you played Cupid and all," Todd answered," I don't mind telling you that there was no magical first night. I was completely zonked. No kissing, no making out, and we both slept in our own beds, alone. Allen got his good night kiss, though."
"I need to buy more apples." Hollie grumbled.
"What?"
"Never mind. Have you guys even discussed it then?"
'Some this morning." Todd described the ring and the prior conversation with Liz, as Hollie sighed at the romantic scene. "Now, " he finished, "I want to start things out slow and official. She's getting ready now."
"Where are you taking her," Hollie asked.
'Well, that's the thing, " Todd said. "I'm the party guy, not the romantic guy, and I hadn't thought out all the plans. I hate to ask, but do you have any suggestions."
Hollie hesitated before responding. "I do, but I'm not going to tell them to you. It's not because I'm jealous either. It's because things that would be special to me may not fit what you two have. You need to pick something that has meaning for at least her, and hopefully for both of you. I know you can do it. You
are
that romantic guy. That thing with your granddad's ring, the way you told me about "your favorite kiss," that was you getting in touch with your inner Prince Charming. The right plan will come to you."
Todd relaxed at Hollie's heartfelt advice. "OK. I think maybe you dodged a bullet, Hollie. Liz has been stuck with me forever, so she hasn't got a choice. But you were probably too good for me."
"Damn straight I was," she laughed, "but I'll keep you on my list of references, and if things don't work out with you and Liz...."
"I'd be honored if you'd lower yourself to go out with me again," Todd laughed.
"Who said I was thinking about you? Liz already knows how good I am." Hollie said slyly. "Good luck, loverboy."
Hollie hung up and Todd shook his head, wondering at how he had been fortunate enough to involve himself with such incredible women.
***
Liz tried not to rush, but she didn't want to keep Todd waiting too long, either. Taking a quick shower, she shaved and washed her hair, then took a little extra time applying her makeup and straining her hair so that it lay sleek and soft over her shoulders and down her back. She wondered what she should wear. He looked handsome in his dress clothes, so she figured she had to at least match him.
With a towel wrapped around her body, she snuck back into her room and turned the radio a bit louder, looking through her things. She really had to get more color! She finally settled on a blue cotton dress that was casual, but dressy enough for a date. The thin straps showed off the smooth skin of her shoulders and arms, with a hint of cleavage were the bodice hugged her, and the skirt flared out from her hips gently and ended at her knees. Slipping on a pair of navy flats, she dabbed on a hint of perfume and then studied herself in the mirror.