I know who I want to bring––Dan-–but I have to bury the lead, so I don’t make my brother suspicious at how quick I’m to suggest that his best friend accompany me. I look across the table at Tatiana, her glasses still on even though we are indoors, silently eating after applying a copious amount of soy sauce, and get an idea.
Elise:The only two people who I know for sure are available that night are Tatiana and Dan.
Andries:Are you insane? Do NOT bring Tatiana to MY FIANCÉE’S FLAT. Just bring Dan so we avoid a diplomatic crisis, okay?
I grin to myself at how easy he is to manipulate.
Elise:Okay, okay! Dan it is. I’ll text you to confirm after I ask him.
I excuse myself, stepping out onto the patio and sinking into one of the chairs, calling Dan instead of texting him. The sun is down, and even though it’s warm, the city is subdued on this lovely weeknight. I almost consider just inviting him over, but it’s too much, too soon, so I settle for hearing his voice over the phone call instead.
“You are incorrigible,” he says, picking up the call almost instantly. “A stalker, almost.”
I wrinkle my nose. “Shut up, Dan. Come to dinner with me Thursday. Andries invited me to Roxanne’s place, but I feel… weird.”
“I don’t solely exist to be your social buffer.” He snorts. “Find someone else.”
“Like who? Plus, he’s your best friend. It will be fun.”
Dan pauses, thinking it over no doubt. I wonder where he is, maybe lounging in bed, talking to me from the most private part of his home. It gives me a shiver of pleasure to think about.
“What part of ‘we should stay away from each other for a while’don’t you understand? Last night was an accident, we were just in the same place by coincidence, but we shouldn’t be purposefully making plans together.”
I exhale, clos my eyes, and leaning back in my chair. “You know it’s not a viable solution for us in the real world. Our lives and social circles are too entwined. We just have to learn how to deal with each other and keep our cool.”
I can hear him laugh, holding the phone away from his face. Probably scraping a hand through his hair, frustrated by me. Oh well. “It’s you that needs to keep your cool, not me. How typical for you to essay one thing and then change your mind the next day? The world doesn’t revolve around you, you know.”
“You sure act like it does when you’re around me,” I quip back, cool and casual. I hear him mutter something under his breath.
“Are you sure you wouldn't rather take Mark?”
“You told me to stay away from him. Plus, I think he and Tatiana hit it off. Are you going to be my plus one or not? I already told my brother I was going to ask you so I’m sure he’ll want to know why you refused his generous invitation if you try to get out of it.”
“Elise, you little—” He sighs, but mulls it over. “Fine. I’ll go. But please restrain yourself from throwing yourself at me, okay? Have some class.”
“Fuck you, Dan.”
“Don’t tempt me. I’ll see you Thursday.”
And with that, he hangs up, and I’m left with only the sound of chirping crickets and the city down below.
21
Amsterdam, May 26, 2022
Elise
I walk downthe stairs of my building to greet Dan who is leaning against a vintage dark green BMW, one of the dozens of cars in the massive collection he shares with his father. He looks so good that it’s almost obscene, in just a pair of dark wash jeans and a perfectly fitted olive shirt that makes his tan skin almost glow. With his hands in his pockets and the cocky smile on his face, I know he’s in good spirits. Which is great because I’m uncommonly nervous.
I pull at my own clothes as I walk down to him; a simple pair of flowing beige pants and a fitted black sleeveless tank top, wondering if I’m either over or undressed. We’re having dinner at their home, but Roxanne is still enough of a mystery to me that I can’t pinpoint what exactly she considers dinner wear. Maybe I should grab a cardigan…?
“I can tell by your face that you're overthinking this,” Dan tells me before I can even say a word. “We can still call it off if you want.”
“No way. It’s too late and I think you know how rude that would be.”
Dan opens the passenger door for me, and I slide into the supple leather seat while he walks to the driver’s side. The interior of the car smells like his cologne, something spicy and woodsy, and I take a huge breath of it before he’s inside with me to notice.
“I’ve been thinking,” I start as soon as he pulls out onto the road. “Do you think having dinner at their place is a power move on Roxanne’s end? I can’t help but think maybe she’s doing it on purpose, so I’ll be more on edge–”