No reservations

After paying for the groceries, the two of you head back home, with Mazzy still excitedly talking about what she’s planning to cook. You smile and let her talk, amazed at how happy her company makes you. In only a day, she’s managed to completely flip your mood, and you already can’t picture not having her around. What’s more, her relentlessly upbeat personality is already rubbing off on you, as evidenced by how quickly you shrug off the incident at the store. Previously, you would have ended up in a pointless shouting match, but all it took was a gentle touch and a smile from Mazzy to get you to turn away this time.

When you arrive home, the two of you haul the food inside, though the big bags look almost comical in Mazzy’s arms. With a bit of creative stacking, and finally getting rid of some leftovers that you’ve held on to for far too long, you manage to get everything stored away. You and Mazzy move to relax on the couch once again, and you pull out your phone as she leans against you.

“Ohh, who you calling, Brian?”

You smile. “Well, if we want to have Dave and his wife over for dinner, we should probably invite them. Hell, I haven’t even told him about you yet, it’s all happened so fast!”

Mazzy grins. “We might have skipped ahead to the fun parts a little bit! You’re still happy with this, right?”

You nod. “Couldn’t be happier.”

Mazzy snuggles closer, and you give the halfling a squeeze. Meanwhile, you dial Dave’s number. It’s not long before he picks up.

“Hey Brian, what’s up? Something going on?”

You laugh. “You could say that. Hey, do you and Lisa have any plans tomorrow night?”

“Just a sec…” You hear his voice, muffled a bit. “Hey, babe? We got anything going on tomorrow?”

There’s another pause, then he speaks. “Nope, we’re free! Why?”

“Well, I was wondering if you two wanted to come over for dinner.”

Dave laughs. “I mean, sure, but it better not be your cooking, we gotta work on Monday, can’t be having food poisoning!”

You roll your eyes. “It’s not, actually. You know how you suggested I check out the AWIO?”

Another pause, then laughter. “God damn, you move quickly! So, who is she?”

You laugh with him. “Yeah, I suppose I do. Her name is Mazzy, and she’s a wonderful cook, among other things.”

Mazzy pipes up. “That’s me! Woman of many talents!”

You can hear Dave’s smile. “I’m not going to ask any questions until I can embarrass you in person. We’ll be there, bud.”

“Great! We’ll see you tomorrow, then!”

You and Dave say your goodbyes, and you hang up. Looking at Mazzy, who is smiling up at you, you have an idea. “We should get you a phone too.”

Mazzy nods. “Good idea! But later. Time for lunch!”

You laugh, and she winks, still smiling. “And later, I’ll show off more of my ‘talents’.”

The two of you share a look, and you shake your head and chuckle. “One, that was so very subtle. Two, you really are insatiable, aren’t you.”

Mazzy shrugs. “One, I know what I want, and I’m fairly sure you want it too. So why be coy about it? Two…yes. And as I said, it’s been a while. Also, it was really good, and I want more!”

You laugh, walking into the kitchen with her.