You came back a bit later.

You’d forgotten to buy some protective equipment, but the Internet had your back on this one, and you have a list. It’s soon enough fixed, as the daughter of the house gets your payment. You make small talk, and you sneak in that you intend to go to a concert by that artist you know she loves. You didn’t, a long time ago, but as a lot of things she likes, you learned to. You think of Alex, your best friend. How weird that both of them share a similar name, you wonder…

She pouts a bit. “- You are so lucky! I love them! I wish I could join you!”

“- Really? I never knew!” you lie.

“- I do! They’re fantastic! My favorite album is the 2016 summer release with the extra song they made in Japan!”

You know that already. Cindy told Alex who told you years ago. You feign surprise, though, and mention it’s also your favorite, exalting the qualities of the song.

She’s totally engrossed in the discussion, and that’s when you attempt to reel her in.

You mention that you’re actually enjoying one of your last great evenings before you go study in Europe. She’s taken aback, as the news is to her another image shattering blow on the picture she had of you. Buff, cute, and going abroad to get a European education while she stays back in the States? Going to a concert she dreams of? This is just so unfair!

“- You know… I had planned on bringing my brother to the concert, as a gesture of thanks for all the help he gave me over the summer. It turns out he really, really doesn’t share our taste in music… maybe you’d like to buy the spare ticket?”

You see her eyes sparkle, but it fizzles out. You both know how expensive those are…

You look at her, straight in the eyes.

“- You know, Alexandria… I’ve always had a sweet spot for you. Maybe we could… you know… go together?”

You can see the emotions battle it out in her eyes. You’re a loser. No, you’re not. But you’re lazy… no, you’re in fact not. You are the guy who always ends up on the ground, buzzed… well, not anymore. Very obviously not. You’re spending all your money on stupid video games with Japanese schoolgirls! Wait… this is not possible. It must be a lie. How would you have enough spare money for everything you bought today AND tickets to the show? Plus… you’re really attractive. And funny.

And then you win. She smiles the most incredible smile.

“- Ok! It’s a date then! Come and pick me up at least two hours before, there is no way I’m late for the show!”

There is no way you are either. This is a wonderful day, and in a way, the voice was right. Dating “Alex” is going to make you truly happy.