#having dinner

Farley... What is this?

Dinner. Like I said. Have a seat. You look great by the way

This… this is a bit more than I expected. Flowers? And candles? And look at you, you’re… are you wearing make-up ?

Like I said. It's a proper date.

It's very nice. Is there a reason?

Just thought it was a great thing I was on the same shift as my girlfriend.

Ah… well, that’s certainly worth celebrating. Girlfriend… that's still taking a little time to sink in…

I've noticed.

I'm sorry that's -

No no no, that wasn't meant as criticism in any way. I just feel like maybe there's been something on your mind these past few days.

Yeah, well… oh what the hell: I guess I’m just wondering how things are any different than they were before. We got so worked up over our decision to be an official couple but what does that even mean? Is the only difference that people know about us now?

Is that what it feels like to you?

Yes. No. Maybe a little.

I’m sorry.When I asked if you wanted to become more serious, I didn’t just mean that we’d be able to tell people.

I know. And I think that’s what scared me a bit.

How so?

Whoo boy. Can we open the wine for this?

Sure.

Okay. Here goes... I’ve never actually been in a successful relationship before. A romantic one, I mean.

Hm. Define ‘a successful relationship’?

One that lasts more than six months? One where I didn’t end up thoroughly hurt, or wondering what the hell happened, or being… never mind.

‘Or being’ what?

I’ve fallen for some real winners Farley. I’ve been cheated on, lied to, used to get back at an ex… Even let one smack me around a bit before I wised up and realized I deserved better.

Oh TJ, no…

Look, I’m not trying to lay this all on you. I just want you to understand where I’m coming from. What we had before was perfect for me. It was fun and satisfying and there was virtually no risk.

But now we’re moving past that.

Yeah. Exactly. And I know you’re not like the others I’ve dated. I’m not trying to compare you to them. I’m just… nervous. You make me feel vulnerable in a way I haven’t in a long time, it’s a little unsettling. Regardless of our commitment level, you’re the longest, best partner I’ve ever had. I don’t want to screw this up.

I am so sorry you have had to go through that and I am glad you feel being with me is different. I can’t promise you I’ll never hurt you but if we end up making mistakes we will find a way to tackle them together.

That means a lot Farley, thank you.

How about this: I’ll get dinner and then we’ll eat and talk just like two normal woman who care about each other. This between us doesn’t have to be anything we don’t want it to be, we don’t have to follow any expectations. We have time to learn just being us.