The First Date II
/7 am… the phone rings and an afrobeat variation of the stocked iphone ringtone comes on. James answers…
James: you better be dying to be calling this early
Marc: shae just invited me out and it's sounding like I might be meeting the best friend
James: so you called to talk about a date...it’s 7 in the morning...bro get off my line. Imma call you back later right? ...Like at 9 am, a reasonable hour.
Marc: this is serious...call me back
James: * sucks teeth... and hangs up
11 am...James comes out of the shower feeling rejuvenated and relaxed as sun light brightens his apartment room, giving him an unobstructed view of the naked back of the woman getting dressed to exit his apartment. He looks at the notifications on his phones locked screen and sees a few messages and missed calls from Marc .
James: Damn
the woman, still half naked, looks back and smiles flirtatiously at James cursing. Nothing feels better then being irresistible to a man after sex.
Michelle (maybe): I'm off...i hope i get to see you again
James: what...yes...definitely! Let me walk you out.
James stays by the door and watches her walk towards the elevator. The elevator doors open a few seconds later and James winks and waves goodbye as she waves and enters the elevator. James runs back inside for his phone.
James: Siri call Marc on speaker…
siri voice: Calling Marc on speaker...James continues to dress himself. Dark Blue trousers, Off-white muscle turtle neck t-shirt, Maroon Doc Martens looking like he has jumped out of a ASOS website.
Marc: Hello...
James: Hey man...err...sorry for the late call had to get rid of a guest. You seem calmer...that’s good
Marc: fuck no...i’m freaking out a little dude.
James: Are you home?
Marc: Yes
James: ok perfect...i’ll be there in 15
Marc: okay
James: I’m hanging up now…
James hangs up and calls a lyft. 3 minutes out he reads on his screen. “81%...sheesh already? Are you kidding me”, he thinks. Grabbing his key’s and heading out the door James heads to the lobby. 12 minutes later he exits the lyft.
James: Thanks for the lift…
walks towards the door. luckily the doors were open due to another tenant taking some furniture out. James walks in and calls for the elevator not noticing that they were out of service. “Now i have to sweat...damn” he sighs as he reluctantly walks to the stairs for the six story trek to Marcs apartment. 5 minites later, an out of breath James exits the staircase. “Jesus...i’m fucking out of shape. Damn” he says staggering to apartment 604. He knocks and hears…
Marc: it’s open…
James opens the door and walks straight to the kitchen...Take out a glass and turns on the faucet pouring himself a tall thirst quenching glass. James gulps it down as quickly as he possibly could. He then gasps loudly for air...
James: Ughhh...i needed that
Marc: You ok?
James: Your elevators were out today and i had to walk up.
Marc: Really...it’s only to the 6 floor. It’s not that bad
James: Not that bad...You know what i’m too tired to curse you out
still trying to catch his breath he pulls up a chair and falls into the chair.
Marc: how can you be this out of shape? Don’t you take pride on the abs you got…* Marc chuckles
James: hahahaha...not funny! Abs don’t mean in shape. This is all for looks.
Marc: Clearly
James: why’d you call me for and why am I here?
Marc: Shae...i need advice. I’m not too sure what i should do.
James: Who?
Marc: can you remember her name please...Peanut Butter Pecan Pie
James: what about her? I thought you already got that already...no?
Marc: We went on one date and continued talking. She invited me to her roommate/bestfriend’s art show tonight.
James: What’s the problem? Go to it...come with i have to go to Exorphe.
James gets up feeling rejuvenated and pours himself another glass of water, then downs it. Marc walks to the door and puts on his white slip-on Vans and continues by saying…
Marc: I will, i’ve already said yes...come with me. That way it shows that i bringing more people to see the art show.
James: Hell no...i’m not paying for art i don’t even know. I gotta pee now
rushes to the bathroom leaving the door open.
Marc: do this for me...please. You’ve spent more money on less. I’m begging at this point.
Marc here's the toilet flush and the water running as James washes his hands, yet no response. The light shuts off and James steps out of the bathroom, eyebrows furrowed, deep squinting in his eyes, clenching his jaw. He finally responds...
James: You told her i was coming didn’t you...you asshole.
Marc: Ok yes...In my defense, I was panicking last night.
James: open the door so we can go
Marc: Is that a yes?
James: Yes...can we go now
Marc: of course, anything for you
James sucks his teeth but smiles a little. They head down and walk the 5 blocks to Exorphe. Christian Exorphe is a tailor extraordinaire and James makes sure to always go every other month for a new fitting. Another excuse to see the new fabrics and designs that are in place. James the son of Richard Dawn one of the most revered lawyers in the country and many other countries around the world. James grew up with the notion that you must look the part and having your best foot forward at all times. James and Marc enters the shop. They are greeted by Nicole whom immediately recognized James and signaled for champagne to be brought forth.
Nicole: Welcome to Exorphe Tailoring.
James: Hello...James Dawn for a fitting.
Nicole: of course...Please have a seat and a glass of champagne while i ring mr. Exorphe for you.
James: Thank You…
Nicole: And you Sir?
Marc: Not me...I’m just hear with him
Nicole points to the couch and they both seat comfortably awaiting Mr. Exorphe to come down.
Marc: They serve Veuve Clicquot to everyone
James: Yes and no...if you already have an appointment yes, if you show that you are going to purchase yes, if you’re just inquiring then of course not.
Mr. Exorphe: Mr. Dawn...please follow me to fitting room One.
Marc: Should i come to?
James: Yeah..you should
They both get up and walk pass Mr. Exorphe and enter Fitting Room One. The door closes behind them and James immediately starts undressing. Marc baffled by the event, always believed that only in movies did the actually undress for proper fitting. Mr. Exorphe quickly looks over the sizes from the last fitting and begins the routine. Neck...same, shoulder are a few centimetres broader, arm must be widen a few centimetres, chest...same, lower body still the same.
Mr. Exorphe: No major changes...your suits should fit you just fine. We’ll use these results moving forward.
James: I need three new suits. I need a Mao Oriental Tunic Suit in Blue. The others...double breasted, and I leave the design to you.
Mr. Exorphe: of course...and for this gentleman?
Marc: Nothing for me
James: nonsense...he has a very important rendez-vous and he needs to look like he knows a tailor instead of a retail store.
James steps down the platform and both he and Mr. Exorphe examine Marc. They mumble to each other.
James: Thoughts?
Mr. Exorphe: I suggest a long sleeve turtleneck, crop suit trousers...and, some Opera pumps to match the blazer. I’ll bring some some options out.
Mr. Exorphe exits the fitting room. James walks towards a worried Marc.
Marc: I can't afford any of this.
James: Don’t worry about it. My treat...her best friend is an artist right so you’ll win some points if you look the part.
Marc: I'll pay you back...i swear
James: Unnecessary
Mr. Exporphe waltz back in, three identical options in hand. Navy, black, and Maroon. He hangs them on the clothing rail and signals Marc to stand next to them.
James & Mr. Exorphe: Maroon
Mr. Exorphe: Good eye Mr.Dawn...should i charge it to you.
James: Yes…and he’ll need the brown opera pumps.
Mr. Exorphe: of course...i’ll have Nicole bag it for you and will send the new suits to you as soon as possible.
James: Thanks
Marc: Thanks again Sir…
Mr. Exorphe: You’re welcome...i hope you have a successful night.
They exit the room. James pays and hands over the bag to Marc. Michael shakes their hands, thanking them for their business and walks them out the door. James notices Marc smiling as he stares at the Exorphe logo.
James: Are you alright?
Marc: This is an Exorphe...Thanks again man
James: laughs….no problem. I need to restock my alcohol cabinet.
Marc: ok...you going to Chen’s or Feuilletes?
James: Chen’s of course.. I get a discount. I only go to Feuilletes for wines
Marc: let’s cross...its on that side of the street, no?
James nods yes and they proceed to cross disregarding the teachings of their mothers to look left then right then left again. They make it to the sidewalk and continue walking towards Chen’s Liquor and Wines. A staple in the community for James of course. A man who believes without a shred of doubt and no formal training is a (whiskey) Sommelier. They arrive to an open door opening up a walkway surrounded by reinforced glass with Mr.Chen seated on stool reading The Water Margin by Shi Nai’an.
James: How are you doing Mr.Chen?
Mr.Chen: My favourite customer...how are you doing today James?
James: good good...just need to place an order for next Friday.
Mr.Chen: What would you like?
James: 2 Maker’s Mark, 2 Madison Park, 3 Pure White Hennessy…
Mr.Chen: i can only do 2 Pure White Hennessy for next Friday...i don’t get that shipment ‘till next month. Is that ok?
James: yeah that’s fine...and 1 Hibiki
Mr.Chen: Yes of course… I'll have it delivered to you next friday. No wines this time?
James: Not this time...That’s all for me today.
Mr.Chen: I just received this new Absinthe shipment...I’m gifting one to you. I’ll send it to you with the invoice.
James: Thank You…
Mr. Chen puts the order in the system and waves goodbye to the guys as they walk out of the shop. James looks at his watch and notices that it is already half past 2. And now realising that he hasn’t eaten anything.
… Have you eaten? I’m starving
Marc: I can eat...indian?
James: You read my mind...i’m craving a lamb Biryani.
They head a few blocks over to their favourite indian spot. James orders his Biryani with a side of mixed vegetables and Marc choses the classic intro to indian cuisine; Butter Chicken and garlic naan. They devour their meals as if they’ve been deprived of such a luxury. They paid their bills and headed back to James’, he was the only that didn’t have an outfit in hand. They get on the elevator and James presses PH3 (penthouse 3) swiping his Key Fob giving him access to his private floor. As the door open, James beginning question Marc on what is required of him.
Marc: I’m still amazed every time I come here
James: I did offer for us to share this place
Marc: I can't afford half the rent...plus your extracurricular activities.
James: I’ve changed since then
Marc: If you say so
James: So… what do you need from me today?
Marc: What do you mean?
James: what do you want me to do? I can’t possibly be there to separate her best friend from you two. She’ll be too busy working.
Marc: I don't know...i panicked when I heard I was meeting the best friend and i just said “maybe you should meet mine as well”
James: so you have know idea how you want to tackle this.
James opens his closet and walks in. And selects an outfit. Lays it down on the bed as Marc continues to explain why he needed James to be there.
Marc: I really like this chick and already lack game. I need someone I know around to take the edge off. So… just save me if you see me panicking.
James: I’ve been saying this for the longest. When you’re a little too into someone, you just lose all the game you had. I swear it’s a phenomenon.
Marc: imma go shower...is the guest room open?
James: yeah...get a towel and soap from my bathroom first
Marc: okay
Marc walks up to the second floor and heads to the main bathroom. Pops open the storage closet in the bathroom. Picks out a simple Navy Blue towel and grab a brand new bottle of Dove Bodywash. He then heads back down to the main floor only to see James sipping on a cocktail.
Marc: You know there’s a bar at the event right…
James waves him off as he continues to sip. Marc heads to the bathroom and heads to the shower. 35 minutes later a naked Marc with navy blue towel wrapped around his waist walks upstairs to James.
Marc: I forgot to stop by the house and get underwear
James: hahahaha...i guess you’re going to have to be commando. Let him breath
Marc: This is not funny...do you have any?
Walk into his drawer and takes an unopened box of Calvin Klein boxer briefs and throws it to Marc
James: Brand New...you can have that.
Marc: perfect thanks...wait, how are you already dressed.
James: I showered and put on the clothes I had laid out.
Marc: That was fast…
James: Not really. You just take too long. And here, I know for a fact you didn’t bring any.
hands him one of his perfumes. Déclaration de Cartier.
Marc: Thank You!
James: Hurry up...I hate being late to anything
Marc goes back to the guest room and begins to get dressed. James finishes off his beard grooming rooting. Butters and oils. A few minutes fly by Marc steps out of room with confidence oozing out of him. James puts down the glass of water he was sipping on, and fake wipes a tear from his eyes.
James: Now that’s how you’re supposed to dress. I’m proud of me...I’ll call a Lyft to head there.
Marc: shouldn’t we just get my car?
James: heck no...that way we can all go celebrate later in town. No drinking and driving.
Marc: That way it forces us to interact more
James: Exactly and if either one drives then you can have a nice cap...Lyft is 7 minutes out
Marc: Sound like a plan.
James pours Marc a nice dark rum and hands it over. Raises his glass and says “ to your successful night”. They lift the glass up making eye contact and presses it on the lips, gulping it down.
James: Let’s start heading down. It should be here any minute now.
They head down and wait for the Lyft driver Malcolm in the Nissan Rogue. They slide right in and greet the man. They confirm the address and James asks for some disco to be played. “I need to vibe out”, James states as he leans back in silence enjoying the quick ride to venue. 20 minutes later they step out thanking Malcolm for the lift. Marc walks to the counter finding out that Shae had already wrote them down on the guestlist.
Marc: Apparently we're already on the list
James: Free entry...your girl is winning some points with me
They walk and look over at the bar.
Marc: Here they are
James: Is that the best friend? The artist of the night.
Marc: Yes that’s her
James: Beautiful...Thank you for the invite.
James nudges Marc forward initiating that he wants introduction made. Marc waves to Shae and Niki as they begin to walk in their direction. James whispers “ Let the night begin.”
End of Part 2