Free Edible Delectables by Amy Wiseman Page B

nestled in the bottom floor of an office building.  It didn’t seem like the typical spot for such a place but Kara could see why  Jason loved the atmosphere.  The lights were kept dim and the music was generally mellow.  It made for a great place to sit and hear good music while still holding a conversation.  The high booths afforded privacy and the candles on the tables gave the hint of romantic ambiance.  On Saturday’s Elliot’s hosted karaoke night, which Jason had explained was his sister’s favorite past time, and she dragged him along with her as often as she could.  Kara briefly wondered if she would enjoy going with him some time, would he offer.  Her answer was decidedly yes, even though she was sure to humiliate herself if she attempted to sing.
    Kara slid into the booth first and Jason took the seat across from her.  Immediately a waitress sidled up to their table and asked if they wanted to order drinks.  Kara noticed that the waitress stood closer to Jason than to her, leaning over in what looked to be an attempt to be alluring.  She smirked to herself as Jason appeared oblivious and ordered a Heineken, and then she ordered the same.  They sat quietly for a while, enjoying the band and drinking their beers.
    “So tell me about yourself, Kara Baker,” Jason leaned forward across the table, closer to her.
    “What, like from birth to age twenty-seven?”  Kara smiled.
    “I was thinking more of likes and dislikes, but the story of your life sounds good too,” Jason winked and laughed as she felt her cheeks begin to flame.
    “It’s a very boring story.”  Kara waved him off, shaking her head, “Is there anything in particular you’d like to know about?”
    “Well I know you don’t drink wine, due to an unfortunate pre-teen trauma.  What else don’t you like?” he asked, tipping the beer back and taking a long drink.
    “Mushrooms,” she replied quickly.  “What about you?”
    “How can you not like mushrooms?” he asked incredulously, instead of answering her question.
    “They’re gross.  And slimy.  And they smell funny.  I mean I’ll eat them if a dish has cream of mushroom soup in it, or if they’re cut up so small it’s pointless to try and pick them out, but my preference is to avoid them,” Kara explained.
    “Fair enough, I guess.  Completely insane, but fair.”  Kara swatted at him and they both laughed.
    “Now what about you?” Kara asked again.
    “I’m pretty neutral on most things; I’ll try anything once.  To be honest, I’m not sure there’s really anything I won’t eat or drink,” he answered, then after a moment’s thought continued, “Oh wait.  I won’t eat tapioca pudding.”
    “Why?”  Kara giggled at the face he made when saying that.
    “The texture; it drives me crazy.  I spend forever with a mouth full of the pudding trying to chew every little bubbly rice thing.” Kara let out a loud laugh at this, imagining Jason’s determination while eating the lumpy dessert.  When she finally settled down and glanced over at Jason, she noticed how Jason was leaning in towards her, a look of desire on his face, and flushed again, this time for a whole different reason.
    “It’s getting late,” he mumbled, almost in a whisper.  Kara nodded her head in agreement and watched as Jason pulled a few bills from his wallet and laid them on the table.  He stood and held out his hand to her to help her from her seat.  Taking it, she felt the warming sensation she always felt when he was near.  Once she was upright, he did not let go of her hand, instead holding it as they walked to his car, only letting go when he opened her car door for her.
    When they reached her apartment, Kara became nervous.  The dessert was waiting for them but she was suddenly anxious about asking him in.  She wasn’t ready for the evening to end but it was late; what would he think of her invitation?  Would he think she was easy or maybe that she invited lots of