Free Totem by E.M. Lathrop Page A

heading for the door searching in Michelle’s purse for the keys along the way. We step outside and the two guys walk us to our car. I pop the lock and open the door staring at the seat. Michelle was so tiny that the seat was all the way up.
                  “The seat is motorized you have to turn the key first.” Michelle instructs.
                  I sit in the seat with my legs hanging out of the car. There was no way my knees were going to clear the steering wheel. Jake stands beside me, laughing at my misfortune. I turn the keys and find the button. The seat could not move any slower. This made Jake laugh even more. Michelle and Daniel walk off to the grassy area beside the bar talking and holding hands. I shoot Jake a look as the seat continues its snail like motion. Not only is the seat too far up to the steering wheel, but my head also hit the ceiling. I find the button to adjust that simultaneously with the seat button being pulled back.
                  “Almost done… I think.”
                  I shoot a glance over in the direction of Daniel and Michelle. My mouth drops and I flutter my hand for Jake to look. There in the grassy area under the dim glow of the streetlights is Michelle and Daniel in a lip lock. If that wasn’t proof that we were the cover up for their date, then I don’t know what was. I let out a laugh.
                  “Figures,” Comments Jake.
                  The seat is back far enough for me to stick my feet under the steering wheel. I continue to adjust the seat until I am comfortable and can touch the pedals properly. I adjust the rear view mirror quickly before standing up to wish Jake a good night.
                  “All systems go,” I comment. “I cannot believe how long that took.”
                  Jake smiles. I smile back milling around unsure of what to do right now.
                  “Well, I had a lot of fun tonight.”
                  I could not tell if he wanted to kiss me or not. I was pretty sure that I was not ready for him to kiss me. My insides were knotted up in anticipation for whatever came. He leans down and gives me a hug. As he is hugging me he gives me a kiss on the cheek. It wasn’t the New Orleans greeting type and it wasn’t a passionate kiss but one somewhere in between.
                  “I have a rule about kissing on the first date.” He states as he continues to give me a hug.
                  He pulls away and gives me his greatest Jake smile. I smile back. Quickly I lean forward and give him a kiss on the cheek as well.
                  “I think it’s a good rule,” I reply.
                  “Most of the time it is,” winks Jake. He turns toward the happy couple. “Hey Dan! You ready to go?”
                  The couple, startled by Jake’s voice, separate quickly. They look in our direction. Michelle smiles at us as she begins to walk back with Daniel. I see the blush rising up on her cheeks. She smiles sheepishly at me.
                  “Get in the car,” I say with a smile, “good night Daniel.”
                  I wave to him as I hop in the car. I turn the key one more time to turn it on. I quickly look over the car before putting it into reverse and backing out of the spot. Michelle waves good bye to the guys as we pull out of the parking lot.
                  “So, good double date?” I ask slyly.
                  “Good double date.” Replies Michelle.
                  She turns up the music and looks out the window. It was not a full on splash but it was a toe in the water for me. I had a great time tonight with a great guy. It was a night of firsts. It was my first date while in college. It was my first double date ever and it was my first time in a sports bar. Not just that, but I got to