11. Caz
Chapter 11
Caz
“ H ey, buddy. How’s it going?” I greeted Matrix as I walked into the studio.
Even though we only aired two segments a week, I came to the studio daily to give him my updates and the footage I recorded. But I didn't have anything yet, and I knew I would never hear the end of it. So, to avoid any further arguments, I came with a peace offering.
“I brought you something.” I handed him a triple shot of espresso and a bear claw.
“Let me guess, this is the only thing you brought me?” He was unimpressed, but he took the gifts anyway.
“I don’t have any recordings from her, but I will do something insightful tonight, documenting my role in the process. I’m also supposed to meet her and potentially her crush this afternoon. So keep your boxers out of a bunch.”
“And when will I have these supposed videos? Friday? The day before we’re supposed to post them? I’m not staying up all night editing because you’re too chickenshit to do your job.”
“Oh, you think calling me names and insulting my character will get me to do it quicker?” I glared at him, but he was unbothered.
“I am calling it as I see it.” He laughed, but I could sense he was serious.
“I promise to get you something before Friday. And if I have to pull an all-nighter with you, I will.”
He sighed as he shook his finger in front of me. “I’m holding you to that.”
“Fine. Because I meant it. Do we have anything on the list for our next adventure?”
“If you don’t get me something useful soon, you can start on the Pepper Parade.” He winked, and I didn’t know if that was a joke or not, but I ignored it.
“I just got an idea. What if I went around and scoped out possible first-date ideas and recorded them? That could be helpful, right?” I should have thought of it sooner, but I had been so focused on getting Shiloh ready that I didn’t even think about what would happen if Ember said yes.
Technically, my job was over after she asked her out, but as nervous as Shiloh was, she probably needed a play-by-play.
“Sure, that’s not the worst idea. And I have a spot we could test out tonight. There is this new Glow-in-the-Dark Mini Golf course/bar that I’m going to, and you could come. I could bring my camera and get some professional shots. What do you think?”
What did I think? I thought that sounded like a horrible idea. Drunk people playing golf in the dark was an ER visit waiting to happen. Besides, I wasn’t planning on actually peopling when I mentioned it. I was going to do some online research, then maybe some drive-bys. But since I had already let him down, I figured I owed him one.
“Why not?”
He appeared surprised, and rightfully so, but nodded in agreement. “It will be great.”
“I’m sure it will. Text me the address and time, and I’ll be there. But I’m going to head out now. I’ll see you tonight.”
“Okay. Can’t wait.” He let out his evil laugh as if he had accomplished something devious, leaving no doubt in my mind that he had tricked me—well, maybe not tricked, but guilted me into doing what he wanted.
Oh well. One night out probably wouldn’t kill me.
I searched for some places Shiloh could take Ember on a date; however, not knowing what Ember was into made it hard. I knew Shiloh enjoyed anything healthy, so I thought about one of those couples' cooking classes, but you had to sign up a few weeks in advance, which I went ahead and did just in case.
The next idea I checked out was a hot-air balloon ride. I thought it was a perfect date idea because you got to be outside and away from others. But if either of them feared heights, it was a no-go.
Before I wasted more time, I messaged Shiloh to see if she wanted to take her lunch break and hit up Java Jive. I was shocked when she responded that she was already there.
I phoned her, and she picked up immediately.
“Hey, sorry to come here without you, but I thought I would get a jumpstart on the recon.” Something was off with her voice, but I let it slide.
“No worries. So, she’s there?” I wanted to make sure I was needed before showing up.
“Yeah, she’s here, and she appears to like chocolate chip cookies, or they might be raisins. I can’t tell.”
I shook my head at that random non-information. “Cool. I’ll see you soon. I’m a few blocks away.”
As soon as I made it inside, I looked at the spot where I had met Shiloh the first time, and sure enough, she was there with her crossword puzzle as her guise. I didn’t wave so I wouldn’t blow her cover, and instead, I headed to the counter.
I fought the urge to roll my eyes when I noticed it was the same rude girl who gave me the third degree on Sunday. I did my best to smile but almost choked when I read her name tag. She was Ember?
Even as I approached her, she didn’t acknowledge me. If she wanted a standoff, she better buckle up because this would be a long ride. I cleared my throat, signaling that the game was on, but I refused to speak. It was her job to be personable, not mine.
She was better than I had given her credit for. She stared at me smugly as if to say, “What do you want?” but I wasn’t answering until those words came out of her mouth.
I noticed someone joining the line out of my peripheral, but that didn’t change my stance. Ember and I were playing chicken with our eyes, and I had the focus of an unblinking cat until the person behind me tapped on my shoulder, ruining my concentration.
“What?” I turned around to see Shiloh holding her hands up in surrender fashion. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you.”
“It’s okay. I was checking to see if you needed something. You’ve been up here a while.” She peeked at Ember, who appeared unaffected by anything as she twisted her hair around her finger.
“No, I’m good. Just trying to order a drink. I’ll join you in a minute.” I offered a playful wink, but her cheeks instantly turned a deep shade of pink, and she scurried off to the table.
When I faced Ember again, she was staring in Shiloh’s direction, and it seemed like it was the first time she noticed her. Maybe she was one of those people who wanted a toy if someone else was playing with it first. Interesting. When she brought her gaze back to me, she still stared blankly, and I realized she didn’t even know what I was waiting for.
I released a frustrated sigh and wondered if she was that oblivious or too self-absorbed to care. Either way, Shiloh deserved better than that. I questioned what she found fascinating about her when all I felt was annoyance. I mean, she was physically attractive. She had a retro 90s punk-girl look, with choppy hair like Courtney Love, pale skin, and dark lips. If Ember and Yoni were anything to go on, Shiloh had a type.
“Can I get a caramel latte?”
“Do I know you?” Her words caught me off guard, but it wouldn’t be the first time someone had recognized me.
“I don’t think so.” I no longer wanted to glare at her. Instead, I tried to hide my face to get out of this conversation.
“I think I do. Have you come in here before?”
Why did she choose to be attentive now? Five minutes ago, when I wanted her to ask to take my order, she acted like she could see right through me.
“This isn’t my normal coffee shop. I’m here with someone.” I pointed to Shiloh, hoping she would direct her focus on her.
“Yeah, I’m pretty sure I’ve seen her before. What’s her story? Are you two…” Her gaze stayed on Shiloh a beat too long if she thought she was my girlfriend.
Out of spite, I almost said yes because I wanted her to have regret. But I wouldn’t put up a beaver dam because Shiloh deserved happiness. Even if I couldn’t see what Ember had to offer, it wasn’t my choice. I was here to help, not hinder.
“No. I’m not sure if she’s seeing anyone right now, but she’s a catch.” I watched as Shiloh sipped her drink but kept her eyes glued to her puzzle book.
“Hmmm,” she was pensive, which I would take as a good sign.
“I could maybe put in a good word for you.” I didn’t know how we had gone from a who's-the-bigger-alpha showdown to me offering to hook her up, but it was organic, which usually yielded better results.
“Nah. If I see something I like, I take it. I don’t need handouts.” She gave a half-hearted shrug, and I hoped she developed a zit on the corner of her mouth.
“Right. How about that caramel latte?” This conversation was over, but now I didn’t know what to say to Shiloh.
How could I, in good conscience, set her up with this egomaniac?
“Sure, name?”
I told her and waited to the side. When Shiloh finally looked up, I smiled at her, and she returned the gesture. She was too sweet, and Ember would eat her alive.
“Fuck,” I mumbled, and just then, Ember called out, “Cat,” knowing full well that wasn’t what I had said.
Great. Not only was she full of herself, she was the typical mean girl who had to get the last word. But she had no idea who she was messing with.