The après diner (if that’s what one calls it) also went more or less as planned. Stacy’s bedroom was nothing fancy given that most of her income went towards rent, leaving little for lamps or a dresser or chairs. She had a double bed which was small for Chad’s taste and he fell off it a couple times when he got enthusiastic. Even so, he managed to accomplish what he had set out to do and would be able to report a success at next week’s seminar. What more can one ask of life?
Apart from the double bed, Stacy’s bedroom boasted a modest flat-screen TV. In the aftermath of their exchange, Stacy went to the bathroom and left Chad sprawled naked across the bed. Bored, he took up the remote and clicked from station to station. It didn’t matter what station, they all broadcast a variation on the same theme: the act of wanton destruction that had terrorized the city and thrown it into grief and confusion. A blond talking head stared at the camera and went on about a community gripped by fear yet at the same time galvanized, committed to mutual support and random acts of kindness. A commotion arose behind the woman. Muffled shouts. The camera wobbled and panned. A finger pointed and the camera followed the finger to a man dressed business casual in dark overcoat and rubber-soled shoes who turned to the shouting mob and, incidentally, the camera.
Chad had no recollection that a news crew had been positioned nearby when he borrowed the flowers and ran. Although there was little of the broadcast that caught his face, it was undeniably him. Even someone like Stacy, who had met him only once, could readily discern his features as he dashed past the camera.
Stacy peered around the door and into the bedroom. Chad clicked off the TV, but he did so in a clumsy motion that sent the remote clattering across the hardwood floor. He straightened himself on the bed and tried not to look guilty. Stacy pushed the door wide. She was wearing only a bath towel and stood with arms clasped behind her back.
I have a surprise for you.
Chad glanced at the dead TV screen to make sure it was truly dead, then returned his gaze to Stacy, so clean and splendid.
You do? Chad’s voice croaked.
Uh huh. She drew her hands from behind her back. She was holding a small stuffed bear. I hope you don’t think I’m a horrible person. I stole it from the memorial. I saw it sitting there and wanted you to have it.
Chad beamed. Wait until the boys at the seminar heard about this. Sure, their mentor had mocked others who came to meetings with tales of love after a single date. But this? This was outstanding.