in a cafe that night (cerpen)

A quaint little cafe filled with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the soft chatter of patrons. In a corner booth sit JASON, a charming but somewhat scatterbrained man, and his girlfriend, LISA, who is equally charming but slightly more together.

(((1)))

Jason: (Nervously) So, what do you want to order, babe?

Lisa: (Excitedly) Oh, I don't know! Surprise me!

Jason: (Pauses, then with a devilish grin) How about... the most expensive thing on the menu?

Lisa: (Gasps playfully) Jason!

Waitress approaches.

Waitress: (Cheerfully) What can I get you two today?

Jason: (Energetically) Two of your finest coffees, please! And whatever that delicious-looking dish is over there.

He points to a plate of pastries.

Waitress: (Laughs) You mean the tiramisu? That'll be $12.

Jason: (Pauses, then with a sheepish smile) Actually, make that two tiramisus.

Lisa: (Mouth agape) Jason, we don't have that kind of money!

Jason: (Nonchalantly) Don't worry about it. It'll be a treat!

Lisa: (Resigned) You're hopeless.

Their laughter fills the cafe as the waitress leaves.

(((2)))

The cafe has filled up. Jason and Lisa sit huddled together, looking somewhat flushed and guilty.

Waitress: (Approaches, stern-faced) Your checks, please.

Jason: (Panics) Uh, hold on! Let me just...

He frantically searches his pockets.

Lisa: (Whispering urgently) Jason, we don't have any money!

Jason: (Desperately) I know, I know! But don't worry, I'll figure something out!

Waitress: (Impatiently) Well?

Jason: (Reluctantly) Okay, okay. We'll just... split the bill, I guess.

Lisa: (Glares at him) You mean you'll pay for it.

Jason: (Defensively) Well, I can't very well let you pay!

Waitress: (Smiling) $24.

Jason: (Gulps) Alright, give me a second.

He fishes around in his wallet.

Lisa: (Whispering to the waitress) He doesn't have any money.

Waitress: (Laughs) Well, you two certainly know how to make an evening interesting!

(((3)))

The cafe is now emptying out. Jason and Lisa, looking somewhat rumpled, share a laugh over a shared plate of leftover tiramisu.

Lisa: (Smiling) You know, I think this is the most memorable date we've ever had.

Jason: (Grinning) Me too, babe. Even if it wasn't quite the way I planned.

They share a kiss, the tension of the evening finally melting away.