Grayson’s Magical Mishaps

Her gaze reminds me of that woman in an old science fiction movie I saw recently. She goes back to the lab and sees her love interest, large, hairy, and inching towards her with his arms jutting forward, keen to strangle her.

And Summer has that same ‘get the hell out of here while I still can’ glare that scientist’s girlfriend had. I feel like a monster.

As Milo finally makes his way to me, Summer is pointing and laughing. She raises her phone, aims it at me and takes a snap. And now she’s typing something.

“I didn’t know you were into cosplay,” says Milo.

“Neither did I.”

“But you’re dressed as Robin Hood.” Milo feels the tip of an arrow, looking dumbfounded. “You are meant to be Robin Hood, aren’t you?”

Other diners stare.

“There’s a spare chair at our table if you want to put your props down,” he says. “You can hook the bow to the back of the chair. Or will that damage it?”

A waiter approaches. “You can’t bring a weapon in here.”

“Oh.” There’s a catch in my throat. “Of course. Sorry.” I hand them over.

“I’ll take these out back. Just collect them on your way out.” The waiter leaves, holding the props, before looking back like I’m the biggest weirdo he’s ever seen.

I close my eyes, trying to centre myself. Eventually, I smile, focusing on the fact this lovely guy asked me on a date, while also blocking out the unbelievable elements of my homelife. Although I can’t escape the coarse material of my ridiculous costume against my skin.

I flick my eyes open to admire Milo’s attire. Stylish chinos and a white t-shirt with a motif of a chimp wearing headphones. It’s really funky. And his suit jacket is hanging on the back of his chair. Milo has taste.

If only he saw the outfit I had on a minute ago.

“Why are you dressed as Robin Hood?”

“It’s a dare. A friend defied me to cosplay for our date. A good friend. We get up to these pranks all the time. All the time.” I nod like a maniac, ignoring the pungent smell of my lies. “Yes. All the time.”

Summer takes another photo.

“What’s she doing here?” I’m not sure what’s more unsettling, my outfit or her scowl.

“This restaurant is ‘on brand’ for her socials. And she’s never been here.”

Now all I see is her disapproving stare. I try to be friendly, smile back, but I’m certain she can see how fake my grin is.

Milo takes me by the arm and leads me back to their table. “This is Grayson.”

She takes a picture of the two of us, then types.

“Are you going to say hello?” Milo asks her.

“Oh, sorry.” Summer rises and offers her hand. “Is this some new fashion? The forest folk look?”

I’ve just found a good use for my arrows. It’s a shame the waiter took them away.

I shake her hand.

“The colour is nice,” Milo says about the costume, without conviction.

“If you texted me about the dare, I would have worn my Roman gladiator getup. And Summer has a seventies babe look which is pretty cool.”

She sniggers. “We could call ourselves Babe, Butch, and Bonkers.”