The birth of a Nation

I called Miss Jen on Thursday, but she did indeed have plans for Friday.

I remembered how long it had been since I'd seen Secret Lover.
I called Secret Lover. She called me back. She wanted to go to First Friday on the Fourth with me. Anna was already busy.

I call Secret Lover about three hours early. Confirmation.
She is going to be at a party with her boyfriend, but wants an excuse to leave early. This will work.

Her boyfriend drives her to my house. I showed them around the place, and make some small talk. It was mildly awkward, even though I've known him for a while now. He left. She changed into something more comfortable.

We left then.

We parked across the street from the Coronado Hotel and a few gangsta' ass lookin' thugs. We walked to CB/AG and see some of my friends. We walked through various galleries and studios. We finished through Just Breathe, some wellness studio thing. Back to the car we headed.

We drove, hoping to go to Lux, which turned out to be closed due to parade or something. We continued driving.

Drove to Zen/32, a sushi place right near The G Spot. I realized that I can't pass up the chance to say something quick and ironic or with a double meaning even if it doesn't always accurately convey my intentions:

Secret Lover: "You can't go to Peace Corps! You can't leave!"
Me: "It's only two years, no biggie."
SL: "I know, but still!"
Me: "It'll go by quickly. But you can't get married while I'm gone, I won't be able to afford to come back."
SL: "Aww, you'd go to my wedding?"
Me: "I figure I'll be there."

The double meaning is extra vague, which is what made it so tantalizing. Anyways, to continue:

We went in to Zen/32 and realized the immensity that was our collective hunger. Sushi menu. Ordered two vegetarian rolls and one tiger roll (for her). She also ordered a Mocha Jamocho, a hard coffee drink with Tia Rosa and Bailey's and two other things. I tried a sip of it. Tasted like chocolate covered cherries. It was pretty tasty, though the coffee aspect wasn't the greatest. With better dark coffee, it would have been awesome.

We drove a little bit then and saw some fireworks float up above the hill tops in the distance. It was a beautiful night.

I let her out (my inside passenger door handle is broken) and walked her to her front door. We said goodbye and hugged hard.

We spoke about her and her boyfriend. She has doubts, like anyone would. If it was two years ago, I'd push the issue. It's now, and there isn't time. Who has time?