“What do you think?”

Irene looked around as she stepped into the room. “It’s nice. I like it.”

“That’s great. I chose this place because I thought you might like it.”

“It’s warm and cosy. Like your café.”

“The bathroom is nice too.”

Irene smiled when Wendy emerged from the bathroom smiling. “You can go first. I want to make some tea.”

“Alright, I’ll be quick.” Wendy took two steps towards the bathroom before stopping. “Oh no!”

Irene stood in alarm. “What happened?”

“We don’t have any clothes to change into.”

Wendy’s concern was so trivial that Irene burst out laughing. “My dear Wendy, aren’t there bathrobes?”

“There are, but–” Wendy sighed. “I’m sorry. I totally overlooked this. I should have told you beforehand.”

“It’s okay, Wendy. It’s okay.”

“I’m sorry.”

“You really don’t have to be.”

“No, I should’ve been more considerate. All I thought about was surprising you.”

“I’m not upset at all. But if you’re going to feel bad no matter what, just make it up with a nice breakfast, okay?”

“A nice breakfast?”

Irene smiled and nodded. “A nice breakfast.”

“Our night’s stay comes with a free breakfast though . . .”

Irene threw her head back and laughed. Wendy was incredibly adorable. “This isn’t the only breakfast you’re planning to have with me, is it?”

“Of course not. We’ll have many breakfasts together.”

“That’s exactly right. Now, take a warm bath and feel better. We can’t have a fun date if you’re sad.”

Irene relaxed on the armchair after Wendy finally entered the bathroom. She chuckled to herself, thinking about how adorable Wendy was. It had been a while since she had met someone like Wendy. Someone who was so easy to be with. So easy to be around. So easy to talk to. Someone she could say almost anything to without fearing consequences.

How lucky was she to meet Wendy?

=

Is it really alright to go out there in nothing but my bathrobe? Is it too much? Will she think I’m weird? Or is it weirder to go out in my clothes? But she pointed out the bathrobes. Doesn’t it mean she’s planning on wearin