As they pull away from the valet, Maya becomes aware of her tanned legs. The seating position makes her beige skirt ride up a little. They look good. No need for stockings and she is glad she didn't wear them.
"That beet soup you had was so unusual looking," she comments.
"The borscht."
"It was such a bright red."
"So dark it almost looks black until you stir in the sour cream."
"I've never been to Romanoff's. It was wonderful but I'm regretting not being more adventurous with my menu choices They had so many interesting things. Who knows when I'll be back."
"First, I'll bring you back whenever you want. How about tomorrow? No not tomorrow, gotta go to San Diego to meet with a supplier, but we can go again soon. And second, you should've asked for a bite- I love sharing. Your potato soup looked great too. Those were mushrooms, right?"
"Yeah, and it was very good, but it wasn't a brave choice. Neither was the Stroganoff."
"Hey, going out with me a second time was pretty brave."
"I've always embarrassed easily, but I'm working on it. We've known each other for, what? three months and you always seem so confident."
"It's all an act, I'm telling you. Remember the movie, 'The Sound of Music?'"
"The classic with Julie, Julie, ohhh, what's her..."
"Andrews, yeah. I saw it when I was a teenager and one of the songs really resonated with me."
"Haven't seen it for years. Which song?"
"It was called, 'Whistle a Happy Tune.'"
"I think I remember; how does it go?"
"'Just whistle a happy tune, and every single time, the happiness of the tune convinces me that I'm- not afraid.' It goes on... 'The result of this deception is very strange to tell, for when I fool the people I fear, I fool myself as well.'"
"So, you whistle?"
"All the time. Often it'll be that actual song."
"So why don't they teach this stuff in Elementary School."
"Right?"
At this point, Maya becomes aware that the urge to pee has grown from slight, when leaving the restaurant, to urgent- and they've still got about 15 minutes to go to get to her apartment.
She's quite concerned that she won't make it. If she does, there won't be time for a leisurely good night kiss at her door. Christ, she'll have to run in, and he'll be sure she didn't want to kiss him.
She can't invite him in, then run for the bathroom. She can't tell him her problem, he'll think she's, that she's crazy.
Maya crams the fingers of her right hand down between her upper thighs and squeezes her legs together with all her strength. Momentary relief sweeps over her, and she thinks, 'I can make it.'
All too soon, its back and she's already doing everything she knows to keep it in check.
Remembering his words, Maya begins to whistle softly.
"It's a great little tune too... or are you actually afraid of something right now?"
The urge is so strong that she's starting to sweat. She can feel her underarms and chest getting wet. In a strained, almost squeaky voice, she gets out, "I'm nervous about how I'm going to say goodnight to you. You're a wonderful guy Chet, but this is only our second date and I try so hard to be good."
"I really like you too, Maya, and I've been thinking about that since our first date. I'm voting for couple of nice kisses. Maybe we can get one of them out of the way right now at this red light."
She thinks 'You don't ask you don't get,' and she'd really like a kiss but right now her whole universe consists of the pain in her nearly exploding bladder.