The Innkeeper

1063 Intentions

Lex was, for once, genuinely surprised by something that happened inside the Inn. He had not sensed Velma's arrival at all. He was even more surprised when he realized that… he had sensed a spatial ripple.

"Did you just use teleportation? Since when can you teleport?" he asked, unable to hold himself back.

"Why, yes, I did. Many of the Inn workers have a mild space affinity, so Z has been holding lessons on and off. I listened to a few here and there, though I wasn't too interested. Until about a few seconds ago. My gut was telling me something important was going on, and I reacted. Next thing I knew, I stumbled upon Gerard here rekindling his youthful spirit."

The mature looking worker didn't blush, but he did scratch his head out of embarrassment.

"You have sharp instincts," Lex said, admiringly. "But do not make Gerard conscious. He's a hard working man, and he deserves to enjoy the attention of a lady if he so chooses."

"Of course," said Velma, as she pulled up a chair and grabbed a drink herself as well "Of course he does. I'm all for it. In fact, as far as I'm concerned, he's already waited too long. But that's besides the point. Gerard, go on. Pretend like I'm not here."

The fellow did just that, and after clearing his throat just a bit, he turned back towards Lex.

"Like I was saying, I was enjoying the tracks on my off day. It's been a while since a good race, so I was enjoying just doing laps when she suddenly pulled up and challenged me to a race. Naturally, I was up for it. It was a good, thrilling race. Honestly, it "Like I was saying, I was enjoying the tracks on my off day. It's could have been anybody's win. Afterwards, I went over to commend the other racer for a good match, and that's how I met Lilith."

"That seems great. You two share a hobby, and clearly you're interested in her. I don't see what you're struggling with," Lex commented.

"That's exactly where the issue came in. You see, I don't know… how to go on a date."

A silence filled the room as Lex waited for Gerard to elaborate on the situation, but the old worker just looked back at him. He turned to look at Velma, who was also blank faced.

"If you don't mind me asking, why did you think of me and not Velma for this? I mean, she clearly has interest in this field."

"Oh yes, Velma has done a lot of research on this. But the thing about most of us Inn workers is that before working at the Inn, we did not exist. We had no prior experiences. But workers like you… you have your own experiences outside the Inn. You've done other things. You're also very competent. I imagine someone like you has been on countless dates with numerous women."

Lex nearly coughed out blood. It had been a while since someone did so much damage to him so easily.

"Yes, of course. I have been on dates before," Lex said as he blocked out all memories of his only former girlfriend. She was not a bad person, and they did not end their relationship on bad terms. But when he recalled all the cringe things that he said and did while pursuing her… Lex suddenly felt like visiting the chamber of secrets and purging all the shameful memories.

"So what you need is date ideas? I think I can help with that."

"That's perfect. We're supposed to meet in a few hours. You should dress casually - at least, that's what the instruction manual I found said. If you think otherwise, you can let me know."

"Wait, why do I need to get dressed? I thought you wanted date ideas."

"Indeed, I do. That's why when Lilith asked me out, I suggested I'd bring a friend, and so she said she'd bring a friend as well. We're all supposed to meet together."

Lex's jaw dropped. Did Gerard just set up a double date? Was he getting set up? On a blind date no less!

"Gerard, why would you bring someone else on your date?"

"So that you can show us how it's done. Lilith also confessed that she's never been on a date either, since she never had the time before. Her friend, apparently, does not have as much dating experience as someone like you, but she might be able to help."

Velma's eyes were gleaming. Clearly she understood the situation better than Gerard, but she said nothing to hint that the old worker had blundered. Instead, she gave Lex a knowing grin.

Lex sighed. This was not how he imagined his first date in forever starting out. Where was the love at first sight? The saving the damsel from a suppressive family? The dragon that held her in a tower?

"Well then, Gerard, the first thing you need to know is that even in casual attire, you cannot be sloppy. Let's walk over to Geevs while we talk. We probably don't have a lot of time, and there are many things I want to cover. First of all, what are your intentions with Lilith, young man?"

"My intentions?" he repeated, confused.

"Indeed, your intentions. You can't just drive up to a girl in your fancy golf cart and expect her to drop everything and join you in long circuit races. You have to take things at a reasonable pace. Maybe some back street racing, or a short ride over the lawn to start things out. See how you both feel on different kinds of terrain. After all, it would be a shame if there's a great connection on the tarmac, but that flame fizzles out if you get on some dirt roads."

"I see, I see. You're talking about assessing compatibility."

"Yes. Are you looking for a long term racing partner, or just someone to casually burn rubber with on the weekends. Your intentions. Let me tell you now, it's not very polite to lead a lady on, thinking you're going to go on a thousand lap race, but then disappear after a couple of quick drag races."