only one he could find.
Wrapping the present had been a challenge. William had never wrapped one before and
used far too much paper. The top was bunched awkwardly and taped down, while a rip
on the bottom corner had been covered with an extra patch. He wasn’t proud of the
result, but he was satisfied he’d managed it.
He pulled into Casey’s driveway, and before he could shift into park, the front
door swung open. She smiled as she hopped into the passenger seat.
“Happy Birthday! How does it feel to be eighteen?” William asked. He wanted to
repeat what she’d said to him on his birthday but couldn’t recall the exact words.
“Thank you, Will,” she replied. “So, what do you have planned for this fine
evening? And just so you know, I am a woman now. I don't go for any of that kid’s
stuff.”
“Well, there goes Chuck E. Cheese,” William said.
“That’s too bad. But I’m an adult now. I have to leave childish things behind,”
Casey said, her voice full of sarcasm. “Or at least, that’s what I’ve been told.”
“Oh, you need to be an adult now?” William asked.
“Yes, I need to focus on my future and be a productive member of society, Will. So
tonight, let's be adults. Let's be responsible!” She smiled.
“Okay, I think I can do that. In fact, I think I was born for this,” William joked.
“So where would two responsible adults go out to eat?” Casey asked.
“Um, Applebee's?” William ventured.
“YES!” Casey shouted. “Applebee's is the perfect choice for adults like us.”
“Applebee's it is. I heard that they have great appetizers,” William added.
“Oh, appetizers. How adult of us,” Casey said, laughing. “Now, Will,” she continued
with a serious tone. “To make this night absolutely perfect, we won't be going to