Page 67 of A Curvy Girl’s Hurricane Survival Guide

The dress looks as if it had been poured over her curves, as if it had been made for her. Made to accentuate every glorious curve. Her hair is down and wild, framing a fresh face that glows with nervous excitement.

“Is this ok?” She asks, smoothing the fabric. “Can I wear sandals?”

I realize I haven’t said anything. “Sandals are perfect. I don’t know what to say. Beautiful doesn’t feel like enough. You’re… Ravishing.”

Cai smiles, a little bashful. “So where are you taking me?”

“Any guesses?”

“You told me not to guess!” Cai says defensively.

I do my best Miracle Max impression as I say, “Hoho! Look who’s so smart!”

Cai’s eyes light up. “The Princess Bride?”

I nod. “That’s part of it. I assume you’ve seen it?”

“Yeah, it might be my favorite movie.”

Nailed it.

“Well, come on then,” I say. “Before I decide to cancel the date and spend the night watching you walk in that dress.”

Nearby, there is a drive-in theater that offers views of the mountains. I have gone a time or two, and it offers a truly unique experience to Arizona. It isn’t the eye of a hurricane surrounded by glowing bugs, but it’s the best I can do.

I back the truck so that the bed faces the screen from the hillside. The sun is setting, and I can tell it’s going to be a beautiful night.

“Nice, we’re going to watch The Princess Bride at a drive-in? How cool!” Cai says, eyes sparkling.

I smile, ready to reveal the rest. I pull open the tailgate, exposing a decked-out bed: cushions, blankets, pillows, little lights, and a cooler with some snacks and drinks. Cai’s hands fly to her mouth with a gasp.

I am so glad for her response. How often have I been called corny or a “try-hard” when I planned any type of romantic gesture? How many movies, shows, or events have I gone to alone because no one wanted to join me or thought it would be lame?

In contrast, here is my dream girl, eyes brimming with tears because I have taken her out and made an effort in planning our evening together.

“May I?” I say, indicating the bed of the truck, lined with a plush cushion.

She nods. I lift her into the bed and jump up after her. I reach in through the little slider window, tune into the channel that would broadcast the movie audio, and turn up the volume knob

“This,” she gestures all around us as I turn to sit down next to her. “I’m overwhelmed by how nice this is.”

I gently tilt her chin up so she can see how serious I am. “You deserve this and more. Every second of every day. I want to spend my time proving that to you.”

She leans in and kisses me, a sweet kiss filled with promise and gratitude.

The sound bursts through the radio; the trailers are about to begin. We break apart, giggling like teenagers who just got caught.

I position the pillows so we can lean back comfortably, then pull out a thin blanket, charcuterie, and drinks. With every new item, her eyes light up with fresh awe.

We nestle close under the blanket as the night starts to cool, and The Princess Bride begins under a beautiful starlit sky. Before the first scene even finishes, she looks at me and whispers, “Can we do this all the time?”

I look at her with a small smile and say, “As you wish.”

Rule #28

REST ASSURED THINGS WILL PROBABLY WORK OUT

CAI