"Chloe, I dig you in your punk gear, but I've gotta say those new clothes really suit you. You're actually in danger of looking something close to respectable – an upstanding citizen of Arcadia Bay."
"Don't get used to it Caulfield - the trashy punk dyke will be back tomorrow. You have my word on that. And you're a fine one to talk – dude, you actually do look like a lady tonight. What's that shit you've got hanging around your neck?"
"It's called a dreamcatcher. It's like a lucky charm, I guess. I'm hoping it will keep me out of trouble."
"Good luck with that Maximus, you're with me. Trouble should be my middle name."
"Not any more. I'm going to keep you on the path of righteousness from now on."
"But I can still have fun, right, Miss Bossy Boots? You're not going to clip my wings too much, are you?"
"Only a little. I might let you cut loose once in a while. But only if you've been a good girl."
"Don't you want me to be a bad girl sometimes? Especially when we're in bed? Or even out of it?" Chloe nudged Max in her side.
"And you keep saying I'm the one who's out of control? But do tell me more. I'm intrigued."
"I'm sure you are, but you'll have to wait. Anyway, here we are. After you Angel." Chloe held the door open for her companion.
"I could so get used to this treatment. Thank you very much madam."
"No worries. You should appreciate it. I don't do this for anyone else."
"I am honoured."
"Yep, you sure are. Hey look, there's Frank! With Wells' secretary. Get in there Franky boy! This is awesome – a double date. Cool." Chloe gave him a casual wave as she made her way to the bar.
"He's your friend? I thought you said this was a decent place, Chloe? He looks really scary."
Chloe couldn't help but laugh. "Frank? Scary? Relax Max, he's about as scary as Captain. Frank's a teddy bear too."
"If you say so. I trust you, I guess."
"I do say so. Frank and I have kinda hung out for ages."
"Hung out? You don't mean you..."
"Ugh no we've never had sex. Gross man. He's never even tried. We're just good friends."
"That's it?"
"Yeah. Would I lie to you? Max Caulfield, are you actually jealous?"
"No. I believe you. Totally."
Chloe flicked through the menu. "I should hope so. Anyways, whaddya want to drink?"
"Er, do they do lemon iced-tea?"
"...hang on...yep...there you go. Two lemon ice teas please Roth."
"Coming right up Chloe."
"Two? Chloe, you do know iced tea doesn't have any alcohol in it, right?"
"Sure. Course I do."
"You're not drinking beer?"
"Nope. This is our first date. I don't want to get wasted. Besides, if I had a few drinks they'd end up kicking us both out."
"Why?"
"Because I wouldn't be able to stop myself from ravishing you on that pool table over there. So don't worry, you're safe tonight."
"Awwww." said Max with a mischievous grin.
"I swear I'm going to hose you down with cold water to dampen your ardour."
"Oooooo. Kinky. You promise?"
"Dude seriously. What the hell is the matter with you?"
Max wrapped Chloe in her arms. "You. That's what's the matter with me. I want you. So freakin' bad."
"Ditto. But stop tempting me. We're waiting, remember?"
"Yeah yeah. I think if I have to wait much longer I'm just gonna explode."
"I'll make you explode when the time comes. But not before. Chill out and think of something gross. That'll get you back under control."
"Here you go. Want any food?" asked the bartender.
"Erm. Yeah. I'll have a burger and fries. Max?"
"I'll try a burger too, I guess."
"A bacon and egg burger as well. Oh, and two oysters."
"They do bacon and egg burgers? Super. And you're going to eat two oysters on top of a burger and fries?"
"Nope. One of them is for you."
"I've never eaten an oyster. I'm not really into sophisticated food like that."
"All the more reason to try them. They're supposed to be an aphrodisiac, so I think you'd best just have the one. C'mon, let's go sit with Frank."
"Bulldog! Where the hell have you been hiding? And who the fuck got you dressed?"
"Very fucking funny scumbag. I've been hella busy. I'm sorry, but I can't remember your name. It's been a while."
"It's Daisy."
"Hi."
"So who's this then, Chloe?" asked Daisy.
"This is Max, my...girlfriend. It's kinda our first date. That's why she's just gone as red as that lobster over there."
"So you're the legendary Max? It's great to finally meet you."
"Legendary? Me? Why?"
"Chloe never shuts up about you. Max this, Max that."
"Thanks a lot dude. I'll be the one blushing soon if you carry on."
"My pleasure Bulldog."
"Erm, why does he call you that?"
"Bulldog? Long story. I'll fill you in later."
"I like my name for you better."
"I should hope so. So anyway, you two...are you..."
"This is our first date as well."
"Awesome. A double first date. How'd you meet?"
"That's a long story too."
"C'mon Frank, spill the beans dude."
"Maybe later. Anyhow, you seem extra blazed tonight. Real good gear is it?"
"Nope. I've not had a joint all day."
"Wowser! I just realised – you so haven't. Not once. Why not?"
"I'm high on life."
"So you've quit? Just like that?"
"Fuck no Frank! I'm just having a day off. It's no big deal."
"Chloe. I've known you for quite a while and I've never seen you go so much as an hour without sparking up, let alone a whole day."
"Frank, stop being such a doofus." interjected Daisy. "Congratulations. You two look like you are simply made for each other. You make a great couple - you look so sweet together."
"Eh? What are you on about? What's going on? Have I missed something here?"
"Jesus Frank. Do you not notice anything? They're wearing promise rings. Matching ones."
"What the hell is a promise ring?"
"They've pledged themselves to each other. It's obvious - they're totally in love. Shit Frank, can't you tell? Dammit man, open your eyes for once."
"Oh. I see. Does this mean that you're going to..."
"Yes Frank. One day we're going to get married."
"Brilliant! I hope I'm going to be your best man."
"Of course. Who else would I pick? However, I should warn you that Maxo is being hella bossy concerning the dress code. You're gonna need a suit."
"No denims and shit?"
"Unfortunately not. I even have to wear a dress, apparently. Without my beanie. It's just so not fair. She's horrible to me."
"Man that is going to be so fucking hilarious. I can't imagine you in a girly dress. What about Pompidou?"
"I don't think he'd take too kindly to you putting in him one of those ridiculous dog dresses, but whatever floats your boat, Franky boy."
"Ha ha. I meant can I bring him to the wedding, smartass?"
"What do you think? Of course he's invited - he can be Max's best man."
"A dog? I don't think so Price. I'll find someone myself, thank you very much."
"You've spent far too long in Seattle, I reckon – it's given you all these hoity-toity airs and graces."
"Like I said, I am a lady with standards. You should try it sometime, trailer trash."
"Hey! I live in a trailer!"
"Oh my god. I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to..."
"Chill Max. I'm just fucking with ya." smiled Frank.
"Here's the food. I'd give Max plenty of room if I were you. She might be tiny, but she's a bit of a beast when it comes to her nosh."
"I see that impish look in your eyes, Chloe Price. If you're thinking of making yet another filthy remark about me, then I'll make you wear a girly pink tiara as well."
Frank very nearly spit out his drink with laughter.