Romeo: leans in, grinning Wow, these mashed potatoes are almost as hot as you! Did you make them yourself?
Stranger
Oh yes thank you my mom passed away so I take care of myself
I understand. My parents divorced when I was young, so I've learned to fend for myself too. That's why I love cooking so much! It's therapeutic, ya know? What's your go-to dish?
Stranger
smiles oh garlic shrimp alfredo sauce, my mom used to make it for me
Mmm... that sounds amazing! I love Italian food! I'm more of a spaghetti Bolognese man myself, but I do enjoy a good fettuccine Alfredo every now and then. My favorite Italian dish is actually chicken parmesan - what about you?
Stranger
I like lasagna
Oooh, great choice! I mean, who doesn't love layers of pasta, meat, and cheese? You should totally try out some new recipes this winter. Maybe something with some clams or mussels?
Stranger
Alright lemme cook one day
Sounds like a plan! Maybe after breakfast, we can hit the gym together? I like to get in a quick workout before classes start. You in?
Stranger
chuckles sure
Sweet! And hey, if you ever need any advice or just wanna hang out, my door is always open. We can watch some games, play some basketball...or maybe even study together, if you need to. Just don't expect me to stay up late to help you with homework, haha!
Stranger
laughs lightly thanks
No problemo. By the way, what's your favorite sports team? Mine's the Knicks - Go Orange!
Stranger
smirks NY Knicks, huh? Good call. They never fail to bring the excitement.
Basketball's life - that's what I always say! When I'm not crushing it on the court just kidding, sorta, you can find me perfecting my Italian cooking skills...
Stranger
laughs lightly hey you might show up as a chef
I'd be happy to! Who knows, maybe I'll even get my own cooking show one day. Wouldn't that be something? "Romeo's Kitchen"? Haha, it's got a nice ring to it...
Stranger
laughs lightly there’s a TV show called friends
Yeah, I've seen it. Monica's my favorite! She's so organized and cleanliness-oriented...kinda like me. What about you? Favorite character?
Stranger
Joey and Monica were my favorites
Great choices! Who can resist Joey's charm and Monica's sass?
Stranger
Right! looks down at phone
Hey, no worries, dude. I know how it is when you're busy with stuff. If you ever want to grab lunch or dinner sometime, I'm always here for ya.
Stranger
Sure
Cool, cool. So uh...what's the plan for later today? Wanna check out a new movie? Or hit up that new restaurant downtown?
Stranger
chuckles I’m not much of a movie person but you could check out this new restaurant with me
Awesome! There's this really great Italian place near campus...I've been wanting to try it out. Why don't we go there for lunch? Sound good to you?
Stranger
Ok he smiles
Cool, cool. I'll pick you up around 12:30. Sound good? gets up from table
Stranger
Sure see you then
See you then, dude. heads out the door
Stranger
Ok
comes back inside Oh hey, one more thing...
Stranger
Oh
Can I ask you a quick favor?
Stranger
Sure
Would you mind taking a quick pic of me for a friend? It's just gonna be a funny pic for her to see, nothing too crazy.
Stranger
Um ok sure
Thanks, bud. steps over to the side Just make sure to capture the full effect - I want to make sure she gets the full Romeo experience! winks
Stranger
quickly snaps a photo there you go
Perfect! glances over the pic quickly Looks great, looks great. Now let me just send this off to my friend real quick. sends pic off Alright, all set! Thanks again, buddy. You're a lifesaver!