"It's me," he answered. He bit his lip; maybe this had been a mistake? "Merri? I... I'm sorry if this is... if I'm..." He cringed. "Can I... can I come in?"
He heard what he thought was a noise of affirmation, and so he tentatively pushed the door open. In a brief moment, Merri thought that Ari looked melancholy and for reasons that he wished that he couldn't fathom, if they were the same reasons as his. If not, well, he wanted to do his best to smile and be happy and okay regardless. This was supposed to be a happy occasion. Then Ari smiled, and it was easier for Merri to do so as well.
He stepped inside and closed the door behind him, the nakedness of his lack of gift bearing down on him again. "I'm-- I'm sorry I didn't bring flowers!" he exclaimed, still trying to keep a light face in spite of his apology. "I was going to, really, I was, but..." I hadn't planned on showing up tonight. "I ran out of time." He lifted the corners of his mouth sheepishly. "But you were great tonight, you really were! You always are!"