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Iris

Having never applied to the Upper Echelon Employment Agency, I’d never expected to ever receive the letter I was currently holding. I couldn’t move. I couldn’t stop staring. It was an official letter of summons.

Eventually my brother pinching me broke me out of my stupor. Without saying a word, I handed the letter to my mom who was busily chatting with our neighbor. She did one of those double takes at it when she realized what it was.

The surprise on her face was not the same as mine.

“You knew!” 

Mom turned back to our neighbor instead of answering me. “Have a wonderful day, Mrs. Awling.”

Hooking my arm in hers, she hurried me up our stairs and into the house. As soon as Trevor was through the door she shut it.

“Yes I knew, Iris. I’m the one who applied for you. You are so talented and those talents are wasted down here.” Her smile was confident and beseeching all at the same time. Don’t ask me how because it seems contradictory and yet I was looking right at it on her face.

“What sort of position did you apply for me?” I hesitated. That letter she was holding wasn’t an optional request. It was a summons.

Applying was optional but once you received a letter of acceptance you were expected to show up on the appointed day. Let’s just say that the consequence for not showing up was not the most pleasant.

I cut her off with another question before she could answer my first one. “How long do I have?”

“Breathe baby. I didn’t sign you up for something you wouldn’t be comfortable with.” She hedged.

I huffed. “Mom, I would have been comfortable not going at all. I’ve heard that people in the Golden City are cruel and some of us normal town dwellers are considered expendable. I don’t want to end up dead in some forgotten storm drain because you thought I had talent.”

“How morbid sweetheart. You aren’t going to die.” Mom started walking up the stairs, forcing me to follow if I wanted to continue this conversation.

“What am I going to be expected to do? You still haven’t answered me.” I followed her into my room where she started to pack.

I watched for a full minute before I snatched the letter from where she had dropped it on my desk. Scanning it, I found what I was looking for and my heart stalled.

“Tomorrow?” I slumped onto my bed. “I report to the employment office tomorrow?”

Mom raised her hand. “Tomorrow morning. With a job now, you are going to have to learn to be more precise so you aren’t late.”

“Where will I be living?” I whispered as I watched her pack all of my nicest things. “Why doesn’t it say what I will be doing?”

That stopped Mom. “Iris, I applied for several different positions for you. I wanted to give you a better chance at being approved for one of them.” 

“But what did you put in applications for?” I pushed.

“Medical assistant. Server. Platonic companion. Nanny. Singer.” Mom started listing them off but paused when she couldn’t remember any more.

“You sent in applications for all of these? What if I received more than one letter? I wouldn’t be able to do both without working myself to death.” Then it hit me. “Companion?”

She nodded. “I read the description quite thoroughly. The only thing expected from you is to accompany your employer to events and look pretty. It was the only one that required your picture but it sounded so easy I had to apply.” She got a stern look in her eye. “Now Iris, I know what you are thinking young lady and I did not sign you up for anything salacious. I am not that kind of mother. Now help me pack.”

It seemed like we didn’t have time for much more than packing before she was walking with me to the employment office the next morning. Entering the small dreary building was more depressing than the ache I had felt all night laying in my bed for the last time.

“Name.” The receptionist asked, looking me over.

“Iris Donau.”

The woman nodded sharply. “Report to room #7, down the hall on your right.”

I went straight to room 7 and knocked. 

“Come in.”

Opening the door I straightened my shoulders and did my best to walk in with confidence.

I was greeted by the sight of two men staring at me. The man behind the desk looked bored and decidedly uninterested. It was the man who looked only a year or two older than me who broke into a smile when I came in. He bowed and motioned for me to sit.

The door closed and I hid the gulp that came.

“Miss Donau.” The man behind the desk spoke as I continued to look at the man next to me. “My name is Mr Lauer. I will be your representative while you begin your employment. Over the next year if you have any problems or concerns you will come to me.”

“Year?” I felt like an echo. “I’m sorry. I don’t remember the details.”

“Be sure to remember this time.” He glowered over at me. “One year as a companion to Mr Lathome. Meals, boarding, and attire are all provided for. You will be expected to represent the Lathome family at all times. It is up to Mr Lathome whether you are to be seen as a family friend, girlfriend, or hired companion.”

I glanced again at Mr. Lathome and his smile nearly melted my insides to complete mush.

“Sign here.” Mr Lauer shoved a piece of paper at me.

Once all the paperwork was complete, Mr Lathome stood and held out his hand. I took it.

His deep rich voice surprised me, as did the strength of his grip. “A pleasure to meet you Miss Donau. I look forward to working with you.”

I curtsied and put on my most pleasant smile.

“Shall we?” He motioned to the door.

Hand in his, we walked out the door as if we had known each other for ages. At the sight of my mother sitting in one for the chairs across from me I halted. 

“Mom.” I threw my arms around her.

“I love you baby.” She whispered into my hair as she held me tight.

After a few moments I pulled away and gestured back to Mr. Lathome. “Mr Lathome, this is my mother. Mom, this is my new employer Mr Lathome.”

“Take care of my girl.” Mom shook his hand.

He nodded kindly. “I assure you she will be treated with the utmost care.” He held out his hand to me again. “Shall we?”

With a nod I once again took his hand. As we neared the door, he leaned down to whisper with a smile. “Please call me Mason.”

“Mason. I can do that.”

Read Part 2 of Iris’ story here!

Terese

The trail stretched out in front of Terese and disappeared into the thick leafy foliage of the trees. With a sigh, she slowed her pace and took a few deep breaths. She couldn’t remember the last time that she had been out hiking without stressing about when she needed to get back for something urgent.

As she was working her way up the next hill, jumping from rock to rock and laughing like she was 5 again, a biker came into view ahead of her, pedaling toward her. After moving to the side she waved as he passed. His pale green eyes landed on her for a mere second, connecting with hers. Their color was amazing, in the way a freshwater stream at the end of a long hot hike was refreshing.

Trying to shake off her reaction, she continued her casual rock jumping hike, and didn’t hear the steps coming up behind her until whoever was making them was almost right behind her. Whirling in surprise at the sudden noise, she was even more shocked to see that it was the biker she had passed only moments before.

“Where’s your bike?” She kept walking as she looked over at him. It seemed safer to keep moving.

For some reason he looked irritated until she asked her question, then he looked just as surprised as she was feeling. The anger in his face faded as he pointed back down the trail. “I left it down there a ways.”

“Are you hurt? Did you crash? You don’t seem injured to me.” She ran her gaze up and down him, assessing whether he had come after her because he needed help or if he was a creep who needed a good shut down to leave her alone.

“Oh no. My bike is fine. I was worried about you hiking up here all alone. It isn’t safe for beautiful women like yourself to be so unaware.”

“Unaware?” I folded my arms. “Get away from me. I don’t even know you.”

“Did you hear me coming?”

“In time to look back at you to determine whether you were a threat? Yes.”

He loomed closer for a second before retreating. She kept her pace even and didn’t slow down as she subtly pulled out her small lipstick-shaped taser.

However, he slowed quickly, dropping back a ways behind her. She discovered that she didn’t like not being able to keep an eye on him, and it wasn’t like he was hard to look at either.

She glanced back a few times and noticed that she was quickly losing him and her heart eased. Good riddance.

After a few more minutes of hiking she heard him call up to her. “I’m sorry if I bothered you. It’s just that I lost my sister when she was out hiking alone. I couldn’t pass and not say something.” After a pause he added, “Please be safe. I hope you have a wonderful hike.”

Peeking back again she saw he had turned around and was heading back the way he had come. He was almost out of sight when she called out, “What were you going to do? Follow me for as long as I decide to hike?”

He stopped, turning back to face her but not moving toward her. “I was going to ask if I could join you for a bit. I haven’t been hiking in a long time.”

“What about your bike?”

“I chained it to a tree.” He shrugged.

Neither of them moved closer but they didn’t leave either.

“Why should I trust you?” I called out, keeping my distance.

She could barely see the red tinge that lit his face.

“You probably shouldn’t, now that I think about it. I am a total stranger that practically accosted you on the trail and insulted your capability.”

Smiling, she took an exaggerated step back. “True.”

He laughed.

“Do you live nearby?”

He looked confused. “In the woods? No. I live down at the base of the mountain.”

“Reassuring.” Terese nodded. “I didn’t think you lived here in the woods. I was asking if you were a tourist or a local.”

“Oh. Local.”

“Job?”

“Cop.”

Terese started laughing. “Serious?” Looking around she flung her arms out and motioned around her. “What a place to meet a cop.”

Again his brows furrowed in confusion. “Are cops not supposed to do normal things outside of work too?”

“Oh sorry. It’s not that. My mom has just been bothering me for months to sign up for this meet-a-cop dating app because she is convinced that if I would just meet someone strong and reliable, her words not mine, then I would fall immediately in love, get married and finally give her grandbabies.”

He shook his head. “Haven’t heard of it. But I’m not surprised.”

“Why?”

“Because my brother accuses me of becoming a cop to get all the girls. Says I’m too pretty for real police work.”

Terese tilted her head to the side. “What do your looks have to do with police work?”

“You’d have to ask him.” His grin was captivating, even from the distance she was standing at. “Any chance we can continue this conversation a little closer? I feel like I’m yelling.”

Laughing, she shook her head. “Nope. You are still a stranger. I don’t even know your name, address, life history, credit score or most embarrassing moment from high school.”

“How about I get to take a step closer with every question I answer?”

“As long as my personal space is respected. I have 3 brothers who would take that for a challenge.” She pointed at him. “And let that be a warning too. My brothers will trounce you, cop or not, if you do anything.”

His warm laugh bounced off the nearby rock wall, filling her chest with tingles. “Normal size steps it is. Do you need my full name or would my social security number work?”

“Full name. Social security numbers are worthless on a hike.”

“So is my address.” He shot back.

Terese folded her arms, smiling, and waited.

He gave a little mock bow. “My name is Glenn Raule. I live on Puget Rd. And my most embarrassing moment of high school would probably be when I asked my crush to prom and she laughed at me in front of everyone. I don’t know my credit score and if you want a comprehensive version of my life history that would require a date and maybe some food and a table between us.” Glenn could have taken ground-eating strides with those long legs of his but instead he took normal, almost small steps; smiling as he did. “Any other questions that will make you comfortable enough to let me finish your hike with you?”

“I’m sure I’ll think of something.”

Holly

Standing in line was one of the worst ways to waste time, especially if you had forgotten the current book you were reading at home like I had. Instead, I resorted to eavesdropping on the people around me, which could be interesting but was never guaranteed entertainment.

Unfortunately the discussions I had been listening to were growing stale. At least they were until I heard the annoying immediately behind me call out. “Cade, over here.”

The nasally whine that always seemed to accompany her non-stop chatter didn’t disappear as she frantically waved down whoever Cade was. And I know this about her voice because I had been listening to her on the phone with one friend or another for the past hour straight.

I was about to put more effort into ignoring her when the sight of a broad and trim man making quick strides my way thoroughly distracted me. I nearly gave myself the hiccups because of how chaotic my breathing immediately became, which would have been mortifying. 

He wasn’t movie-star-drop-dead gorgeous. He had a subtle, classically handsome type of look. As he neared, I looked down towards my feet. 

It was only after I looked away from him that my logical sense of reasoning returned and I fought against the blush as I realized that he wasn’t coming over to see me but was coming in response to the girl behind me. He must be Cade. 

Luckily, I hadn’t done anything so foolish as waving, winking or smiling at him in a flirty way. My suspicion was confirmed when I was battered by the woman’s arms as she threw them out for a hug. “Cade! You can not even believe how horrible it has been to be stuck here…” Her voice dropped lower but I could still hear her clearly say “behind this woman.”

The silence that followed was mortifying beyond anything I could have possibly imagined.

Cade finally spoke. “Jazie, that was unkind. What could this woman possibly have done to warrant a comment like that?”

“Where she can hear you.” I added, turning to flash them a snarky smile.

Cade laughed. “Valid point.”

The whiny girl, Jazie, stepped between the two of us, cutting me off. So I turned back around to face forward.  “There are so many reasons, Cade. I’m just so mad right now though that I can’t think of them.” Jazie huffed. 

And since I wasn’t looking because I had turned back around to shuffle forward in the line but I think it would be safe to assume that she sullenly crossed her arms to pout. That’s how I imagined she looked because it was definitely how she sounded.

For the next several minutes the two of them whispered back and forth to each other and I had to fight to not try and hear what they were saying. I mean, I was standing right in front of them. I really wanted to know what she was saying about me. It took alot to stay out of it but I did. And now that I think of it, I’d rather not know what Jazie really thought about me. What she’d said aloud was enough.

Cade surprised me when he appeared next to me, holding out his hand. After a second or two of staring at it I slowly reached out and shook his hand.

Immediately his polite, friendly smile intensified. “Hi there. Since we are stuck standing in line next to each other and my sister here is being her usual charming self, I thought I’d introduce myself so I could say sorry. My name is Cade and this is Jazie. And we are both sorry.”

“Holly.” I nodded briefly, letting my smile out a little, then pulled away. “It is a pleasure to meet you and you have nothing to be sorry for.” I looked straight over at Jazie with an irritated smile. Pointedly holding eye contact with her, I waited for her apology and was disappointed.

She simply laughed and looked away.

“So, where are you headed?” Cade angled toward me.

“Through the airport security.” I grinned. My cleverness really knows no bounds.

“Aww, you are a thrifty traveler then.”

Looking over at his face, I searched for any clue that would tell me that he was making fun of me. I couldn’t find any, though I admit he did look highly entertained.

I shrugged. “That depends. If I’m the kind of girl that wants to go through airport security then I would need a ticket. And if I wasn’t planning on using the ticket and only bought it so I could go through the achingly dull wait of this security line, I would say that airport security hopping would be a very expensive hobby…and boring.”

“Impressive.” He nodded. “So which are you? Creative and thrifty or expensively boring?”

“Well, I don’t go through security or their lines for fun. So I don’t know. Does that make me cheap or high maintenance?”

He looked me over as if assessing my appearance. “Tastefully frugal.”

Jazie snorted. “If I didn’t have to be here, I would not be. You both are being all sorts of sappy weird and gross. Cade, scare her away so I don’t have to look at her anymore.”

Cade ignored his sister and leaned over to whisper into my ear, “She’s not normally this whiny. What did you do to irritate her so much?”

“Nothing.” I whispered back. “Until you showed up she has been on her phone the whole time, going on about traveling with ugly, normal people. I haven’t said anything or looked her way. Is it possible that she’s just crazy?”

Cade burst out laughing. “Just disgruntled that she isn’t being swarmed by adoring fans.”

“So my ignoring her is why she hates me?”

“Jazie fancies herself an up and coming star on several social media platforms.” He glanced over at his sister. “Though she is not quite the influencer she thinks she is. I am glad she insisted I come on this trip though. It has been a pleasure to meet you.”

Ally

“Cooper, I don’t think you understand how this works.” Ally laughed as he leaned back against the wall.

She shook her head. “You have to talk to a girl before you can ask her out.”

”I knew I was missing something.” He glanced over at her, where she was leaning her shoulder against the wall next to him. “And out of everyone here, who should I talk to first? They all look the same to me.”

“Then pick one. Talk for a minute, then if she is still interesting after that minute you keep talking to her. Do that until she is no longer interesting or until it’s time to leave and you get her phone number.”

He groaned and laughed at the same time. “That sounds a whole lot like speed dating without anyone to ring the bell when it’s time to move on to the next one.”

With a well aimed punch to his arm, she flashed him a smile. “Cooper, I’m not the one making you find a date to bring to your big family dinner or find yourself shamed for life. That is your mother.”

“I’ll be shunned Ally, not just shamed.” He tapped his head against the wall in frustration. “Does she really think that forcing a girl to come to a tense family gathering is going to inspire me to propose to her? And even if I did theoretically propose to this stranger, the girl would have to be crazy to say yes after knowing me for less than a week. And I don’t want a crazy or desperate girlfriend, fiance, or wife.”

“Ironically, you are pretty desperate at the moment too. It could be a match made in heaven.”

“Not funny, Ally.”

Ally continued to scan the room. “Your mom just wants you to be outrageously happy and give her grandbabies. And to her that means finding a girl to fall in love with. And apparently you haven’t brought a girl over to meet her in over a year. She thinks you are a lost cause. Now, start small and just focus on finding a girl who doesn’t annoy you to death in the first few minutes of conversation.”

“Why don’t you have to bring a date?” He glared at her. As if it were her fault that his mother had singled him out as the only one required to bring a date.

Pushing off the wall, Ally attempted to drag Cooper with her. “I am not her darling child. Just her friend’s daughter that has been around forever. Now, as your wingman or whatever, I will help you get started.”

“How would you help?”

“I can start the conversation, introduce you, then all you would have to do is flirt long enough that she melts into a pile of goo in your arms. Then you can ask her to dinner.”

“Melts into a pile of goo? Do I really want that? And I think you overestimate my flirting abilities.” If he could have leaned any further into the wall, Ally was guessing that he would have.

“I’ve seen you flirt. You have got it down fantastically. I think you just need to want to. Besides, you have plenty to work with.”

“Plenty to work with?”

Ally folded her arms and smirked. “You keep repeating me. And yes, you are the cliché fantasy. Haven’t you heard the phrase tall, dark and handsome.”

Cooper leaned forward, his attention riveted on her face. “You think I fit a fantasy cliché? Or your fantasy cliché?”

She bit her tongue. Now was not the time to be dipping into that conversation. “Focus, Cooper.”

He suddenly pushed off the wall and stepped directly in front of her. “I’ll make you a deal.”

“What deal?” Ally’s eyes narrowed.

“If I do my best and try to convince someone to come to my family’s dinner and still end up solo at the end of the night, you have to be my date to the dinner.” There was a light, dare I say a gleam, behind his eyes as he spoke.

Shaking her head she laughed, “Not a chance. I’m already going. And your mom knows me and would know that I was your fake date.”

“You wouldn’t be fake.”

That pulled her up short. “What do you mean by that?”

He stared into her eyes for a very long time until she could barely think straight. The last time they had been this close they had been in high school and he had been trying to convince her that they both needed to practice kissing. He had almost convinced her back then and his gaze was still just as effective. Only, Jessica Florez interrupting had saved Ally from agreeing to his dumb idea back then. Jessica must have overheard their conversation because she had swooped in and planted a kiss on him without even looking at me.

“You can practice with me.” Jessica had cooed at him. And thus started their dating relationship that had lasted until graduation. 

Shaking her head, Ally pulled herself back to the present. There was no Jessica Florez to distract him now. “Cooper, I am not going to be your fake date. Go find yourself someone who can.”

“I don’t want a fake date.”

There was something in the way he looked at her that got her heart pumping wildly and her breathing kicked up a notch. He stepped closer. So close that she could feel the heat from his body against hers, even though they were not touching. As his head leaned in closer to hers she couldn’t find the motivation to look away. He was going to kiss her.

At the last second she whispered. “Is this all to save yourself from your mother and her dinner?”

Cooper abruptly pulled back. His eyes pierced her. “Is that what you think this is?

“Yes.”

He practically jumped away. “It wasn’t. Now, do we have a deal? I’ll try, really try. And if not, you go with me…as my real date.”

Without thinking it through she heard herself laugh lightly. “Deal.”

“Let’s get this over with then.” Cooper strode off in the direction of a knot of girls standing off to the side near where we had been standing. 

Ally watched him walk away, stunned, and finding herself slightly hoping that he did fail. If only so that she could be his real date for once.

Kaela

“Kaela Maricosa.” Father’s voice boomed throughout the house, causing Kaela to jump up from her desk.

Quickly she emerged from her room. “Yes, Father?” 

“Come to my office immediately. We have business to discuss.” His voice bounced off the marbled halls.

Rushing to the large oak doors separating her father’s home office from the rest of the estate, Kaela paused and took several deep breaths. She’d learned quickly that arriving in his presence winded and out of breath was considered unseemly and thus, expressed prohibited.

College couldn’t come soon enough.

Opening the door, Kaela pasted on a smile. “Father?”

“Kaela. Come in. We need to talk.”

“Yes, Father.” Settling gracefully into the large wingback leather chair situated across from her father’s large oak desk, she smoothed her dress across her lap.

He fingered his steeples and looked at her as if he were analyzing her. “Kaela, your mother has brought to my attention a few matters needing my consideration and guidance.”

Kaela waited quietly, while frantically going over what she could have possibly done wrong that would warrant an office visit.

“Are you considering attending a secondary educational institution?” His eyes narrowed as he spoke.

Kaela’s ramrod straight posture may have been the one thing keeping her from wilting into the chair.

“Yes, Father.” Her gaze focused down on the desk in front of her. Weren’t seniors supposed to do that?

“That will not be necessary.” His hand sharply cut through the air between them.

She couldn’t stop her mouth from dropping open.

“Close your mouth, girl. And listen.” He didn’t wait for her compliance. “There is no need to get all emotional about it. I am looking to correct your misassumptions. You will not be needing to attend any further education. In fact, that brings me to the other important matter I need to inform you of.”

“More?” Kaela nearly choked on the word.

“Such outbursts are unseemly. Get yourself under control. Immediately.” He barked. His fist slammed on the desk.

“Yes, Father.”

“Now, I am expecting to receive Stafford Walsh III in just a few minutes. You are to quietly sit in the corner and be as attractive as you can manage.”

Kaela glanced down at what she was wearing.

Her father must have caught the look. “Yes, your wardrobe is not ideal. I had supposed that you would have been keeping your appearance neat and comely, as expected of you. Go and change, then come back as soon as you can. Your late appearance to the meeting may prove to be more conducive to what I intend.”

Going back up to her room she mentally ran through her options. How exactly was her appearance essential for him to meet with a client?

She debated on how long to take changing and what to change into but in the end, she was back down at her father’s study door dressed in a pretty and modest yellow sundress in under 5 minutes.

Knocking, she held her breath. At his mild ‘enter’ she slowly opened the door.

Sitting in the chair she had recently vacated was a man only a few years older than herself. He turned toward her, no doubt wondering who would be interrupting their meeting. Her father motioned her to the chair in the corner he had previously spoken of.

“Pardon me.” She whispered and sat down.

Kaela didn’t listen as the two of them went back to discussing terms of some legal contract. It wasn’t until she heard the word union that her attention focused on the two men in front of her. The man sitting across from her imposing father was speaking.

“…My father has ordered me to ensure that decorum will be maintained and be an utmost priority in both public and private settings. I have also been instructed to obtain written and signed confirmation that all of my father’s requirements are met.”

“I can sign that now with ease.”

“From both parties.” Mr Walsh paused, glancing briefly over at her. “Today.”

Father nodded. “Kaela come over here and sign these papers, then return to your chair.”

Seeing no reason to not do as he said, she signed the several sheets of paper he placed in front of her before returning to her seat.

“I will return these to my father and we can proceed from there.” Mr Walsh rose. “Miss Maricosa can see me out.” He raised his hand in Kaela’s direction as if he wanted her to take it. She hesitated, glancing at her father. At his nod, she rose and took his hand.

Hers tingled at the contact.

Neither of them said a word as they navigated the halls to the foyer. It wasn’t until they reached the front door that he stopped.

“Do you have any idea what you just signed? You didn’t take the time to read any of them.” He asked her softly.

“No.” She shrugged. “But it couldn’t be much worse than here.”

At that, he squeezed the hand he was holding tighter. “What do you mean? Are you being mistreated?”

Kaela quickly shook her head. “No, no. I was informed today that my father will not allow me to go to college and it has been hard to wrap my head around. Yet, he still hasn’t told me why.”

“The papers.” Mr Walsh repeated, pausing to be sure she was listening. “You signed a betrothal agreement.”

“Betrothal. To who? I’m still in high school.”

His hesitation was much more noticeable this time. “To me.”

“You?” She stepped back. “No. How old are you?”

“I am a college freshman. We wouldn’t get married now. It would be in a few years.” He hurried to reassure her. “I knew that our fathers have been planning on this for a very long time and I wanted to meet and get to know you well before marriage was even close to happening.”

“And that’s why I can’t go to college.” Kaela’s shoulders slumped. At least he couldn’t be that much older than her.

“Not while under your father’s care, no. I, however, see no issue with you going to school.”

“Really?”

He glanced back in the direction of her father’s office. “Kaela, I believe that marriage is about two people caring enough about each other to support both of their dreams together. A partnership, not a tyrannical rule.”

“I believe I may come to like you, Mr Walsh.”

“Stafford, please.” He brushed a kiss on her hand. “I look forward to getting to know you and your dreams, Kaela.”

Mona

Mona groaned as the covers of her bed were thrown off of her.

“Get up.” Miriam said, folding her arms and standing over her as Mona attempted to blink her eyes awake.

“Why?” She groaned again, trying to pull her sheets back over her face to block out the fading sunlight. “I just finished studying for my data analysis class a few hours ago. I want to sleep.”

“Not a chance. You promised me we would go out. I’m holding you to that.”

“Tonight?” As Mona finished struggling to wake up, she was met with an interesting sight through the crack in the doorway. “Who are they?”

Miriam giggled. “Don’t worry about them. And yes, tonight.”

Mona ignored her and continued to peer around Miriam at the men surrounding Jason. “Are you taking up a collection? Because if you are, I am going to have to find somewhere else to stay.”

“No!” Miriam protested with a laugh. “Besides, my room isn’t big enough to keep that kind of collection. Jason brought them to hang out.”

“Hang out? Do I really take that long to get ready?”

Miriam was already nodding before Mona finished the sentence. Shrugging, Mona headed straight to the bathroom, not acknowledging anyone. It wasn’t until she got back to her room that she faced Miriam with a curious stare. “You aren’t trying to set me up so that you don’t have to keep dragging me away from my desk whenever the two of you want to go do anything, right?”

“I promise that I am not. As far as Jason trying, I don’t know. He didn’t say anything about asking a guy to date you for a long time.”

“Wait. What?” Mona threw up her hands. “Are you saying that Jason has tried in the past?”

At her nod, Miriam spun around and out of the doorway. “I think I will wait out here with them. Hurry quick. The dancing starts in less than 30 minutes and it is a 20 minute drive.”

Dancing?” Mona shrunk. “I hate dancing.”

It was Jason that looked over at her and smiled. “Hey Mona. Glad to see you’re alive.”

“I was studying.” She growled leaning in the doorway of her room.

“Was is past tense.” He perked up, nodding his head at me. Immediately the two guys turned their heads almost in comical unison to look at her as well. Mona blushed. Jason continued. “If you are done studying, then you can help me take these two fine friends of mine on a tour of the city tomorrow. They are new to the area.”

“Transferring in late?” She eyed the thinner blonde first. He wasn’t super skinny, like she would weigh more than him, but definitely trim and in shape. The other one was dark, dark everything. Dark black hair, dark brown eyes, dark blue shirt. She couldn’t see his pants because the couch he was sitting on was blocking her view but she was guessing that they were dark too.

The blonde shook his head. “I’m just dropping Trey off. He’s starting next semester.”

As Mona went to disappear back into her room she paused in the doorway, glancing back at Trey. “You know that coming early isn’t like getting a head start.”

“Maybe not from an educational standpoint but I’m sure there are plenty of social activities to occupy him while he hunts down a job.” Blondie said.

“And you are?”

“Harry.”

“Are you his interpreter? I admit, stony silence is a hard language to pick up.” She gave both of the newbies a flirty wink, smiling towards Trey.

All three guys chuckled but Mr Dark Mystery still didn’t speak up.

“Alright then. I’ll change and we can go.” Mona slammed her door and fought the urge to flop onto the bed. Opening up the opposite side of the closet she perused all the ‘fun’ clothes Miriam insisted she would need for going out. Since that very expensive shopping trip, the only going out that required any sort of dressing up was when Miriam ambushed her into a social event.

Emerging a few minutes later in a cute, flirty green dress and strappy sandals, Mona headed straight for the door. “Coming?” She called when she reached for the doorknob.

Both Trey and Harry stood almost automatically and quickly joined her out in the hallway. Jason was in less of a hurry as he continued to whisper in Miriam’s ear.

“So, are you two being forced into social activity as well or is that just me?” Mona slowed her pace as the three of them strolled down the hallway so that she could hook arms with both of them.

Trey seemed startled to find her standing there, and even more surprised that her hand was on his arm. Had he already forgotten her?

“Not exactly.” Trey answered, a slow smile spreading across his features as he focused completely on her face. “Jason has a way of being very persuasive.”

“In what way?” She couldn’t disguise her curiosity. Jason didn’t seem persuasive at all, then again he hadn’t really ever tried to convince her of anything.

Trey glanced back in the direction of her recently vacated apartment, probably looking for Jason, and then over at Harry. Mona purposely didn’t look away from Trey’s face, waiting. He cleared his throat and kept his eyes staring straight ahead toward the exit.

Harry laughed as we neared the front door. “Jason promised there would be lots of gorgeous college girls no matter where we went.”

“And that is what convinced the two of you to come out tonight? Pretty girls?” Mona sighed. 

Harry flashed a bright smile her way but she pointedly ignored it. He was looking more and more like a flirt than a friend or dancing buddy. She refocused on Trey who was still not looking at her.

Cocking her head to the side she caught Trey’s gaze by nudging his hip. She smiled brightly. “You coming for the pretty girls too, Trey?”

“I’m coming for you.” He finally held her gaze and didn’t look away.

“Me?”

His smile was worth the wait as it warmed her completely, heat tingling along her cheeks. “After meeting you, I don’t think I can let you out of my sight. Some other lucky loser would snatch you up in a heartbeat and I’d never get to dance with you.”

She softly squeezed his arm. “You only have to ask. I’d say yes.”

Kessa

“Kessa!”

Why was there never any way to go more than five minutes without Jen yelling her name? Little sisters could be so annoying. Taking a deep breath to keep from snapping back, even though this was the fifth time she had had to stop her homework to go find out what her four year old sister wanted.

“What Jen?”

“Leland is at the door!” Jen’s voice echoed through the house.

I stood to peek out my bedroom window overlooking the driveway. A silvery blue mustang was parked where mom’s van usually was.

“What?”

She slowly started walking down the hall to peer over the railing overlooking the entryway. Kessa could hear her sister’s giggles.

Standing just inside the open door was Leland Brolditern. He wasn’t one of the popular jocks at school but they definitely didn’t have a drop-by-unannounced kind of relationship. In fact, more often than not he seemed surprised they even knew each other.

“Oh, you.”

He looked up and smiled, giving a short wave.

As she descended the stairs she looked around, expecting their dad to be hovering nearby just as he did anytime a boy was at the door. “Where’s Dad?”

Jen looked up at her with wide innocent eyes. “Dunno.”

“So you opened the door without an adult, not knowing who it was?”

Jen shrugged and ran off. Kessa turned to face Leland.

“What brings you by?”

“Tonya.” He looked down the hallway Jen had fled down.

Stifling a groan, Kessa motioned him back toward the living room. Tonya had once been her best friend. They had done everything together. It was almost a year ago that she suddenly stopped. No texts, no phone calls, nothing. She wasn’t dead or anything. Just switched crowds.

Kessa had been left reeling at the sudden change. She had gone from being Tonya’s only and best friend to a stranger. Tonya had somehow managed to jump from one friend to about 50 overnight. That is where Leland came in. He was one of the 50. And since he was apparently observant he knew that I had once been her friend.

Maybe he forgot because he acted like it never happened but about a week after Tonya’s sudden life change he had stopped me in the hallways with concern etched into his eyes. He’d asked if I was ok and commented on how Tonya seemed so different.

He didn’t start hanging out with Kessa all of the sudden or anything. Just every once in a while he would check in on her to make sure she was good. He hadn’t checked in for a while now. Maybe his internal conscience had reminded him to check in on the loser girl who had lost her only friend.

“Why come to me?” She folded her arms. Talking about Tonya was still hard.

“She is acting off. Sometimes she looks around at us as if she thinks someone or something is missing.” He was looking straight at her with an intensity that made her want to squirm.

She waited.

“She saw you during lunch today and looked startled.” He continued, not looking away. “As if she was surprised to see you. It looked like she was ready to bolt over to you. Then she flipped her hair behind her shoulder and continued talking to Lisa.”

Kessa didn’t know what to say. She hadn’t tried talking to Tonya since she had decided to cut ties. When Kessa had gone up to her at school, Tonya acted as if she didn’t even know who she was. It was not a pain she wanted to willingly revisit.

“This isn’t exactly my favorite topic, Leland. Can you get to the point?”

He motioned for her to sit next to him on the couch. She did, reluctantly. “Kessa, I haven’t pushed you into anything during this past year because I care about you. I’d rather not bring up Tonya at all and say that I came over to simply be with you. Yet every time I have tried talking to you, to get to know you, all you hear is Tonya’s name and you shrink away.”

Kessa sat up straighter. “I didn’t mean to make you feel stuck in between us.”

“No, that’s not what I meant.” He ran a hand through his hair. “What I’m trying to say is that last year when Tonya disappeared from your side I really wanted you to know you had a friend in me but I had the misfortune of being from the group she ditched you for so I was always associated with her and the pain she caused.”

Letting the words sink in, Kessa couldn’t tear her eyes from him. “I don’t see you that way.” She faltered. “I mean, seeing you doesn’t remind me of Tonya.”

He shook his head. “You do. It does. And that’s ok. I realized a few days ago that I needed to come out and tell you how I feel. And with what happened to Tonya today at lunch I had a reason to come. Though now that I say it out loud I realize how dumb that sounds. I shouldn’t have waited for a Tonya reason to come see you.”

He didn’t wait for her to respond, reaching out and holding her hands between them.

“I like you, Kessa. You are strong, funny, and amazing. Would you go out with me?”

“I…yes?” Kessa wasn’t sure how Tonya acting strange at lunch translated into him asking her out but when he asked she had the strongest urge to hug him.

“Really?”

She nodded, feeling her smile grow bigger. “Yes.”

His intense gaze dropped down to their hands and he squeezed. “I think Tonya had some sort of head injury and literally forgot who you were.”

“What?”

“She keeps looking confused, complaining her head hurts and only seems to calm down when she sees you. Then she jumps back into the new Tonya from this last year.”

“How long has this been happening?” Kessa felt her hands start to shake.

“A few weeks. It wasn’t until today that I knew for sure that it was you that she was looking for when she’d get confused.”

“I don’t know what to do with that.” Kessa confessed.

“Me neither.” He shrugged, giving her a sheepish smile. “I’m hoping it doesn’t make you change your mind about that date.”

“No.” Kessa let out a breathy laugh. “Not at all.”

Zara

Glancing around the diner, Zara’s headache got worse. Nate wasn’t there. He had promised that he would be there on time this time and he wasn’t.

“One?” A waitress with a cheery grin came up to where she was standing by the door.

“Two.” Zara smiled tiredly.

“Do you want to wait here, at the counter, or at a booth?”

Zara refocused on the woman before her. Her name tag said Maggie. “A booth sounds heavenly. My friend should be arriving any minute. Medium height, shaggy brown curly hair and a devilish smile that he thinks will win him free pie. Could you send him over my way when he gets here?”

“Sure thing. We aren’t too busy so you can pick any booth. Can I get you anything while you wait for your friend?”

Zara glanced around. “Do you have hot chocolate?”

“The best.” Maggie nodded.

“I’ll take one of those.”

Shrugging off her coat and laying it over her purse on the bench, Zara plopped onto the vinyl seat and resisted laying her head on the table. She settled for slouching and leaning her head back against the seat. Her eyes slowly closed.

It was only a few minutes later that she heard the vinyl of the seat across from her moan as someone sat down.

“Finally.” She moaned. “You promised not to be late this time.”

“Please forgive me. I’m usually so punctual.”

Zara’s eyes snapped open at the sound of his voice. “You aren’t Nate.”

“No.” His smile widened. “I must admit I was surprised to be shown to your table. I was hoping that maybe it was just my day. My day could use a little lift. But by the way you are looking at me I can tell I am going to be kicked out.”

“I…no.” Zara shook her head once. “Please don’t get up.”

“Are you not waiting for someone?” His confusion was reflected on his face.

Zara checked her watch. “Yes, I am. And if history is any indication, he isn’t going to show up.”

“I would say that it is most unfortunate for you and for him, but rather fortunate for me. I never would have met you if he had shown up on time.”

“And why do you think meeting me is fortunate? I could be some annoying, clingy woman who won’t take no for an answer.” She smiled, relaxing back into her seat.

He must have taken it as a sign that he too could relax across from her. “I do still have the added bonus that you know nothing about me so you wouldn’t be able to stalk me.”

“That might stunt our conversation a little but I think I can work around it.” Zara paused. “No actually. I take it back. It would be impossible for me to talk about myself and not learn anything about you.”

He chuckled. “I might be persuaded to divulge a thing or two.”

“Like your name?”

He leaned onto the table. “You first.”

Zara laughed. “I’m glad the waitress mistook you for Nate. I’ve had a headache all day and now I don’t.”

“I’ve heard that laughter is a medicine for all sorts of ailments.” He cocked an eye at her and gave an exaggerated wink.

“Not something I’ve ever really had much belief in.” Zara confessed with a shrug.

Maggie popped up just then. “Here’s your hot chocolate. I added a little whipped cream because you seemed to need it.” She looked over at Zara’s new friend. “Could I get you anything? Pie, perhaps?”

“Your pot roast and another hot chocolate, please.” He smiled at Maggie without even looking at the menu.

Zara smiled. “You seem pretty confident about your choice. Have you been here before?”

“No. My father has though. And he goes on constantly about the pot roast. I promised him that I would try it.” He shrugged.

“I’ll have that too then.” Zara nodded.

After Maggie walked away, he smiled.

“Is that what brought you here? The pot roast?”

“Yes.” He glanced around as if suspicious of everyone else in the diner and smiled. “I promise I won’t tell.”

Zara stuck her hand out across the table with a bright grin. “I’m Zara.”

“No last name?”

“Hah.” Zara kept her hand out. “I don’t even know you.”

“Joel.” He took her hand and wiggled it.

They both burst out laughing before Zara covered her mouth to stifle it. Most of the diner was now looking their way “Sorry.” She said between giggles.

“So are we going to avoid talking about each other?”

“We can start with the basics.”

“Like what? What do you do for a living?” He shook his head.

Zara gave a mock glare. “No. We can start with what is your favorite movie? Or your favorite color? Or even what is a favorite childhood vacation of yours?”

“Dunkirk. Green. And hiking to as many waterfalls my parents could find and drive to in one summer. You?”

“You don’t waste much time.” Zara leaned back and sipped her hot chocolate. “I love water falls. Do you remember any of the places you went? How old were you?”

Maggie dropped off Joel’s hot chocolate and was gone again before Joel responded.

“The way I see it, if I can get to know you quickly enough we can move past the I’m-worried-you’re-a-psycho stage and get to the asking-you-out-on-a-date part of the evening.” He paused, eyes furrowed. “You weren’t waiting for your boyfriend or husband were you?” He glanced down at her left hand.

“I am single. Never been married. And I guess we can do our own private version of speed dating while we wait for our food.”

“And Nate won’t be a problem?

She shook her head sharply. “No.”

“Good. Oh and no, I was too young to know where we went. I only remember my feet hurting from all the hikes and still being amazed by how cool the waterfalls were; even after we had gone to so many of them. They were all so different. Now I am an avid secret waterfall chaser. Whenever I travel I hunt down whatever waterfalls are in the area and go hike to them.” He picked up his hot chocolate and motioned toward her with a grin. “Your turn. Movie, color, and vacation. Go.”

Meredith

 “Are they both asleep?” Tucker whispered as Meredith softly closed the door to the girl’s room. She quickly held a finger to her mouth to shush him as she turned back to finish closing the door. Once closed, she nodded with a soft sigh. Tucker leaned against the hallway wall next to her, making sure his groan wouldn’t be heard by the babies.

Meredith chuckled. “You look exhausted, Tuck. Did you have a long day?”

“Just as long as any other.” He flashed her a tired smile as he shrugged. Hand in hand they walked down the short hallway and into the small, slightly cluttered living room.

“Who knew having two kids under three would be so exhausting?” She moaned, dropping onto the couch.

When she looked back at Tucker she discovered that he hadn’t sat down next to her. Instead, he was still standing with his arm stretched out to her.

“A dance, my queen?”

Meredith sighed as she smiled up at him. It took a second to find the willpower to move but she finally convinced herself to reach out her arms and let him pull her up. Holding on to her, he slowly wrapped her into a warm bear hug. As her arms went around his neck, she laid her head on his shoulder and gave another long, weary sigh. He held her close and slowly her breathing calmed to the steady beat of his heart beneath her ear.

Softly melded together, they began to sway from side to side. They rotated around the room, practically floating in each other’s arms, hearing their song shimmer in the air around them. Occasionally they would have to dodge around the toys the girls had left scattered throughout the house but didn’t mind.

“Married 8 years and still you are the best part of my life.” Tucker whispered in her ear.

She stood up on her tiptoes and whispered back with a contented half smile. “And you still step on my toes while making me laugh at the same time.”

“It’s a talent.” She could hear his pleased smirk. “I’m a natural comedic toe destroyer.”

She squeezed him tight and sighed. They continued to move and sway, not needing music or words. 

It was several minutes later that they slowly swayed to a stop and simply stood there holding each other once again. Meredith breathed softly into his shoulder, on the verge of laughing because of how good it felt to breathe while her husband held her.

Eventually she did chuckle into his shoulder as she sighed. “Tucker.”

“Yeah, Mere?”

She pulled back to look up into his face, slipping her hands around his waist and squeezing. “Thank you.”

His head canted to the side as his smile quirked to life. “For what? For dancing with you any chance I can? Or for being so devastatingly handsome?” After a pause, he grinned. “How do you know I’m not just being selfish?”

She shook her head and tugged at his hand. “Selfish or not about the dance, it’s not what I’m saying thank you for. I’ll happily dance with you every chance I get. I am saying thank you for making me feel special, for noticing that I am tired, for not commenting on how much of a mess the house is and for so much more. I could go on. This dance with you is a bonus, a perk.”

Tucker pulled her in for a tight hug. “You are my world, Mere. What kind of a husband and man would I be if I didn’t cherish you and make sure you know how incredible you are to me?” He drew her lips to his for a brief kiss before whispering. “Plus, I’ve heard from a reliable source that two beautiful but hellion angels ran rampant through this house and are responsible for this mess surrounding us, not you.”

With a wink he maneuvered her around so that as he sat down on the couch she ended up snuggled in his lap. Settling in, Meredith glanced around the room. 

“Those two are better mess makers than I ever thought possible. I can’t keep up.”

“I’ll help you clean up.” Tucker gave her a hug and kept his arms around her, not moving to stand.

“Really?” She sounded surprised. “But you are exhausted. I can do it tomorrow.”

He shrugged. “That would leave it all to you while both the girls are awake and making more messes faster than the ones you clean up. So if it makes you feel better, I’ll help on one condition.”

She laughed and leaned her head back against him. “How would having conditional help make me feel any better than unconditional help?”

With a wink he pulled out his hand that was holding her close to him, so that he could point to her nose. “Because you seem to think that this is your mess to clean up alone when those children belong to both of us.”

“And what condition are you proposing?”

“We snuggle first, for at least 15 minutes without even looking around or even thinking about what needs to be sorted and tidied.”

“Is the time negotiable? I know we both need to get to bed. We can’t spend the whole night cleaning.”

He was shaking his head before she even finished getting the question out. His voice deadpanned, though he was still smiling. “No. I don’t negotiate with terrorists.”

Meredith sprung away from him, whether the indignation was fake or real she wasn’t quite sure yet. She kinda softly whacked him on the shoulder. “Now I’m a terrorist?”

“Only if you take the kid’s side. Complete, destructive terrorists.” He laughed. “Aw come on. You have to agree though that they are cute little terrors.”

“I don’t have to agree with anything. You called me a terrorist. And they are adorable. I love them.” She crossed her arms and leaned away but didn’t get up.

He nodded. “I agree. And they are terrors. Just say yes. You know you want the snuggle time.”

“You know me too well.”

He twisted her around until she was facing him once again. “I’ll throw in a foot rub.”

“Oh fine.” She fake groaned. “If you insist. Snuggling and foot rub.”

Hazel

“Not that one.”

Pausing in my perusing, I look at the man who must be the one trying to give his opinion on my shopping choices.

I’ll admit it, he is cute with a smart vibe emanating from his casual attire. He looks very put together in his blue plaid button down and light blue jeans. The green in the plaid draws attention to his equally green eyes, making both pop.

“That shirt you have been holding up for the past minute will look too frumpy on you. I wouldn’t even waste your time.”

I humph. “For one, I try on everything that catches my eye before I determine whether I’d consider buying it. And two, who makes you an expert on how clothes would look on me?”

I watch as his eyes glance quickly down at what I am wearing. Knowing what he saw, I blush. There is a reason I am shopping for clothes.

“Sawyer!” At the sudden noise, the man in front of me stops with a grimace and glances towards the dressing room. “Sawyer!” She yells again.

“Sounds like your girlfriend needs you.” I chuckle.

He rolls his eyes. “My sister can wait two seconds.” Striding over, he stretches out his hand. “I’m Sawyer.”

“You know, I kind of guessed that already.” I cock my head to the side with a smile as I shake his hand.

“And you are…” He prompts.

“Sawyer!” This time a small sprite of a teenager comes storming out of the dressing room, almost running me over.

Hands on her hips she stands between Sawyer and me. “You didn’t answer me.”

“Lilah, I wasn’t going to holler through the store as you were.”

Instantly Lilah spins around to face me. “You can help me!” She squeals, grabbing my hand, hauling me in the direction of the dressing room.

Startled as I am, I allow myself to be steered to the dressing room she had just vacated.

When I look back, Sawyer shoots me a look of apology. When we reach the room I find a variety of dresses hanging all over the walls.

“Help.” Lilah sighs.

Mind whirling, I take in the variety of dresses, from sun dresses to maxi dresses to a few formal dresses. “Ummm.” I glance at Sawyer and he gives me a grin that makes my toes curl and my stomach leap. “I guess my first question would be what are you looking for?”

“A dress.” Lilah’s shoulders slump, as if my question tells her how unhelpful I am going to be.

“Yes, I already gathered that. But what I am asking is what purpose is the dress serving. Are you looking to go to prom?” I point to the formal ones. “Or are you wanting to look cute at a beach party? Or is it an everyday sort of dress that you can wear?”

Instantly Lilah brightens. “School mostly. I am giving a speech on Friday. So I want formal but not too much and cool enough that I don’t look like a deadbeat dud”

“Do you mind if I take a few of these out so we can look at your options?” I gather up all the dresses that wouldn’t work.

Lilah called out so the whole store could hear her again. “I like her Sawyer. Where did you find her?”

Sawyer groans. “Lilah, she isn’t a lost puppy. I didn’t find her and you can’t keep her. She came here to shop for herself, not you.”

I can practically hear her pouting. “Aww come on. The girls you date are never this nice. Why can’t you go out with her?”

“With how nosy and pesky you are being right now, I doubt she’d go on a date with me.”

I ignore them both and finish clearing out almost half the dresses that are cluttering up the space. Then I spread out the rest so they are all hanging up.

“Have you tried all of these on?” I ask her, refusing to look over at Sawyer. I was beginning to wish he would ask me out. 

“Not all of them. I tried the green one but I hadn’t gotten to the others yet.” Lilah smiles weakly, shrugging.

“How about this; you try on each dress and we can talk about what you like and don’t like about each one. It’ll help you narrow it down.” 

With an eager nod Lilah grabs the first dress and closes the door with a grin.

Sawyer flashes me a half grin. “You can escape and continue shopping while she’s distracted. I can help her figure out a dress.”

“Sometimes girls just need another girl to talk to while they are trying things on. And you don’t qualify.” I sit down on one of the chairs set outside the dressing room. Sawyer sits in the one right next to me. “How did you get roped into taking your sister dress shopping?”

“I’m here for the weekend and mom had work. And for some reason Lilah likes dragging me shopping.” He shrugs. “I don’t mind.”

“Here for the weekend? From where?”

“I’m at school a few hours north, studying microbiology. I come home most every weekend if I can manage it.”

Lilah pops out with a pink floral maxi on. “Ta da!” She gives a spin.

“Do you like it?” I ask.

She nods.

“Do you love it?”

Again she nods, still twirling.

“Anything wrong with it?”

Turning this way and that in front of the mirror Lilah looks like she’s thinking hard. “I’m not sure I want a dress that goes all the way to the floor.” She giggles. “But it makes me feel and look so grown up!”

“Ok so keep that one and try on another.” I suggest. 

Lilah grabs a deep purple skater dress and disappears.

Sawyer turns his head to look at me. “You are a marvel.”

“Why? Because I am willing to help your sister?”

“No. Because you are letting her help herself instead of telling her which dress she should get.”

Sawyer leans back in his seat as I shrug. “You found me out.”

Lilah and I go through several more dresses while Sawyer and I chat between dress changes. Surprisingly I learn more about him then I usually do when on an actual date. He also somehow manages to learn that I am going to school online so that I could stay in town to be near my dad who suffers from intense anxiety. 

By the time Lilah picks the one she wants, I am hoping Sawyer would at least ask for my number. I don’t want this to be the last time I talk to him.

“Well, I guess I’ll get back to my shopping.” Giving them some space, I move back to the racks as they move to go pay. I catch a glimpse of Lilah glaring at Sawyer.

Out of the corner of my eye I watch them pay for her dress while I browse through the racks. When I see Lilah prance to the door my shoulders slump a little. However Sawyer makes his way over to me, and my heart begins thudding, thumping, and twisting in my chest all at once.

“I couldn’t leave.” Sawyer blurts when he is close enough. “Could I get your number? And your name?” He smiles. “I’d like to ask you out on a date.”