"Good morning," Lucia smiled.

"Morning, Lucia." Denny waved. "How are you?"

"I'm good," Lucia nodded. "What about you? How're you feeling?"

"Much better," Denny smiled. "I might manage another bologna sandwich."

"Oh, no. That's not happening," Lucia chuckled.

"Why not? It's my stomach."

"Yes, but I'm your nurse, and I say no."

"You are not my nurse. I'll ask my actual nurse."

"And who's that?" Lucia frowned.

"Paisley," Denny said smugly.

"How'd you get Paisley's number?"

"I'm a stud," Denny smirked.

"Yeah, sure you are," Lucia chuckled.

"Hey!" Denny said, faking offense.

"Careful. You don't want to strain yourself with that bad acting," Lucia smirked. "Seriously though, you should be resting."

Denny shrugged.

"Do you want to get better or not?"

"Yes, of course."

"Then rest. Sit on the couch. Or on the stool right there so that I can watch you."

Denny huffed. "I'm not five."

"Mentally, you are. Sit," Lucia chuckled.

Denny obeyed and laid out on the couch. "I'm bored," he whined.

"Read a book."

"But that's boring."

"Do you want me to put on a movie?"

"You can, but I've gone through Netflix. Why can't we go out?"

"Because you need to rest."

Denny sighed. "I feel trapped."

"I'll take you out for a drive later. I have to drop Sean off at the airport, anyway."

Denny smiled brightly then his smile faltered. "You bummed he's leaving?"

"Yeah," Lucia nodded. "But hopefully I can talk him into coming back soon."

"I'm sure you won't have to try too hard," Denny chuckled.

"I hope not," Lucia chuckled.

Denny smiled brightly again. "When does he leave?"

"Go get dressed. We leave in twenty minutes. Sean got up early and took my car back to my place to pack. He'll be back any minute now."

Denny got up and went to his room.

"And be careful!" Lucia called after him.

"I'm twenty!" He called back.

"You're mentally a five-year-old!"

"That's beside the point!"

"No, not really!"

Denny chuckled to himself as he changed.

Soon after, Sean came back and Lucia helped Denny into the car. Sean and Denny sat up front and headed off to the airport.

Once they arrived, Lucia got out with Sean and walked him inside. He got to the front desk and gave her a hug. "Lucia, I am thrilled it was you. And that we didn't lose it."

"Me too," Lucia smiled, holding him tightly. "Do you have to go back?"

"I do, love, but I'll talk to you soon. Come visit me, please."

"It would be a bit hard," Lucia sighed. "Someone has to watch Denny. He can't be trusted alone."

"Didn't he say he has his nurse friend?"

"He did, but I don't think she's going to just drop everything to be there for him."

Sean nodded and cupped her face in his hands. "I love you, my dear, but I must go now."

"Dang. I thought I could distract you," Lucia pouted, kissing him softly. "I love you too."

Sean hummed. "We'll make the long distance work." Before he left, he gave her a long kiss and waved as he walked away.

"Bye!" Lucia called after him, watching as he disappeared. After he was out of sight, she made her way back to the car and slid into the driver's seat. "Where do you want to go, Denny?"

"Anywhere."

"Well, you're not supposed to be doing anything active, so what if we go get ice cream and then head back to your place?"

"Yeah! That's a great idea," Denny smiled excitedly. He began to look for the furthest ice cream shop so he could spend the most time he could in the car.

"Ben's is only five minutes away," Lucia nodded. "Let's go there."

"Aw, Lucia," Denny whined.

"Fine," Lucia sighed. "Jerry's is half an hour away. How does that sound?"

"Any longer?" Denny sighed. "I don't want to be housebound."

"Sorry, Hon, but you have to rest."

Denny pouted. "Fine. Jerry's is fine."

"Alright," Lucia smiled, kissing his cheek.

Denny smiled. "I'm getting Superman ice cream."

"I figured you would," Lucia chuckled.

Denny seemed happier.

"Hey, how about I spend today with you?" Lucia smiled.

"Yeah?"

"Yeah," Lucia nodded, still smiling. "I love ya, kid."

"Love ya too."

"I think we should watch a movie marathon," Lucia grinned.

"Yeah? I suppose."

"Perfect," Lucia smiled. "I want you lay down for a little bit, though. You have to rest if you want to get better."

"Oh, Luci."

"You can lay down on the couch while you watch the movie. You don't have to actually go to bed."

"Okay. Works for me."

—————

"Alright. Go sit on the couch and rest like a good little patient," Lucia smiled. "I'm going to grab you a blanket."

Denny sat down and stretched out.

Lucia came over with a large blanket and wrapped it around him.

Denny smiled. "Thank you so much."

"No problem," Lucia smiled, kissing his cheek. "What do you want to watch?"

"Any show."

"Okay. You can choose."

Denny flipped through the TV and picked one.

Lucia sat down next to him and rested her head on his shoulder.

Denny smiled. "You miss Sean?"

"A little," Lucia nodded.

"I'm sure you'll do fine."

"I hope so."

Denny smiled.

"You know, it seriously amazes me how you have so much energy just two days after surgery."

Denny nodded. "Yeah, I bounce back."

"I don't know how you do it."

"I'm cool. You should learn."

"Ouch," Lucia pouted, faking offense. "And to think, I've been so nice to you."

Denny laughed, holding his side.

"Is your side hurting?" Lucia frowned. "Do you need me to get your pain medication?"

"No, it was just my laughing."

"Okay, good," Lucia nodded.

"I'll be fine."

"Alright. Just let me know if you need your medicine. I don't want you to be in pain."

"I know. Thank you."

"No problem. I like taking care of you," Lucia smiled. "So, do you think you'll ask Paisley out?"

Denny shrugged. "I don't know."

"She was pretty," Lucia nodded. "And she seemed like she liked you."

"She was nice."

"You should text her."

"Maybe I will." Denny grabbed his phone and texted Paisley, "Hey. It's Denny Joseph, the patient with appendicitis from the other day."

"Hey, Denny," Paisley texted back.

"How are you? Are you working?"

"I'm great! And no, I'm off today."

"You should invited her over," Lucia nodded.

"You think?" Denny asked her. "Um...you wanna come hang? My friend and I are just watching movies," he texted Paisley.

"I'd love to," Paisley texted back with a smiling emoji. "I'll be over in about an hour. Sound good?"

"Good." Denny sent her the address. "See you soon!"

"You nervous?" Lucia chuckled.

"Yep," Denny nodded affirmatively.

Lucia kissed his forehead. "Don't worry. I'll be here the whole time."

"I know. And she's really nice, but you know...first date and all."

"Yeah, I understand," Lucia nodded. "However, I'm here, so I can be your wing woman."

"Thanks, girl," Denny smiled appreciatively.

About an hour later, Paisley arrived at Denny's apartment. "Hi," she smiled.

"Hi," Lucia nodded. "It's good to see you."

"You too," Paisley nodded. "Hi, Denny."

"Hi, Paisley."

"So, what are we watching?"

"Something really stupid," Denny said honestly. "Just something to do."

"What if we watch Phantom of the Opera?" Paisley suggested.

Lucia gasped. "You're my new best friend! Denny, what do you say?"

Denny sighed. "Aren't all the songs the same?" He looked at the horror on the two girls' faces and he smiled. "Why not? Go ahead."

"I'm disowning you as my little brother," Lucia chuckled.

Denny chuckled. "Go ahead...just don't mind me if I fall asleep."

"You won't if you know what's good for ya," Lucia smirked.

"You'll punish me?"

"I'll poke you."

"Oh no. Not that." Denny feigned fear.

"In the side," Lucia finished. "Because I'm just that evil."

Denny huffed and poked her.

"Hey," Lucia chuckled, slapping his arm lightly.

"Behave. Behave because Paisley is here."

"Oh, please. Like you can go ten minutes without acting like you're five," Lucia scoffed. "Paisley, can I get you something to drink?"

"I'm good, but thank you," Paisley smiled, sitting beside Denny.

Denny smiled brighter.

Lucia nudged him lightly so as not to hurt him. "Say something," she whispered.

"Like what?" Denny whispered. "Hey, Paisley? Do you like peanut butterscotch milkshakes?"

"What?" Paisley laughed.

"Do you like milkshakes?" Denny asked nervously.

"Yes," Paisley nodded, "I do."

"What's you're favorite kind?"

"Chocolate."

Denny smiled. "Nice and classic."

"What about you?"

"Peanut butterscotch" Denny said sheepishly.

"That...sounds kinda gross," Paisley chuckled. "I guess I'll have to try it."

Denny nodded and started the movie.

—————

"I never get sick of that movie," Paisley smiled.

"Me either," Lucia agreed.

"Well, it's been really lovely to hang out with you both, but I have plans with a friend in an hour," Paisley sighed. "But um...Denny, maybe we could have dinner once you're healed?"

Denny's smile grew so big that it exposed his handsome dimples. "Of course. You have my number."

Paisley chuckled slightly. "You're cute...er- y-yeah. I'll text you," she stammered nervously. "I should go."

Denny waved and Lucia hugged Paisley goodbye .

Paisley smiled and left.

Denny sprung up off the couch and began to dance. "She said we could go out!" He cheered before banging into the couch right where his stitches were, doubling over in pain.

"Oh gosh," Lucia sighed. "New plan: you're not getting up off the couch. Ever."

Denny's eyes welled with tears of pain.

Lucia gently put a hand to his back. "Here, Honey, sit down," she said softly, helping him onto the couch as he gripped his abdomen. She kissed his forehead. "I'll get your medicine."

Denny nodded weakly.

Lucia quickly grabbed his medication and gave it to him before sitting down. "It'll take a little while to kick in. Is there anything I can do in the meantime?"

Denny shook his head, the pain rendering him speechless.

Lucia wiped a stray tear from his cheek and stroked his arm gently. "It's okay. You're fine."

"It hurts really bad."

"I know, Honey," Lucia said softly. "Do you want to lay down?"

Denny nodded.

Lucia helped him to lay down across her lap. "Try not to touch it, okay? You'll make it hurt more."

"It hurts, Lucia," Denny whimpered.

"I know, Sweetheart," Lucia nodded. "It's going to go away."

Denny nodded.

"Do you want to go something to take your mind off of it?" Lucia offered.

"I don't want to move."

"How about I turn on the TV?"

"Okay...it just really really hurts."

Lucia grasped his hand gently. "Shh. It's okay."

Denny cried quietly, letting out small sobs.

Lucia kissed his forehead and dried his tears gently.

Denny sighed and eventually calmed down.

"Everything's fine," Lucia said softly. "I'm here. It's okay."

"Thank you," Denny let out quietly, his abdomen hurting from the short and frequent sobs.

"How about I spend the night again?"

"Oh, that'd be such a big help."

"Good," Lucia smiled. "I'm quite honestly afraid to leave you alone. Maybe I should just plan to stay until you're healed."

Denny did want her to stay, but he felt like such an inconvenience. "Oh, Lucia, you have other things to do. Just checking in on me is fine."

"I really don't have other things," Lucia chuckled. "It really wouldn't be a problem."

"What about work?"

"I talked the boss into letting me off for a few weeks. I sort of figured you'd need a nurse."

"I'm going to be destitute after this," Denny groaned as realization of his financial woes washed over him.

"Don't worry, Hon. It's covered," Lucia nodded.

Denny nodded, trusting her.

"Feeling a little better?"

"Mhm. Thank you. I'm very grateful."

"No problem, Hon. I love you."

Denny smiled and the pair relaxed quietly.

—————

"Hi," Monica smiled.

"Hey, Babe," Jonah smiled as he stuck his tongue out, playing a video game.

Monica chuckled. "Whatcha playing?"

"Drifter 104."

"Awesome," Monica grinned. "Can I play?"

"Yeah, sure." Jonah paused the game and handed her a controller. "It's a racing game, so it's a fairly simple concept."

"I know," Monica nodded. "I've played before. My high school boyfriend taught me."

"High school boyfriend?"

"Yeah. Steve something. He was a real jerk. Cheated on me with some red headed idiot."

"Oh. I'm sorry."

"Well, if he didn't do that, I wouldn't have found you."

"That's true...I wasn't aware that you dated before that Kyle guy."

"Yeah. Steve," Monica chuckled. "And then this one guy in college."

"How many did you have?" Jonah asked in surprise.

"Steve, the guy from college, and Kyle," Monica nodded. "The college guy -his name was Chris- was really rude and I had to break up with him. I sort of have a track record of choosing bad men. I'm just happy you're different."

"Yeah, I am. You're a heartbreaker, aren't you?" Jonah teased lovingly.

"Yeah...I'm usually on the other end of the heartbreaking."

"Not with me."

"Good," Monica smiled.

Jonah gave her a quick kiss and kept playing.

"I'm so going to beat you," Monica smirked.

"I don't think so," Jonah teased.

"Then how come you're losing?"

Jonah gritted his teeth and made a few moves.

"Oh, yeah! I won!" Monica gloated as her car passed the finish line.

Jonah hung his head in shame. "Beaten. By my own girlfriend who claims to love me," he said despondently.

Monica kissed his cheek. "Rematch?"

"I suppose," Jonah sighed deeply, making a bigger deal than necessary.

"Oh, come on," Monica chuckled. "If you win, I'll...I'll make you dinner tomorrow night."

"Really?" Jonah smiled excitedly

"Yep. However," Monica smirked, "if I win, you have to make dinner."

"Fine. Challenge accepted."

Monica started the game.

Jonah managed to stay ahead for most of the game. However, in the last few seconds, Monica pulled ahead and won. "Yes!" She grinned.

Jonah groaned. "No!"

"Looks like you're making dinner," Monica smirked.

"Stupid game is rigged."

"Mhm. Sure."

Jonah huffed. "I am no sore loser. Fine."

"You're a bit of a sore loser," Monica chuckled, kissing his cheek. "I love you, though."

Jonah sighed. "Alright. What should I cook?"

"Something...French," Monica nodded.

"Isn't that hard?"

"Maybe," Monica shrugged. "I'm kidding. Do whatever."

"So...frozen burritos?"

"Preferably something you actually made," Monica chuckled.

Jonah sighed. "Fine. I'll try. When?"

"Tomorrow around seven?"

"I'll try and be a master chef by then for you, Dear."

"Perfect," Monica smiled, giving him a gentle kiss.