"Oh, Denny, you look perfect," Lucia smiled.

"Thanks, Lucia. I suppose I look good all cleaned up." Denny checked his appearance in the mirror.

"Yes, you do," Lucia nodded. "Are you nervous?"

"Yeah, I am," Denny nodded.

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

"I hope so."

"Where are you taking her?"

"I gave her two options. Italian or American."

"And which did she choose? I'm assuming Italian."

"American, actually."

Lucia hummed. "Okay. Wonderful."

"Yeah, I'm excited for a hamburger."

"Okay, just don't be too sloppy when you eat it," Lucia chuckled. "I know you."

"I promise, I'll be careful."

"Alright," Lucia smiled. "Do you have your wallet?"

Denny checked and paused. "Nice catch!" He sauntered off to grab it.

"Make sure you have your phone too."

Denny showed it to her.

"Okay, perfect. I'll be here, waiting for Paisley to call and say you're in the hospital," Lucia teased.

"She'd be able to help me."

"Not exactly. A nurse can only do so much without the needed medical supplies. Bottom line: be careful."

"I will. Thanks, Mom," Denny chuckled, opening the door.

"Be back by curfew" Lucia teased, kissing his cheek. "Have fun."

"Bye, Mom!" Denny left.

Lucia rolled her eyes, laughing slightly as she sat down on the couch. "Hey," she texted Sean. "I miss you. What are you up to?"

"Nothing much. Just finished work," Sean texted back.

"Sweet. Denny just left for his date with Paisley, so I'm alone. Thinking about maybe taking some of my stuff back home."

"Yeah? We could video chat, if you want."

"I'd love that," Lucia sent with a smiling emoji. "Are you free now?"

"Um...let me drive home."

"Okay. Just text me when you're home." Lucia quickly ran a brush through her hair and put on a bit of makeup.

A few minutes later, Sean texted that he was ready.

Lucia flopped down onto the couch and FaceTimed him. "Hi," she smiled.

"Hey, beautiful."

"I miss you."

"I miss you too. Tell me about your week"

"Well, I found out that Denny doesn't like coffee," Lucia sighed. "Other than that, life's been pretty boring."

"Yeah? Same here."

"You should come visit again."

"Maybe I will. I picked up another job, though."

"Really? What for?"

"Some unexpected expenses."

"Oh?" Lucia frowned.

"Yeah. But it's no big deal."

"Are you sure something isn't wrong?"

"Mhm. I'm positive, Dearest."

"Alright," Lucia nodded.

"Don't worry."

"Alright," Lucia chuckled. "So, then what's your new job?"

"I'm just a stocker at a grocery store."

"Who are you? Dean from Gilmore Girls?" Lucia teased.

Sean laughed. "I guess."

"Well, does it pay well, at least?"

"Somewhat. I make above minimum wage."

"Well, that's something," Lucia nodded.

Sean shrugged and smiled. "Yep."

"So...we should talk about some future stuff. You want kids?"

Sean chuckled. "You asked me that."

"Sorry, my brain isn't working," Lucia sighed. "I went back to work today and I had to pull a double shift because someone didn't show up, and now my feet hurt."

"Oh, I'm sorry."

"Oh, yeah, I remember you saying that," Lucia nodded. "By the way, I found this awesome Italian bakery, and it's just ten minutes from my house. I'm totally taking you next time you're in town."

"Yeah? That sounds delicious."

"It is. They have the best cookies there. You'd love it."

"I'm sure I would."

"Yeah. We should totally have them do our wedding cake."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah," Lucia smiled. "There's also a new Indian restaurant by Java Shot. I haven't eaten there yet, but I heard it's good."

"Yeah. It might be a while until I come, so maybe you should go with your friends."

Lucia pouted. "Can't you get time off?"

"Maybe, but we'll see."

"Good," Lucia grinned.

—————

"Hi, Denny," Paisley smiled.

"Hey, Paisley."

"It's really good to see you."

"I love talking to you," Denny smiled.

"I love talking to you," Paisley chuckled. "Shall we go?"

Denny nodded, presenting his arm. "Let's."

Paisley laced her arm through this. "So, we're going to the burger place, right?"

"Yep. Figured it's a nice place. Gourmet burgers and such."

"Yum," Paisley grinned.

"Mhm. I concur."

Paisley got into the car and fidgeted nervously with her bracelet.

"Calm down," Denny said reassuringly, getting into the driver's seat.

"Sorry," Paisley laughed nervously. "I haven't been on a date in forever. Well, not including when I went over to your apartment a few weeks ago."

"Right. Me neither. I've been single a very long time."

"You've never had a girlfriend, have you?" Paisley chuckled.

"No...I have not."

"Awe. That's cute."

Denny smiled. "I suppose."

"I had a boyfriend for about three days in first grade," Paisley chuckled. "But then he said he liked Missy Goldberg and that was that."

Denny chuckled. "Not very loyal, was he?"

"Sadly not," Paisley laughed softly.

"But I am sure you're happy."

"Relatively," Paisley nodded.

Denny nodded. "That's the best thing."

"Yeah. What about you? Are you happy?"

"Pretty much. I just get injured a lot, though, so that's a bummer."

"Yeah...Lucia told me that you're a bit accident prone," Paisley chuckled.

"Yes, I'm sorry to admit."

"Well, try not to hurt yourself tonight," Paisley laughed.

"I'll try not to. I'll be extra careful," Denny smiled enchantingly.

"Oh gosh, don't do that," Paisley chuckled.

"Be extra careful? Why not?"

"I meant don't smile like that."

Denny just smiled more.

Paisley blushed slightly. "Stop," she moaned in embarrassment.

"I can't help it," Denny laughed.

"You're so cute," Paisley chuckled.

"Thanks."

"I'm really glad you asked me out."

"I'm glad you said yes...I hope we have a nice time."

"Me too," Paisley smiled.

"I'm sure we will, though."

"I have a good feeling we will."

Denny nodded in agreement.

"How much further is this burger place? I'm starving. Haven't eaten since breakfast."

"Not much farther," Denny chuckled.

They arrived about ten minutes later.

"Thank god," Paisley smiled, getting out of the car.

"Get whatever your heart desires."

Paisley nodded and went inside with him.

They were quickly seated at a table and started looking at the menu.

"I'm getting the double cheeseburger," Paisley nodded. "Do you want to spilt a side of waffle fries?"

"Sure. Sounds good," Denny nodded. "What are you getting to drink?"

"Shirley Temple. You?"

"I was going to get root beer myself."

"Awesome," Paisley smiled.

Denny smiled back and set his menu aside. "So...tell me about yourself."

"Well...I'm a nurse, as you know. I was homeschooled from seventh grade until I graduated. I actually finished high school in two years," Paisley nodded. "I had to leave because the kids in my school were bullies and I was a constant target, so my mother pulled me out...My father died of cancer when I was five. That's when I decided to become a nurse."

Denny nodded. "Very amiable of you."

Paisley laughed softly. "Thanks...I'm, uh, into photography. I love going to the nature park and walking the trails. I've gotten a lot of nice pictures out there."

"Yeah? I'm sure they are beautiful pictures."

"Thank you," Paisley smiled. "What about you? What's your story?"

"My story? Kinda boring. My parents divorced when I was young. I'm a scientist, which is why I get hurt so much."

"A scientist, eh? You must be smart."

"No. I am afraid not. I test theories that have already been proven."

"But there are still a lot of factors that play into getting the same result. You still have to be smart to do that stuff."

"I guess."

"We should do an experiment together. It'd be fun. It, um...my father was a bit of a scientist. He'd let me help with some stuff. I'd mostly just watch him, though."

"What did he do?" Denny asked with great interest.

"I, um...I don't really remember," Paisley said quietly. "I was really young when he died, so...I only have a few memories. I remember him doing something with a watermelon once, though, he could have just been making dinner."

"I blew up a watermelon with Lucia's help. Well, almost. I cut myself."

"Oh, yeah, I think I remember Lucia telling me," Paisley nodded. "You're afraid of needles, right?"

"Mhm. I am."

"Well, next time you need anything done like blood work or something, have me do it. I'm really gentle."

Denny chuckled. "I am sure you are."

Paisley smiled. "So...stupid question, but have you ever been kissed?"

Denny blushed. "Um...yeah...by accident, though."

"Really? Tell me about it."

"I was going to kiss Lucia's cheek because she was really missing her mom one day, and she turned her head and we kissed," Denny explained fairly quickly.

Paisley chuckled. "Was that your first?"

"Yeah."

"That's cute," Paisley smiled. "Was it good?"

"It was so short lived. I decided to try and forget about it."

"Well, it's better than my first kiss."

"Oh?"

"Yeah. I was fifteen. I was at the mall and the guy came right up and kissed me," Paisley chuckled. "Mistook me for my twin sister."

"Ooh. That's pretty bad."

"Yeah," Paisley laughed. "It was so weird."

Denny laughed with her.

"It's too bad neither of us have had intended first kisses."

"Yeah?"

"I mean...I've always wanted the Hallmark movie kiss in the field type thing."

"You're a romantic, huh?"

"Hopelessly."

Denny chuckled.

"What about you? Have you ever pictured your first kiss?"

"Nah, not really. Whoever I'm with will make it perfect," Denny smiled a little. "That's something you'd hear in those movies, huh?"

"Yeah," Paisley smiled softly.

Denny chuckled.

The waitress came over to take their orders. "Hello. I'm Fiona, and I'll- Paisley?"

"Fiona?" Paisley frowned. "Oh my gosh. How are you?"

"I'm well. How are you?" The waitress smiled.

"I'm good," Paisley nodded. "Denny, this is my twin sister."

Denny smiled. "Hey."

"So, are you two dating?" Fiona smiled.

Denny looked at Paisley, expecting her to answer.

"Yeah," Paisley nodded. "Gosh, how long has it been since I've seen you?"

"About six months," Fiona nodded. "I couldn't stand living in Florida. That heat was killing me."

"Audrey kicked you out, eh?" Paisley chuckled.

"Yeah," Fiona laughed. "But hey, at least I found a place up here."

"I'm glad," Paisley smiled.

"Me too," Fiona nodded. "Anyway, What can I get you?"

"Double cheeseburger. Hold the onions. We'll also have a side of waffle fries."

"And to drink?"

"Shirley Temple."

"Perfect," Fiona smiled. "And for you, sir?"

"I'll have a barbecue burger and a root beer. Thank you."

"No problem," Fiona nodded. "I'll get this right in for you guys."

Denny smiled at Paisley.

"So," Paisley smiled, "what kind of music do you like?"

"I like some country."

"There are only a few country songs I like. I'm more into musical soundtracks and stuff like that," Paisley nodded.

"Oh, I see."

"Yeah. What's your favorite musical?"

"Hm...what do you consider a musical?"

"A movie where people randomly break into song. Or a stage production of the like."

"Okay. Um...Something Rotten."

"I've only heard about that one, but I haven't actually seen it," Paisley nodded.

"It's really good. I went with Lucia."

"Oh, yeah?" Paisley smiled. "I guess I'll have to find it then so that we can talk about it."

"Yeah. It's good, if you like Shakespeare."

"Love it," Paisley grinned.

"Actually, in the words of Nick Bottom, 'God, I hate Shakespeare'," Denny chuckled.

Paisley laughed. "A Midsummer Night's Dream is my favorite."

"Yeah? True classic."

"It really is," Paisley nodded.

Denny smiled.

—————

"This has been really fun, Denny," Paisley smiled.

"Yeah. I really enjoyed myself."

"Me too. And thanks for paying for dinner. You really didn't have to."

"Yes, I did. You're my date."

"So?" Paisley chuckled.

"I should show that I could provide." Denny winked.

"Ah, I see," Paisley smiled, wrapping an arm around his waist. "This has really been a perfect night."

"I'm glad you think so," Denny smiled cheekily, his dimples showing.

Paisley felt weak in the knees. "If you keep that up, you'll be picking me up off the floor," she chuckled.

Denny chuckled with her.

"So, I've been thinking. Maybe we could go for a hike on our next date."

"Yeah. Just not where there's a lot of poison ivy."

"Oh, that's right. You're really allergic...Well, I don't think there's poison ivy on the trail I usually walk."

"I hope not. But leave it to me to find it."

"Oh dear," Paisley chuckled, getting into the car.

Denny got into the driver's seat and paused for a second. "Want to go for a walk in the park?"

"Sure," Paisley nodded.

Denny drove off. When they arrived at the park, he opened her door for her.

"Thanks," Paisley smiled, stepping out of the car.

"I won't be anything less than a gentleman."

Paisley kissed his cheek. "I appreciate that."

Denny smiled brightly.

"You're...you're wonderful, Denny."

"You're awesome too, Paisley. I love your name."

"Thank you," she smiled. "It was my grandmother's name on my mom's side."

"Oh, really?"

"Yeah. And Fiona was named after my father's mother."

"That's very nice."

"Yeah. I thought it was sweet. I'd love to name my kids after people who are important to me," Paisley nodded.

"It's always an honor."

"Very true," Paisley smiled. "Do you think you'd want kids?"

"Maybe. I don't know."

"I think it'd be nice. I guess it really depends on what my husband wants, though."

"Yeah. He's that other half."

"Exactly my thought process." Paisley took a deep breath, taking in the night air. "I love crisp nights like this."

"Mhm. It's really nice out."

"It is," Paisley smiled. "Careful. That's poison ivy over there."

Denny moved closer to her. "Thanks."

Paisley wrapped her arms around him. "Over there too."

Denny looked around then smiled at her. "You just trying to get me closer?"

"Maybe," Paisley smiled cheekily.

Denny chuckled and wrapped an arm around her.

"But there's actually poison ivy over there, so be careful."

"Okay," Denny nodded before biting his lip and kissing her cheek. "Was that okay?"

"That depends," Paisley shrugged, pressing her lips gently into his. "Was that okay?"

Denny smiled cheekily.

"Maybe...you'd be okay with me doing it again?"

Denny nodded eagerly, a massive smile plastered all over his face.

Paisley chuckled. "You're just an innocent little puppy dog, aren't you?"

"Maybe," Denny smiled, kissing her gently.

Paisley smiled brightly. "You know, you're really good at that."

"Well, thank you. I'm learning."

"Then here's your first lesson," Paisley smirked, pressing her lips into his once more.

—————

"Hey," Lucia smiled. "How was your date?"

Denny came in with his face smiling and his eyes with a love-dazed look.

"I'm assuming it was good," Lucia chuckled.

"She kissed me...a lot."

"Awe. That's sweet."

Denny looked so happy.

"You really like her, don't you?"

"Mhm."

"My little man's all grown up," Lucia teased.

"I'm so excited."

"I'm happy for you," Lucia smiled, patting the spot on the couch next to her. "Come. Sit. Tell me about the date."

"Well we went to that Gourmet Burger Restaurant right outside the city and went to take a walk

"Awe," Lucia grinned. "Sounds romantic."

"Then she kissed me."

"Ooh!" Lucia squealed. "That's wonderful!"

Denny chuckled.

"Looks like ya won't be needing me anymore."

"I'll always need you."

"Thanks, little bro," Lucia smiled.