Ash took Serena out for dinner in order to sooth things between him and her. She told him she wanted to go back to town. She looked disappointed and sad. It was surely because he didn't spend the night with her.

Ash wanted to send her back to town, but not in her current state. He could at least make her happy by taking her outside, and they could talk more about this.

He's left work early than his usual today to take her out. He's picked her up at his residence and they drove to the city center. Serena was looking through the window all the time; not sure if she was just amazed by the city or refusing to look at Ash.

"Uhm, do you like the place?"

"I do. Thank you." She replied in a low voice Ash could barely hear through the jazz music playing in the restaurant.

Serena was beautiful, sweet, and polite. He thought she deserved better than this. "You know, Serena..."

"I know you don't want me," She said.

"That's not-"

"You love another woman, right?"

Ash didn't reply.

"It's all over your eyes, Ash." Serena smiled. "I mean—of course I knew. I had a feeling... if you've been on your own all these years... you surely have your eyes set on someone."

Ash looked down. He poured himself some red wine.

"Everyone is saying you left town because you didn't want to get married." She chuckled.

"Nonsense." He chuckled as well. "You know, you can do a lot of things before getting married. You're very young."

Serena listened as Ash spoke, "You could find a university here and I'd help you with anything you need. Marriage isn't everything."

She looked down. "Would you really help me?"

"If you like Golderod-"

"I love Goldenrod city!"

Ash smiled. "That's great, then."

"But my mother wouldn't say yes."

"Even if it's me helping you?" Ash put his elbow on the table. "Ash? Your big brother from your hometown?"

Serena smiled. "I don't think she'll say no."

"With grades like yours, you'd get a scholarship easily, Serena. You shouldn't waste this. You're a brilliant student."

Serena started laughing suddenly.

"What?"

"I think the whole town will regret sending me here forever!"

"That's what I'm exactly trying to make them feel!" Ash joked. He then grabbed Serena's hand. "Let's do this! Okay?"

Serena nodded.

"And, uhm, you can stay in my apartment when you need it—do laundry or anything like that. It's open to you."

"Thanks, Ash."

"I made you convert." Ash smiled broadly.

Serena chuckled.

"Yeah."

Outside the restaurant, Misty was standing against her car, watching through the glass as Ash and Serena held each other's hands and laughed.

Her phone rang and she answered. "Yes, May?"

Was Raja right? Does he have a business dinner?

"Business dinner my ass." Misty sighed. "He's with the girl I told you about; the one who brought him clothes to office."

Well, at least Raja didn't lie about the address...

"She books for him, May."

Oh, right! Right!

Misty sighed again. "I'm hanging up."

Wait!

Misty hung up and hid her phone inside her purse.

"What am I doing here..." She looked left and right. Why did she come here running after she heard Raja talk to the phone and make a booking in Ash's name? Why did she care? So what if Ash was taking his woman out for dinner? What does that have to do with Misty?

Why did she feel threatened?

Misty hopped in her car and drove away.