AMORA EMERGED from the front, rounded her vehicle, and opened the passenger side. "Are you ready, Willow?"

Her friend shielded her face from the sun. "I'm as ready as I'll ever be. Will you get my wheelchair?"

"Sure thing." As she scoured through the trunk, Willow began to fidget and mumble to herself. When she returned, Amora searched her while setting it up. "Why are you so pale? It's only dinner."

Willow looked up. "I'm just worried about what he'll think of me."

"Oliver's a good man." She frowned. "From what I know, he's a good person."

"I hope so." Willow straightened her jewel-laced purple dress as Amora unfolded the chair. "I... I bet you're right. You told me about your little test, so-"

Amora cut in. "Are you ready?"

She nodded. 

After gently helping her upright, Amora ushered her forward. "Now down easy." When her friend was settled down and looking ahead, she grabbed the back handles, ready to push. "Don't want to keep prince charming waiting, do we?"

"We're ten minutes early. It's like 10:50! You practically rammed down my door."

"Well, like I said, we can't keep prince charming waiting. He could be early for all we know."

Willow held up a hand when she pushed and waited to still. "Is he- Is he really that handsome? I've no clue what he looks like."

"You'll see. Now, will you let us get inside?"

"Not yet." She peered back with dim eyes. "I have something to do first."

"And what's that?"

"Help me back in the seat. I'll tell you then." 

Amora appeared in front of her. Her friend was often a mystery, failing to let in her on matters big and small. In her junior year, for example, Amora had met up with her at the school park. Just moments before Bridger pulled in, Willow mentioned his arrival. In scenarios such as those, her trust and patience would wear thin. She sighed. "Okay, here we go."

After being steadied, Willow was aided into the backseat. "Okay..." she trailed. "I want to do it this time. Just me. I need to prove it to myself."

"Huh?" She leaned in, gawking. 

"You heard me. I need to know that I'm getting better. It's been weeks since the incident... I need to know that I'll even be a shadow of my former self. Maybe-maybe the rehab's been helping, y'know?"

 "Maybe..." Amora pulled back and raked a hand through her hair. "You're sure?"

"Y'know, for somebody so desperate that I have physical therapy, you sure are doubtful that it paid off."

"You're right. You're right," she repeated. "I know you can make it to the wheelchair."

"That's the encouragement I need."

"But," she interjected, "how far should it be?"

"It's not that far right now." Willow stared off while blocking out the sun. "It's, what - 5 feet away? I should be able to reach it."

Amora stepped back at arms-length. "Okay, go on. I'll be here if need be."

Her friend looked ahead uneasily. As she staggered, Amora hovered behind her like a mother hen. When she reached the wheelchair, she plopped down and held her face.

"You did it!" Amora squeezed her shoulder and glanced at the double-doors. "Now we can eat inside. Now we can go to Fiesta Cancun." A lifetime ago, she had vowed to never return to this place. That was during her unhealthy obsession was Bridger. Now, as she pushed her friend, there was a new bounce to her step. 

When they arrived, the pair stopped at the door and faced each other. 

"Thank you," Willow said. "I've been looking forward to this date all week. Even if it goes haywire, just know... that I appreciate it."

Amora smiled. "Now to find a seat. Even the best of dates don't arrive this early."

"How would you know? You're not the most experienced."

"Yeah, I just wanted to cheer her up." She smirked while reaching for the knob. "I'll let you choose the spot."

A voice arose from behind. "Hey there." 

The women stiffened and turned in unison. While her friend gaped, Amora's face lit up. 

A man was halfway down the parking lot, hands in pockets. His brown hair was finely combed back and his clothes were fancy: a high-necked trench coat over a black top. When he reached the pair, his rich cologne greeted them. 

"I'm so glad you could make it." Amora offered a warm smile, interlocking hands. "It wouldn't be the same without you."

"Is this- Is this him?" Willow beamed. 

"Yes, this is my boyfriend." She stepped aside, giving them a path to meet. "His name is Thomas. He's the one I was talking to you about."

Thomas closed their gap and extended a hand to Willow. "It's nice to meet you. I'm sure your date will love you." He stole a look at his girlfriend. "Would you like me to help you find him? He's my friend so it wouldn't be difficult."

"Sure." She accepted the gesture as her face brightened. "Just hold the door open, will you?"

Standing off to the side, Amora watched as her friend wheeled herself into the buzzing establishment. Thomas followed behind her with an easy smile. When the door shut, she waited a minute before pursuing after them. 

There were a few in line waiting to be seated. After shuffling past, she allowed a waiter through with a tray of drinks. While they rounded the corner, she walked in their shadow. Dozens of booths came into view. Most were occupied. As she hunted down their table, her frown deepened. 

Before going inside, nothing could have prepared her. Fiesta Cancun was supposed to feel like a walk in the past. Instead, everything was redone and arranged in such a that made her skin crawl. Years back, she could spy on the front doors from her seat. The light classical music was a new element, too, as well as the general vibe. It was too noisy, less romantic. 

"Hey, over here!" It was a distant voice from ahead. "Do you see us?"

Amora looked up with dim eyes. When she spotted familiar faces, she mustered a smile and greeted each with a wave. "Everyone ready for a good time?"

Oliver reached across the table and gently squeezed Willow's hand. "Yes," he said. "I'm sure dinner will go just fine."

Willow looked up at her friend and smiled. "Go on. Hang out with your man." She caught Thomas's eye. "Today isn't just about Oliver and I."

Amora met her boyfriend's face. "Well, what do you say, Thomas? Are you hungry for lunch?"

"I thought you'd never ask." Thomas swung an arm over her. "Let's sit down."

While she aimed for the front to be seated, he guided her a couple tables down. With a smile, he settled into one of two chairs and fixed his collar. "Now, grab a menu and order whatever you'd like. It's on me."

She stiffly sat opposite of him. "Thank you for reserving." She stole a glance at her friend's table for a moment. The pair were chatting away with bright faces. When she was satisfied, she turned back to her boyfriend. "I have a rule."

"And what's that?"

She folded her arms. "I only eat out like this if there's dessert."

"Deal." Then his face dimmed. "But, I have my own rule..."

Amora raised a brow. "And what is that?"

Slowly, he reached into his pocket while looking at the table. An unlit candlestick was placed between them. After pulling out a match, he proceeded to light it as his smile grew. "So, it's a date then?" 

She leaned in and held her face. "A date?"

"Yes," he affirmed. 

"Hmm." She looked at her bare wrist as if reading a watch. "I'm not sure. I have an errand to make."

"You're funny." He gazed at their friend's table. "You come all this way for Willow, settle in, and leave? I don't think so."

Amora chuckled. "Of course, it's a date." She glanced at the lit candlestick. "It's exactly what it looks like. Now, is that really your rule?"

"Not at all." As he leaned in, matching her, his pupils dilated. "Mora, can I show you something?"

Her heart began to race. "Go ahead."

He reached into his other pocket and gently tugged. After a pause, he revealed a single rose, delicate and fresh, then placed it on her end. "I remember how much you love roses. I couldn't resist."

Amora's eyes grew wide as she studied the table. A lifetime ago, she had arranged a similar set-up for Bridger. She had the candlestick in the center, a match nearby, with a rose beside her silverware. The flower had been from that rainy night. 

It would be poetic, she had thought, if he brought one also. 

Her frame shook. Her face paled. 

"Mora?"

She stiffened at the voice as she gazed up. "Yes?"

Always the gentleman, Thomas leaned close while offering a smile. "You alright?" When she didn't respond, he sighed deeply. "I'm worried about you. I'd like to know what's on your mind."

Just then, she forced a smile and gestured him near. Once he was within reach, she touched his arm as her face melted into a frown. "This just reminds me of something." She bowed her head. "This table reminds me of Bridger."

For a moment, he silently watching her stroke his arm. "I remember you mentioned him at the park." He searched her. "Do you still have feelings for him?"

"No," she said, shaking her head. "That was back in high school. If anything, I just hate being reminded of him. It's time for me to move on." She paused, holding her face with her free hand. "That's why this is such a good idea."

"You think so?" he asked. 

"Yes. I want to to work. In fact, I need this to work."

"Then come here."

"Huh?"

After leaning in, he waited to be met halfway. When she did so, his smile widened and he began to trace her cheek. She hesitated before smiling back. "You had something on your face. I had to get that off," he said. 

"That makes no sen-" In that moment, she was drowned out by a lip peck. Flustered, she pulled away and felt her face warm up. "You... You kissed me!"

"I did," he said, drawn back. "I hope it wasn't too horrible." 

"Thomas?" She faced him, gripping her seat. "You want to kiss me again?"

"I would love to." After cupping her face, he looked into her eyes. The kiss started off slow before growing more passionate. When they parted, he played with his rose. "This is romantic, isn't it?"

"Yes..." She watched him as she smiled, content. "Thank you, Thomas, really."

"For what?"

"I have been waiting my whole life for this moment. I didn't want it to be rash, either... like a speed-dating event."

"You deserve better than that." His eyes dimmed. "I hope this date will be everything you deserve and more."

"Then why do you look so sad?"

"Let's be honest," he said, "I'm not the most ideal man."

"You'll have to be more specific."

"Well, look at me!" he went on. "I'm overweight, short, and have zero experience with dating."

"Thomas." Amora kept her words gentle. "I see much more than that. To me, you're a man who has my best interest in heart. A man who will go above and beyond to keep me happy. A man who... is exceptional."

His eyes widened. "I, uh- You mean that?"

"Thomas, listen to me." She smiled sadly. "I don't need you to be perfect. I want you to be just as happy as me. So don't" - she touched his hand - "be this flawless gentleman."

"But Mor-"

"Just be happy."

He gawked as he found his voice. "Do you, uh, want to order?"

Amora lifted a brow, then reached for her menu. "You will try, though, won't you?"

He stiffly nodded. 

"Good." Just then, she looked around for somebody to take their order. "This place sure is busy."

"Willow and Oliver still have their menus. They must not have ordered yet, either."

Amora turned back and scanned her menu. With a chuckle, she pushed it aside and looked at her boyfriend. "I'm going for the ribs and fries. You?"

"I'll, uh..." After a minute, he met her face and smiled. "I'll have the bacon deluxe with baked potatoes."

She held her face and admired him. "Can't go wrong with that."

He peeped up, then huffed and set down his menu. "Oh, no need to be polite. My mother would have my head if she knew."

"Knew what?" She looked him over with a frown. "Is it not healthy enough for her?"

"She'd expect me to order healthier for a date," he said. While toying with his rose, he dropped his gaze. "She'd want me to be perfect."

"Does your mother know about us, Thomas?"

"Yes, yes, don't you remember?" he asked. "You gave me a rose during our walk in the park. You told me it would be proof. Unless do you mean this date?"

Amora smiled. "I wasn't sure if you followed through." A pause. "Does she know about this date?"

He nodded. "In fact, she seemed happy for me. I think things are going steadier than they have for a long while."

"How's her hip?"

Thomas's face lit up. "Much better! I was worried it wasn't going to improve, but I should have known. She's a tough one."

"Thomas?"

"Yeah?"

Amora leaned in, waited a minute, then kept her voice soft: "You're going to be just fine. You know that?"

"I do."

Then she faced their friend's table. With warm smiles, the pair's hands met halfway as they engaged in friendly banter. Their faces were so full of life, a joy in the atmosphere. 

"And I know they'll be just fine, too," she said. 

Hey there! I apologize for the long wait. I wanted this to be worthwhile, I suppose, but the epilogue won't take near as much time. Once this story is finished, I look forward to creating ones with better quality. 

Anyway, if you have any questions or criticism, please don't be shy! I'd love to know how to improve. 

With this said, I hope you're well and God bless. <3