“Did you enjoy yourself tonight,” I asked already knowing the answer.

“I did. I missed everyone. It felt good to be here tonight. Thanks for inviting me.”

“I just hosted it but you are as much a part of it as I am so no thanks are needed.”

“Do you  want to tell me anymore about our date?”

“No.”

“Bette,” she whined and I smiled. She could usually get her way with that whine but not this time.

“It’s not going to do you any good. I’m not telling you anything more.”

“Not even why I am staying here.”

“Especially why you are staying here. Do you trust me?”

“More and more every day.”

“Then trust that I have been paying attention, listening and remembering. Everything will be to your liking although I would put money on it that it will be an evening you never would have expected.”

“That is so not fair. What kind of hint is that?”

“One that is going to bug you until I pick you up tomorrow.”

“Are you sure you don’t want me to come over here and then I can just take my car to the airport?”

“I’ve changed but not enough that I won’t pick you up for our date. Don’t worry about Saturday morning. I will get you to the airport. Please let me do this for you?”

She smiled and rested her head on my shoulder. It felt good having her so close to me.

“I’m glad you want to take me Bette. You do realize that in picking me up and me staying here that you don’t get a kiss when you walk me to my door.”

“Then I guess it sucks to be you doesn’t it?”

“Like you weren’t going to kiss me?”

“I’m not saying anything. Maybe I don’t kiss on the first date.”

“How can you say that with a straight face? I’ve been on a first date with you and I vividly remember steaming up your windows.”

“That’s when I was young and impressionable. I’m mature now.”

“You’re so full of shit it’s not even funny.”

“Maybe a little. I have a plan about the goodnight kiss so don’t worry. I know you’re only going out with me to be able to kiss me so I won’t disappoint you.”

“Does your ego get any bigger?”

“Yep!”

“You are too adorable. I hate to have to leave but I am really tired and have to make it into the office in the morning.”

“I  understand T. You’ve had a long couple of days. Will you be at The Planet in the morning?”

“No, I have a meeting at 7 so I will barely be making it there on time. I wish I could be there though.”

“When this all calms down and you land your director, then start coming back for breakfast. We all have missed you.”

“I plan to. Thanks. Are you going to walk me to my car or are you just going to push me out the door?”

“I guess I can walk you out…just to make sure you actually leave. Will you call me to let me know you made it safely?”

“I will. I like hearing how you end the conversation. Come on.”

She got up and pulled me up. She didn’t let go of my hand as she walked toward the door. She picked up her bag and we went to her car, all the while still holding hands. When we got to the car, she let my hand go, opened the door and threw her bag in. She then turned toward me and took both my hands into hers.

“Thanks for bringing me back into the family night. I had such a good time. I’m so excited about tomorrow that I can’t even think straight. Thanks for planning it. Whatever it turns out to be, it will be special because it’s with you.” She leaned over and kissed my cheek and pulled me into a hug. “I told you that hug would have to be finished,” she whispered in my ear. We stood under the star filled moonlit night and held one another. It was a perfect ending to a perfect day.