DISCLAIMER: None of these characters are mine. They belong to David E. Kelley. Don't sue me.

Valentine's Day

"Hey, Lauren," Harry said.

Lauren looked up from the coffee pot in the teacher's lounge. "Oh, hi Harry."

"Listen, I was wondering if you were doing anything for Valentine's Day."

"Harry, we broke up, remember?"

"Yeah, but I just thought...you know, if you aren't doing anything, you and me and Marilyn and the gang could get a drink or something."

Lauren shook her head. "I think Marilyn and Kevin are going out. Besides, I have plans."

"You do? What?"

She sighed. "If you must know, I have a date."

"Who?" Harry looked even more incredulous.

"That's none of your business!"

"What isn't any of his business?" asked Marilyn, who had just come in.

"Nothing," Lauren said.

"She has a date," Harry explained.

"Really? With who?" Marilyn asked.

"That's none of your business!" she repeated. She looked very flustered, and she grabbed her stuff and walked out.

Marilyn and Harry looked at each other. "Sheesh, what's with her?" Harry asked.

"You didn't ask her out, did you?" Marilyn demanded.

"Not really..."

"I thought you two broke up."

"We did--or at least she broke up with me."

"Well then, get over her. She's obviously moved on."

"This could be just like a blind date or something," Harry said hopefully.

"Come on," Marilyn scoffed. "It's Valentine's Day. You don't go on a casual date on Valentine's Day."

"What about you and Kevin?"

It was Marilyn's turn to be flustered. "That's none of your business!" She picked up her stuff and left.

"Sheesh, what's with them?" Harry asked the empty room.

*****

All day long Marilyn continued to pester Lauren. "Come on Lauren," she asked, "just tell me who it is."

"I told you it's none of your business," Lauren repeated.

"We're friends, Lauren. You told me when you and Harry went out. You even told me when Guber asked you out."

"This is different."

"How?"

"Look, I don't want to tell you, okay? Aren't I entitled to a little privacy?"

"No." Lauren rolled her eyes. "Please, Lauren? Why won't you tell me?"

"Because it's private!" Lauren slammed her grading book shut.

"Sorry," Marilyn said. "I was just curious."

"Well, if you don't mind, I have work to do, okay?"

"Fine." Marilyn walked out, very confused.

*****

"Hey Lauren," Harry said.

"What?!"

"Whoa," Harry said, "what's wrong?"

Lauren sighed. "I'm sorry I snapped at you. I'm just a little frustrated."

"Oh, is Marilyn still asking about your mystery guy?"

"Not just her. Everyone's asking about him. Even Sheryl Holt wanted information for her website."

"Oh, well, sorry." There was an awkward silence before Harry continued. "Who is he anyway?" Harry asked casually.

"Harry!" Lauren exclaimed. "I am so sick of this! It's personal, okay?" She marched down the hall angrily.

*****

"I had a great time," Lauren said smiling.

"I'm glad," he replied.

"Do you want to come in?"

"Yes, thank you."

They walked into her apartment and sat down on the couch.

"I have something for you, Lauren."

"You shouldn't have." She unwrapped a beautiful diamond necklace. "Oh, it's beautiful."

He fastened it around her neck. "Not nearly as much as you are," he said, kissing her gently.

She kissed him more passionately. They fell backward on her couch.

"Oh, Lauren..."

"What?"

"Nothing, it's just..." He sat up. So did she. "I should be going."

"Oh." She looked disappointed. "Do you have to?"

"It's very late," he pointed out.

"Well, good night."

They stood and walked over to the door.

"Happy Valentine's Day, Lauren."

She smiled and kissed him.

"Happy Valentine's Day, Scott."