First thing in the morning, Connor pulled the piece of paper out and read it: Day One: Compliments.
Sarah had helped Connor out with that one the night before, but he didn't think he was actually going to use any of the suggestions she'd jotted down for him. She'd made a point of telling him that some of his were definitely not acceptable, but the ones she'd chosen just weren't quite good enough for Connor either. Sure Abby would think they were sweet, but Connor wanted to tell Abby what he thought of her, not what Sarah told him he should think about her. He remembered a long time ago Abby had tried teaching him to flirt and she'd told him to make the compliments personal, and that's what Connor intended to do. Anyway, after the practice with Sarah last night he felt much more confident about what types of things to say, even if he didn't use her exact examples.
He threw the blankets off the bed and skipped downstairs to where Abby was already at the table eating some cereal and drinking some coffee.
"You were gone late," she accused. "I woke up a few times and you weren't back yet."
Connor grinned at her, "Yeah, well, Sarah and I had a lot to talk about." He poured himself some cereal and coffee too and sat across from her. He wanted to compliment her, but he wasn't quite sure how to start it. It'd be better if Abby asked him for a compliment, right? Then he could get away with saying whatever he wanted and she couldn't scold him since she'd asked.
"Hey, Abs," he said, "Remember the day we were at the bar and I was flirting with you?"
Abby paused, looking puzzled, and stared at him, "No, Con, can't say I do. Either you've dreamt it, or I must have been really drunk."
"Aw, come on, surely you remember. Rex was the bartender."
"Rex? Well that solves that, you dreamt it, or you were at a bar and you were drunk. Either way, didn't happen. Really, Con, you have to learn the difference between reality and… well, not reality."
"It did happen though, Abby. I mean, it might not have been a real bar, per se, it was right here. You were teaching me to flirt."
The memory was triggered and Abby looked a bit relieved that Connor hadn't gone completely lost his marbles. "Yes, that I do remember."
"We got interrupted, something came up at the zoo, remember? I think I need some more lessons, can you teach me to flirt, Abby, please?"
Abby felt as though she'd suddenly been punched as she started to piece some stuff together; Connor must've met a girl in a bar and now he needed help. It was probably what he'd been discussing with Sarah last night. She imagined that her reaction to Caroline was probably the reason he hadn't mentioned anything to her just yet. The last thing she wanted to do was to help Connor out. On the other hand, the chance to flirt with him was appealing. Besides, she couldn't think of a way out of it.
"Fine," she mumbled. Then she moved closer to him and did her best to look sexy, "Flirt then."
"What do I say?"
"Compliment me."
Perfect, but Connor wanted to replay this just like last time, "You're hot."
Abby sighed, "Personal, Connor, it's gotta be more personal than that."
Connor stood up and walked away. He had to be careful; he wanted this to be good but he suddenly needed a second to get up the courage.
Abby watched him, "What are you doing?"
"I'm thinking of a personal compliment. If I was in a bar, I wouldn't approach until I knew what I was gonna to say, yeah?"
"Fine," Abby turned back to the table and pretended not to notice him. Connor took a deep breath and then approached her, moving his chair quite close.
"Abby," he stated, somewhat nervously, but determined to get this out, "I personally think that you are the most beautiful woman I've ever seen, and that includes on TV. I love the way your eyes sparkle and you use them to show emotion. I love how you let me live with you and I love how you look after Rex, Sid and Nancy and care about all the animals. I love how easy you are to talk to and how you believe in my work. You're me best friend in the whole world, Abs, and I have no idea what I'd do without you."
Abby's heart melted right then and there as she stared at Connor in complete disbelief. "Connor, I…" but she had no idea what to say. Somehow, a simple thanks didn't quite seem to cover it. She hesitated and then looked him in the eyes, "Connor, you're my best pal too, but if you say anything so personal to a girl in the bar she'll think you've been stalking her," she teased a bit, mostly to prevent herself from making a complete idiot of herself.
Connor laughed and shrugged, "Ah, got it. Thanks for the tip." Then he flashed her a grin and took his cereal bowl to the couch and started up his video game. Day One: Success.