A few days later it occurred to Abby to wonder if he'd ever finished the application process. He hadn't said anything further about it. He wasn't the type to leave a project unfinished, and she had done most of the work for him. Abby was reluctant to bring it up and make things awkward again; they'd actually started to regain their previous comfort level lately. But it would be too easy for both of them to fall back on their old habits and she didn't want Connor's infatuation with her to become his security blanket.

At the moment Connor was perched on one of the menagerie's yellow barricades, typing away on his laptop. She looked at him, then quickly dropped her gaze before he could feel her eyes upon him and look up to catch her smile. Abby knew he would be much more comfortable up in the hub, or in his office at a proper desk. But he enjoyed her presence, even when both were busy with their own tasks. It made her happy that someone enjoyed her company so much, even when she was mucking out creature pens – not a pleasant task, but also it saddened her that Connor's time was spent watching her clean dinosaur droppings rather than romancing a lady who could return the sentiments.

"So Connor..." she finally spoke as she set her tools aside and shucked her work gloves. He looked up at her, fingers poised over the keys. "Any ladies falling at your feet yet?"

"Hmm? Oh." he blushed as he understood the question and ducked his face back to his computer screen. "Err, yeah, a few."

"Really?" Abby was glad his renewed distraction kept him from noticing the surprise in her voice. She didn't doubt that girls would be interested in him but she'd expected him to dawdle about initiating contact with any of them. When Connor wasn't more forthcoming she asked, "Fancy any of them?"

"Um, there's this one, Joyce, she seems really cool. Loves Star Trek, and she said she went to the last convention in London as Kara Thrace. That's pretty sexy stuff. We've been chattin' since yesterday."

Connor grimaced. He hadn't meant to gesture towards his laptop as he said that. Abby was immediately curious when she realized Connor was talking to the woman right that moment.

"Have you asked her out yet?"

"Well, no but-"

"Connor! What are you waiting for? What's she like?" Abby approached him but he twisted away so she couldn't see the computer's screen. "C'mon, let's see her profile then."

"Oi, Abby! I'm not lettin' you touch me laptop until you go wash. God knows what you've got on you after that job."

She pretended to lunge at him, hands outstretched, and laughed as he nearly toppled off the barricade to avoid her. As she left for the locker room, she called over her shoulder.

"Set up a date with her before I get back, Connor Temple, or tomorrow you can be the one with the shovel and I will be the one to sit by and watch."

.x.x.x.x.x.

The following Friday evening Abby was perched on the sofa, flipping through a magazine as she waited. After a peek at the clock she called to him.

"Come on Connor, hurry up. It's very bad form to be late for a date. If I had to tell you that, I think we might have figured out why you're still single."

Connor stopped fidgeting before the mirror as Abby's voice floated up to him. He wearing his best waistcoat and had left off his gloves, his hair was combed tidily. Aside from a dab of cologne, not much change from every day Connor, really. He made a face at the mirror before he flipped off the light and went downstairs to join her.

"I've brushed your coat. It doesn't look at all shabby once it's cleaned up." Her genuine smile softened the critique in her words as she brought the jacket over to him. When he'd slipped it on, she straightened the collar and assessed the effect. "There we are. She'll think you're well handsome. Just don't start talking about Star Wars until at least the second course, eh?"

Connor swallowed as Abby chattered. It hurt a bit to see her so cheerful and animated about sending him off on a date with another woman. If he had needed any proof that she saw him as nothing more than a friend, this was surely it. The way she almost beamed with pride reminded him for a moment of his mum. A thought he hastened to shake off.

"Have fun, yeah?" Abby was smiling up at him, her hands still gripped the front of his coat. For a moment he considered backing out, canceling on his date and staying home with her. His best mate. But she'd never let him get away with it now.

Connor nodded and slipped on his fedora.

"Wish me luck." He smiled gamely at her but she could tell her was nervous from the way he couldn't keep his hands still. He drummed on his pant leg, juggled his keys, and continually adjusted the tilt of his hat as he headed for the door.

"You don't need luck Connor, just be yourself." She called after him, raising a hand to wave. "And relax!"