Eric gets a chapter! How will Nell take his Valentine's plans?
I'm nervous as I pull up outside Nell's house. It's not the first time I've been here but today it's to pick her up so we can go out. Valentine's Day always makes me nervous… I'm not very good with women unlike Sam, Callen and Deeks. I sigh as I turn my engine off and take a deep breath. I'm early. Now or never I think to myself as I grab the door handle to let myself out. I walk up to Nell's door and I notice the porch light is on. Summoning all my courage I press the bell and brush a crease out of my khaki shorts. I'm in a formal blue shirt but I've kept my trademark flip flops and shorts.
Nell answers within seconds and my heart skips a beat. She's in a stunning knee length royal blue dress with her red shrug. I mean she always looks amazing but tonight I think I may actually faint from how good she looks.
'Eric.' Nell answers.
'Nell, you look um….. um….' I stutter.
'Thanks,' Nell responds taking in what I'm wearing and stepping out onto the porch.
'You look amazing as always…' I finally manage offering her my arm
'So do you Wolfram… So where are we going?' Nell asks as I walk her to my car.
Minutes later and I pull up outside the planetarium. Nell seems surprised as I turn the engine off and let myself out before appearing at her door and opening the door for her. I smile as she puts her hand on mine.
'How did you get tickets for this? They've been sold out for weeks….'
'I planned ahead,' I lie, not wanting to let Nell know that I had help, before leading Nell to the entrance.
'Good choice Wolfram. I love the stars.' Nell praises
I'm amazed as I realise that Melissa knew and managed to get me tickets before I knew I needed them. Although she did kinda lead me to decide to do this tonight I'd rather be at the beach but if it makes Nell happy…
'So which way do we go?' I ask Nell looking into Nell's hazel eyes and being taken in by them. Nell leads me around as I count myself lucky that she agreed to come out with me tonight.
'So how did you know?' She enquires as we stop in a new room. Stars are being projected around the room and we are standing in the middle.
'I had help…..' I finally admit, looking down, I couldn't lie not to Nell.
'Melissa…' Nell looks down before pulling my head up with her hand so that I'm looking into her face.
'Yeah. I'm sorry Nell I wanted it to be perfect and I didn't have a clue…. Melissa mentioned it and she got the tickets and….. I'll understand if you want to go home.' I nervously ramble as Nell simply looks at me. I take a breath.
'I think you misunderstand. I love it,' she answers putting her arms around my waist and nestling in. 'I think you should thank Melissa. It's been the perfect night.'
'You're right.' I admit to her as I put my arms around her. Nell's presence is reassuring and I realise I never want to leave her go. God I owe Melissa! I think to myself as we stand in an embrace for a few minutes looking at the stars.
