"Are you ready to go?" Stephen asks as he approaches the women's department and Betty pulls her coat on.
"Yes, I'm ready to go. Just let me grab my bag and we can head out." Betty says as she bends down under the counter to get her handbag.
The two walk out of the store not knowing that Mr. Rumboldt has watched them leave and is secretly smiling knowing that both people involved are now supremely happy.
When Stephen and Betty arrive at Stephen's lovely little two-seater sports car Stephen opens the door for Betty and allows her to sink into the low leather seat before going around to his side of the car and hopping in beside her. "I never knew you had such a gorgeous car, Stephen. It's very comfortable." Betty says as she leans back into the seat.
"Neither does anyone else," says Stephen. "I don't like to let people know that I am able to save my salary and spend it on things I really want. Like this sports car for example, Rumboldt would have a fit because he knows he can't afford such a car. This is only because he has no money management skills. Shall we head out?"
"Of course, I can't wait to get out of this straight jacketed uniform. It's far too restricting and the colour is hideous." Betty says with a chuckle.
"Do you suppose you could give me directions? I have no idea where I'm going after all. Which way do I have to turn to get to your flat?" Stephen asks teasing Betty a little. It is nice to have light banter like this before a first date. After all, first dates can be so uncomfortable.
"Oh, turn left as you exit the parking lot and then turn right on Queen Street and it's the last apartment block on the left hand side of the street." Mrs. Slocombe says as she giggles over her lack of foresight.
"So, you don't live too far away; that's very handy transportation wise. I can't wait to just be able enjoy an evening out with you. It's been so long since I've just been able to relax." Stephen says as he drives down the street.
"Me neither and it's been years since I've been on a date with a decent man. It feels odd at my age to be saying that I'm going on a date." Mrs. Slocombe says as she leans her head on her hand and looks out the window at the sights of London.
"Why does it feel odd to be going on a date? I certainly hope I'm not making you feel uncomfortable. You shouldn't feel odd about going on a date, you're entitled to enjoy life and if that means going on a date now and then, then go ahead! Darling, you're worth it!" Stephen says as they turn down Queen Street.
"I just never thought I'd be divorced and single at the age of fifty. It feels odd because I thought I'd only walk down the aisle once. I haven't dated in years and the thought of dating again is terrifying." Betty says this as they pull up in front of her apartment building.
"You need to stop being so hard on yourself. Don't be so scared of dating; it's not difficult, you're just a little out of practice and we'll go slowly, I promise." Stephen says as he gets out of the car, comes around to Betty's side, opens her door, and helps her out of the car.
"Thank you for being so understanding." Mrs. Slocombe says as she pulls her key out of her handbag and walks to the front entrance of her apartment building. Stephen, however, hasn't followed her. "Are you coming or not?" Betty asks giving him a funny look.
"You're sure about this then? After all you seemed pretty sceptical about it earlier." Stephen asks as he walks towards Betty. "I don't want to pressure you into anything; the last thing I want to do is make you uncomfortable."
"Stop, stop, I made my decision. I'm fine with this, and you couldn't make me uncomfortable even if you tried. Now are you coming in or are you going to wait out here?" Betty asks taking Stephen's hand in hers and kissing his cheek.
"I'm coming in with you. Just tell me this: you'd tell me if this whole thing of me being married is making you feel awkward wouldn't you?" Stephen asks as he sighs.
"Is it making you feel uncomfortable or awkward, Stephen?" Betty asks as she opens the front door to the apartment building, walks in and presses the button to call the lift. "You seem to be the one bringing up the subject quite a bit."
"No, of course not. I've fallen for you and nothing is going to stop me from pursuing this relationship; it's that important. I just need to remember not to be so responsible all the time; my duty and responsibility is something that has been drummed into me my entire life and it's time to break free." Stephen says as they get into the lift.
