He is in agonies. He can't do it. He can't. They are washing dishes. This is the time, he tells himself. You set the mood, now make your move. You've done it a million times. That heart melting smile… no woman has ever been able to resist it.

But he can't. Psycho, Allison, she's not a girl for the wallet full of trophies. He can't put the moves on her. He's not sure what he feels, but whatever he feels, it doesn't inspire seduction. It is a strange position for him, a desirable woman he doesn't want to subject to the Bender technique. It leaves him at a loss.

He's careful not to touch her hand now. No smooth moves. He realizes they are pressed shoulder to shoulder at the sink. Should he move away? Should he stay where he is? She solves the problem by turning away, putting a pot into the cabinet. He skedaddles. He's safely in the living room.

Now he's really worried. He has never thought about it… what if she doesn't feel anything for him? He has always considered himself universally irresistible, but Allison is no ordinary girl. Oh goddammit, this is like some horrible cliché out of a Harlequin romance novel. Maybe he'd better just go.

"Hey, Psycho. Look, I need to take off. Um, work tomorrow." He tries to make himself stop shifting from foot to foot.

Is it his imagination, or does she look disappointed? Man this is making him crazy. Now he is nervously bouncing on his feet. He can't wait to get away.

But when will he see her again? He doesn't want to wait until next Tuesday. He senses things have crossed over some line, that the Tuesday ritual is over. They are no longer just happening to meet at some public place by accident. They are deliberate. Like friends. Tomorrow is too soon though. He doesn't want to smother her. Today is Thursday.

"Allison, maybe I could see you Saturday?" He feels ridiculous.

Her face is open. She's smiling. That's good.

"Sure, John."

"I'll call you Saturday. At about 3?"

He's out the door with a wave.

He's on the stairs down when he realizes. Oh dammit. He doesn't have her number. He runs back up.