Joe's POV

Like planned, my parents and I went over to Quinn's house after church. It was fun. Frannie chatted animatedly with my dad about her travels. And like always, my mom and Quinn's mom laughed and talked like the best friends they are.

That left Quinn and I. Quinn had changed out of her church dress and now wore jeans and a Tshirt. Her short hair was pulled back into a short ponytail and the only makeup she had on was mascara. It was not attire Quinn normally wore to school. But I think she looked wonderful. And I think she caught me staring once because she blushed and awkwardly shifted in her seat.

Frannie made lunch for us. She made this really good salad and we had these pressed chicken sandwiches made on a George Forman grill.

After lunch, I knew time was running out. My mom would say that we don't want to overstay our welcome and we'd leave.

So before that could happen, I knew I had to speak up. So when Frannie was in the kitchen making coffee for the adults, I made my move. I took a few plates in so it looked like I was helping clear the table.

Frannie was loading some plates into the dishwasher when I came in.

"Hey Joe!" she grinned at me.

"Hey. Can I talk to you?" I asked, keeping my voice low.

"You are, silly" she laughed.

I smiled. "I need to ask you something. You have to keep it a secret, though."

"Is it about Quinn?" she asked, her voice low too.

I nodded. "It's nothing bad, I promise. It's just that you probably know her best so I need your help."

"I'm actively listening" she said.

"Well, as you know, Prom is coming up. Quinn is really into it but I told her I wasn't going to go-"

"What? Why not?" Frannie interjected.

"I told her that to fool her. I am gonna go and I want to ask her to go with me in a really radical way. A special way that'll surprise her. You know her well, probably better than I do, so what should I do that will be both unexpected but meaningful?" I asked.

Frannie grinned at me and jumped up and down quietly. "Oh, Joe! You're so sweet!"

I blushed. She was so excited.

"So any ideas?" I asked.

"Yes! You came to the right person!" Frannie said. "Okay listen up. Here's what I think you should do..."

So Frannie went into great detail when telling me her idea. And her plan was utterly brilliant. Her plan was the exact reason that I went to her. She didn't let me down. It was smart, romantic, fun, and even I could tell that Quinn would love it.

"Frannie, I love it" I told her. "So amazing and perfect!"

"You think?"

"Yes! Thank you so much!" I said. "Thank you!"

Frannie smiled. "No problem. Too bad I'll be gone tomorrow. But the next time we see each other, you have to tell me how it turns out."

I nodded. "Of course. Man, I'm so psyched now!"

"So psyched about what?" Quinn's mom asked, coming into the room with a stack of dirty dishes.

And I panicked. I did something awful. I told a lie.

"Oh, um, I was just telling Frannie about what this kid in Glee club was saying when Mr. Schue said we'd be wearing um...bolo ties for our next performance" I said.

"Bolo ties?" Quinn's mother said. "How absurd."

I shrugged. "Well, that's Mr. Schuester for you."

Frannie laughed. "He sounds like a real character."

I was glad she was playing along.

"Hmmm. Well, is the coffee done?" Quinn's mother asked.

"It is" Frannie nodded. "Here, Joe, wanna set out the mugs for me, please?"

I nodded and took them out to the dining table.

Quinn was talking to my mom about schools. She had a smile on her face. It was quite rewarding to know that if Frannie's plan goes as planned, that pretty smile will be even bigger, brighter and better.

When we went home, the first thing I did was race upstairs to get started. I also texted Sam. I think that out of all the Glee guys, I'm closest to Sam. He knew about Quinn and I before we were even a thing. Plus he's in God Squad with us. Luckily, Sam agreed to help me out.

After two hours of work and planning, it was ready. Time to put my -er, Frannie's- plan into effect!