"Just take a deep breath and relax my man," Zack's voice came through the phone into Jason's ear. Jason did as was suggested and glanced at himself in his bedroom mirror one more time. "Everything is gonna be fine."

"You think so?" Jason asked in an unsure tone.

"Are you kidding me right now?" Zack responded. "Of course I think so... what has got you bugging?"

"I mean... it's Kimberly..." Jason replied with a shrug as he continued to give his appearance a once over. He had dressed somewhat casual but was now thinking it was too casual.

"Yeah... exactly... you know Kimberly, you know her well," Zack assured him.

"Not... not like this though, bro," Jason replied as he pulled at the collar of his shirt with his free hand.

"Yeah but don't be thinking about all that," Zack countered.

"How can I not?" Jason inquired. "I am going on a date with Kimberly... I mean..."

"Yes but don't get too caught up in that and psych yourself out," Zack advised. "You know what she likes... what she doesn't... this should be a piece of cake."

"I... don't know about that..." Jason responded. "Was it easy for you and Trini?"

"Yeah... I mean... our circumstance was a little different being in a brand new country and all that," Zack explained. "Once we realized that connection was there, I asked her out, she accepted and we had a great first date."

"Right... and everything went smooth?" Jason inquired.

"Of course... it's the Zackman you are talking to here," Zack said with a confident chuckle that caused Jason to smile. He shook his head.

"I know... but I guess I'm worried maybe it will be awkward and I'll screw the whole thing up," Jason replied.

(****)

"Awkward?" Trini replied incredulously into the phone. "With Jase?"

"Yeah... I mean he is my oldest friend," Kim explained with a shrug as she modeled a dress over her clothes into the mirror in front of her.

"Exactly... when is anything awkward with you two?" Trini asked.

"Well... there have been a few times over the last several months... some tension and stuff," Kim answered.

"Not bad tension though right?" Trini inquired.

"Oh no... no... like you know... different tension," Kim explained with a shrug before she reached for another outfit on her bed and held it up to see if it was the one.

"I got you... and well... that's not bad at all," Trini said. "That should help move things along tonight."

"You think so?" Kim asked.

"Yeah... I mean it's clear this is something that has been building with you two," Trini responded. "I mean... tonight you finally can just let go and not worry about it... embrace it."

"Yeah... you are right," Kim said, a smile creeping over her lips as she considered her words.

"You are smiling ear to ear aren't you?" Trini teased. Kim let out a laugh.

"Noo..." Kim fibbed.

"Uh-huh..." Trini replied. "Wow... you really are feeling something for Jase huh?"

"Yes..." Kim answered honestly. "It's been like this for months but I couldn't do anything you know?"

"I get it," Trini replied. "I got to tell you that I am really happy for you two."

"Thanks, Trini," Kim reacted. She examined the skirt in front of her and smiled. She knew the top to go with it.

"Jason is the best and..." Trini paused.

"What?" Kim prodded.

"I think he has always had this crush on you... though he would never really admit it," Trini confessed.

"No... you... no... you really think for a long time?" Kim asked.

"I do," Trini answered. "But Jason cherished your friendship and is such a loyal guy... I think he probably had himself fooled all this time."

"I don't know..." Kim pondered this scenario. "I just hope tonight goes well."

"Of course it will," Trini stated.

"I want it to be perfect..." Kim said. "Something about this... this feels right."

"And that's why it will be perfect," Trini said. "If it's right... it will work out."

"Thanks for talking me through my nerves," Kim said.

"Don't mention it, I'd be upset if you didn't call me first," Trini replied. Kim laughed. "You may regret that when you get your phone bill."

"Maybe," Trini laughed.

"Do you think the nerves are getting to Jason... he is always so cool," Kim pondered.

"If I'm right about his feelings for you, I'd say they are," Trini answered.

(****)

"You are always so cool, you will be fine," Zack stated dismissing Jason's nerves.

"I appreciate that... but this feels different," Jason responded as he stepped back and gave his final look a nod of approval before turning to find his watch off the nightstand. He slipped it on.

"That's a good thing though... harness that energy... those nerves and make it a memorable evening for you both," Zack advised. "And look... real talk... I'm really happy for both of you."

"Thanks, bro," Jason replied with a smile.

"I love the both of you and I want you guys both to be happy," Zack continued.

"Feeling is mutual you know," Jason replied.

"I know... not save the mushy stuff for Kim," Zack joked with a laugh. Jason responded in kind and shook his head.

"I should probably get off here, I'm supposed to pick her up in a few minutes," Jason said.

"Alright... just be cool... have fun and sweep her off her feet... I know you can," Zack replied.

"I'll do my best," Jason replied. "Talk to you later."

"Later," Zack echoed.

Jason hung up the phone and took one last look at himself in the mirror. Satisfied he made his way over to the door of his room, flipped off the lights and closed it behind him.

(****)

"Okay... I'm ready," Kim said as she put the phone receiver back up to her.

"I know you look gorgeous, you always do," Trini assured her.

"Thanks," Kim replied with a smile. She glanced at the clock on her nightstand. "I should be going, he will be here any minute."

"Okay," Trini replied. Kim heard Jason's truck pull up and she walked over to the window to peek out.

"He's here now," Kim announced, her tone more excited than she had planned.

"How does he look?" Trini asked. Kim took in Jason's appearance in his black button-up shirt, blue jeans and black boots. She bit her bottom lip and smiled.

"I'll tell you about it later... but... this is gonna be fun," Kim replied. Trini's laugh on the other end indicated she understood.

"I look forward to that," Trini said. "Have fun."

"I will... later?" Kim responded.

"You got it," Trini confirmed.

Kim hung up the phone and stole one more glance in the mirror just as the doorbell rang to the front door of her small apartment. She hurriedly made her way out of the room and down the hall. She reached for the door handle and took a deep breath. No going back once the door was opened, it would all change. She hesitated for just a moment before she smiled and twisted the knob and opened the door.