Authors Note: V-Day outfit https:*/urstyle.*fashion/styles/3348972 (remove the *'s and put the link in your browsers search bar)
Discussions of LGBTQIA+
/\/\/\/\/\
Rosie stepped out of the shower. She wrapped herself in a towel and folded the top over its self to keep in on. She than put a towel around her hair to help it dry a little. She went over to her vanity and did her skin care. She removed her hair from the towel and brushed through it before plugging in her dryer and starting it up. She was just finishing up blow drying her hair when there was a knock at her bedroom door. She quickly put on a dressing gown and tied it up before going and opening it to find her dad standing there.
"Hey." She said as she moved back into her room to her closet.
"Hey. Just wanted to let you know I'm going to have a friend over tonight. I would like you to make sure you let me know when your on your way home. I don't want you two to run into each other." Dave said
Rosie looked at him a smile spreading across her face. "Yay!"
Dave shook his head.
"So, uncle Aaron got you to agree to it?" Rosie asked
Dave let out a breath and flashed back to his conversation with Aaron.
*flashback*
Aaron had gone over to Dave's place the day after he had gotten the text from his niece and didn't get anywhere with texting Dave for answers. Dave had been his biggest supporter when it came to Beth and than when it came to Emily, so he knew it was his turn and he was going to convince Dave to ask this woman out despite his insistence that there wasn't a woman.
He knocked on the door and Dave answered it
"Aaron." Dave said
"Figured the best way to get answers was in person." Aaron said
Dave shook his head and let the younger man come in.
The two went into the kitchen.
"Beer?" Dave asked
"Sure." Aaron said
Dave went and got them both a beer.
"Rosie out today?" Aaron asked
"Yes. Shopping with her friends to get outfits for Valentine's day." Dave said
"About that. Who is the woman?" Aaron asked
Dave laughed. "Told you already. There is no woman"
"Who have you been talking to late at night than?" Aaron asked
Dave sighed and handed him one of the open beers and sat down across from him with his own. "A man."
Aaron tilted his head
"Not common knowledge." Dave said
"Since when?" Aaron asked
"Since when what?" Dave asked
"Have you been into men." Aaron asked
"My military days." Dave said "I spent so many years after that just saying we were young and missed home and our women that we were just. Filling a need I guess. So, after I went for women hard. And pretended that it didn't mean anything. And it worked. Till I got smacked in the face with feelings for a man." Dave told him
"Wow." Aaron said. "I'm guessing you haven't told anyone."
"Outside of the man I've been talking with no." Dave said
"Well. You have my support. Fully. Just want my friend to be happy. So. Why aren't you doing something together on Valentine's day?" Aaron asked
Dave sighed.
"Doesn't have to be something in public you know." Aaron told him. He could tell his friend wasn't ready to be completely out.
"Neither of us want to bring it home yet. He has kids too and its technically his time with them so the sitter would be at his place with them. And I don't want to risk Rosie coming home early and seeing him. Solely because I don't want her to get attached to someone. And she technically knows him." Dave said
Aaron nodded. "I get that. I introduced Jack to Beth and than she ended up moving away and it affected Jack. But I'm sure you can figure it out. Who is he anyways?"
"Real estate agent who is selling the house next door. His name is Hunter" Dave said
"Ooh. He's the one who helped Rosie when she slipped on the ice isn't he?" Aaron asked
"Yes. and we met after that, and I offered him a drink as a thanks for helping her and it led to talking." Dave said
"What are your plans for Valentine's day? I know Emily is coming here." Dave said
"I'm making us dinner. Jack is going to be with Jessica." Aaron said
"Dave you know you deserve to be happy too. You have put your life pretty much on pause for Rosie. And yes should be your main priority I get that but your allowed to have a life too." Aaron said
Dave took a breath. "I'm not disagreeing with that but has to be done in a way that protects our kids too."
"Dave the world is a lot more open than it used to be." Aaron said
"Yes. But there is still a lot of people. What would happen if we ran into the parents of friends or teachers of one of our kids and they aren't as open minded as they should be." Dave said
"Does his kids know he is into men?" Aaron asked
"Yes. And I can tell Rosie that. She's not who I'm worried about knowing. And honestly her friends and their parents I think would be okay but there is a lot of other kids in her school who might not be. She has a hard enough time in school as it is." Dave said
"Dave. Talk to your daughter. See how she feels about it. Than find a way to ensure she wont be home early and have him here. Dave your daughter just wants you to be happy. If you tell her your reasonings she will stay away." Aaron said
Dave let out a breath and nodded.
*flashback end*
"Yes. And I want to be upfront with you about some of it." Dave said he pointed to the bed
Rosie went and sat Dave sat in her desk chair and looked at her
"Do I get to know her name?" Rosie asked
"No. You don't get to know. His name." Dave said
Rosie's jaw dropped.
"Pick your jaw off the floor." Dave said
"Sorry. I'm just surprised. I had no idea." Rosie said, "How long have you known you are into men?"
"Long story. But I want to be open with you about the fact that I'm involved with a man and if we happen to be out in public and a parent of a student at your school or a teacher sees us I need to know if you are given any issue because of it." Dave said
"Dad. I go to a very open school. Its common knowledge that if you don't accept the LQBTQ than don't go to this school and don't work at this school." Rosie said. "I will let you know if there is a problem, but I don't see that happening." Rosie said
"Okay. Thank you." Dave said. "So, you will let me know when your on your way home?"
"Yes." Rosie said
Dave kissed her head. "You are always my number one priority. That doesn't change."
Rosie smiled "I know."
"Okay. I'm going to let you finish getting ready." He said before he left her room
Rosie squeed once her dad left the room. She was so happy for him. But she had less time to get ready, so she needed to move. She got up and picked out her new outfit. She put it on. A pair of red jeans and a white sweater with red hearts. She went back into the bathroom and curled her hair and did her make up.
Dave had gone downstairs and started to prepare to make a meal for himself and his date. There was a knock on the door a few minutes later. He went and opened it knowing Rosie was still getting ready.
"Hi Nolan. Come on in. She got held up in getting ready she will probably be a few more minutes." Dave said
"Hello Mr. Rossi. Held up? She's okay?" Nolan asked coming in
"Yes. She's okay." Dave said, "Where are you taking her?"
Nolan told him the name of the restaurant and about the drive in afterwards.
"Haven't been to that place." Dave said
"It's a casual place that has her favorite on the menu." Nolan said
"Ooh. Hard to find that around here." Dave said
Nolan nodded. "I know."
Dave smiled.
Rosie started to come downstairs.
"You look very nice." Dave said
"Thanks." Rosie said. "Not to casual for the restaurant?" she asked not knowing where they are going
"Nope. You look great." Nolan said
Rosie put on the ankle boots she had chosen. "You look very nice too." She told Nolan
"Thank you." He said
"You got a haircut." Rosie said
"I did." Nolan said
"Looks good." Rosie said
Nolan smiled. "I'll have her home by 1am if that is okay?" Nolan asked Dave
Dave nodded. "That's fine." It was a special occasion and Dave trusted Nolan. "Have fun you two."
Rosie smiled "You have fun tonight too."
"I'm sure I will." Dave said
Nolan took Rosie's hand, and they went out to his car. "Your dad have a date tonight?"
"He does." Rosie said
"Good for him." Nolan said he opened her door.
Rosie got in and Nolan closed the door. Rosie put her seatbelt on, and Nolan went around and got in and did his own seatbelt up. He started the car and started the drive.
"Do I get to know the name of the place now?" Rosie asked
Nolan told her.
"Oh. Never heard of that place." Rosie said
"It's a small mom and pop place." Nolan said
Rosie smiled and nodded. "Those places are usually really good."
Nolan nodded. "Its got all five-star reviews so I'd say its good."
Rosie smiled. Nolan drove to the place, and they went inside.
"Reservation for Nolan for two." Nolan said
They were led to a table in the very small restaurant. It had maybe a dozen tables.
"Was it hard to get reservations here for Valentine's day?" Rosie asked
"I booked it a few weeks ago so no." Nolan said pulling out her seat.
Rosie sat down and smiled.
Nolan sat down as well.
"Can I get you two started with drinks?" The server asked
"I'll take a coke." Nolan said
"Um. Do you have Dr. Pepper?" Rosie asked
The server nodded. "Yes."
"I'll take that than thank you." Rosie said with a smile
The server went off to get their drinks.
Rosie opened the menu and started to look through it. Nolan did the same.
"Ooh. The have mediterranean pasta." Rosie said.
"They do." Nolan said with a smirk
Rosie chuckled. "You planned that."
"I did." Nolan said. "Not that I was thinking you have to have that, but I figured it would give you the option if that's what you want."
Rosie smiled "You are very sweet."
"Thank you." Nolan said
Their drinks were brought, and they both ordered their food. Rosie did go with the pasta.
/\/\/\/\/\
Meanwhile at home. There was another knock at the door. Dave went and opened it. He had changed into a nice pair of slacks and a button up shirt.
Hunter was standing there he had a bottle of wine. He too was wearing a pair of slacks and a nice sweater with a button up shirt under the collar folded over the top of the sweater.
"Come on it." Dave said
Hunter came in and handed him the bottle of wine. Sascha jumping around at his feet excitedly
Dave took it and looked at it. "You know your wines it seems. This is one of the best."
"Yes. My parents made wine as I was growing up. I was taught from an early age." Hunter said as he pet Sascha. "Its nice to see you again." He said to the dog. Sascha calmed down with the pets.
Dave smiled and led him into the kitchen. "Sit I will get us both a glass." Dave told him
Hunter sat at the island. Dave poured them both a glass and brought one of them to Hunter
"How are you?" Dave asked the somewhat younger man
"I'm good." Hunter said. "You? Hunter asked sipping the wine.
Dave sipped the wine as well. "I'm good."
Dave went back to cooking. Dave was making a capresse salad to go with the risotto he had already made and the scallops that were waiting to be cooked.
"Smells good." Hunter said
"Thanks. It's the garlic." Dave said
"You used a lot?" Hunter asked
"Yes. You like garlic?" Dave asked
"Love it." Hunter said
Dave smiled "Good."
Dave finished up cooking and served up dinner in the dining room for the two of them.
"What did you tell your kids?" Dave asked
"That I'm going out with a friend. My oldest is old enough that she knows it's a date the others don't really think much about it." Hunter said. "What did you tell Rosie?"
"That I was having a date over here. She was surprised when I told her it was a man." Dave said
"She didn't know?" Hunter asked
"No one in my life currently knew." Dave said
Hunter nodded.
"Rosie over heard us talking on the phone a few times and questioned me about it. When I wouldn't give her any information she told my friend Aaron who is basically my brother who I share everything about my dating life with, so I talked to him about you. I told Rosie what was necessary for her to know. When it comes to her I tend to not talk to her much about it." Dave said
"I'm the same way with my girls. Don't want them knowing to much and than if the relationship doesn't work for whatever reason they end up hurt." Hunter said, "Their mother does the same."
Dave nodded.
They ate and talked.
"This is delicious. You are a good cook." Hunter said
"Thanks. You cook?" Dave asked
"I do. But not this well." Hunter said with a small chuckle.
Dave smiled.
They had a good time
/\/\/\/\/\/\
After eating and paying Nolan and Rosie went out to his car and drove to the drive in where they got comfortable. Nolan pulled out a couple blankets from his trunk and covered them both up.
Rosie smiled and they got settled to watch they were playing 50 first dates, a walk to remember and the proposal. They watched the movies. At one point Nolan went and got them some popcorn to share and drinks.
They enjoyed their time together.
"You happy?" Nolan asked her
"Very." Rosie said snuggling up to him.
Their final movie finished at 12:30pm. When it was finished they started for Rosie's place.
Rosie texted her dad. 'Leaving the drive in now. Will be home in fifteenish minutes.'
"Texting your dad?" Nolan asked
"Yes. He wants to make sure his date is gone before I get home. Doesn't want me to meet him yet." Rosie said
"Wait. Meet HIM?" Nolan asked
"Yeah. I'm surprised too." Rosie said
"Good for him." Nolan said
"I excited for him too." Rosie said
"You don't know anything about this guy?" Nolan asked
"Nope. Doesn't want me to till they are more serious I think." Rosie said
Nolan nodded.
Dave and Hunter were talking and having a good time. They lost track of time. Dave didn't hear his phone go off so when the front door opened Dave panicked a bit.
Nolan and Rosie pulled into the driveway. "So. Looks like he might still be here." Rosie said pointing out the car.
"Well. You texted. Maybe he is okay with you meeting him after all?" Nolan asked
"Maybe." Rosie said she recognized the car from being next door.
The two of them got out of the car and walked to the door.
"Thank you for a perfect date." Rosie said
"It was perfect for me too." Nolan said.
The two of them kissed and Rosie opened the door and called out. "I'm home. I did text. I'm going to go to my room and pretend that I didn't see the vehicle and that I don't recognize it." She said with a smirk and went upstairs.
Dave checked his phone. She had texted him. She did what she was told.
Hunter chuckled. "Busted?"
Dave chuckled. "I guess so. Lost track of time."
"Sorry." Hunter said
"Not on you." Dave said
Hunter and Dave got up and went to the door.
"Thank you for dinner and a fun night." Hunter said
"It was fun for me too." Dave said. "We will have to make another date soon."
"This time maybe I can take you out?" Hunter asked
"Sounds good." Dave said with a smile
They shared a small kiss before Hunter left.
Dave closed the door and took a breath and went upstairs and knocked on his daughters bedroom door.
"Yes?" Rosie said. She had just changed into pajamas.
Dave went in. "You recognized the car?"
"Yes. It has been next door several times in the last month." Rosie said
Dave nodded. "Okay."
"I did text you." Rosie said
"I know. I just didn't hear it. You're not in trouble." Dave said
Rosie nodded.
"Do you want to talk about it?" Dave asked
"How did you two end up dating?" Rosie asked
"He saw me out at my car the day we came home from the hospital. He came over to introduce himself and see how you were doing. We talked and I offered him a drink when he had the time as a thank you for making sure you got home. We had that drink a week later and quickly started talking. This was technically our first date." Dave said
"First date on Valentines day? Isn't that like bad luck?" Rosie asked
Dave chuckled. "No. Its sometimes suggested not to do that but because it can put to much pressure on a new relationship. We discussed that it just be a regular date. Forgetting what the day was."
Rosie nodded.
"You okay with me and him dating?" Dave asked
"I have no issue with it. He seems like a nice guy. And Sascha freaking loves him." Rosie said
"I noticed that yes." Dave said with a smile.
"And he is a good judge of character." Rosie said
"He is at that." Dave said "This doesn't change anything. You will not be around until I'm sure this is going somewhere. Regardless of the fact that you know who is it." Dave said
Rosie nodded. "But it was a good night?"
"Yes." Dave said. "How was your date?"
"Lots of fun. Went to a new restaurant. Had mediterranean pasta. Rivals yours." She said
Dave smiled. "Oh really?"
"Yup. It was very good." Rosie said
Dave nodded. "What movies were at the drive in."
Rosie told him. "Think the proposal is my new favorite movie."
"Good. Glad you had fun." Dave said
"Glad you had fun too. What did you make for dinner?" Rosie asked
"Capresse salad, risotto and scallops." Dave said
"Ooh. That sounds good too." Rosie said "Another date planned?"
"We discussed something yes." Dave said.
Rosie nodded.
"Okay. Well, its really late. Time for bed." Dave said.
Rosie nodded.
Dave left the room. Rosie went and washed her face and climbed into bed.
Nolan had texted her that he got home safe per her request and Rosie went to sleep.
Dave changed and got himself to bed as well.
Both of them having had a really good night.