Michelle didn't know why she had decided to call Tony, but she had. She hoped it wasn't too late, and that someone else hadn't come along and started seeing Tony. She wondered if Rob was kidding about the hooker, but then, why would someone kid about that? She wondered why she had ever led herself to believe that she was in love with Rob. Tony had such an effect on her that even the sound of his voice drove her crazy. Rob never had that kind of effect on her. When she had started dating Rob, she had ignored the effect that Tony had on her and focused on pretending that Rob was 'the one'.

Now, just by hearing Tony's voice, she realized that he was the one, and not–never–Rob.

"Michelle, you made it perfectly clear that it would be to painful to see me, and that it would just remind you of the incident,"

"I know what I said, but I'm over it. Come on Tony, give me a chance,"

Tony had never expected her to ask him for a second chance. He always pictured himself begging her for one.

"What about Rob?"

"Uh, Rob and I, we're finished. It never could've worked, anyway."

"Okay, but you're not just coming to me because you and Rob are finished? You're coming to me because you really want to,"

"Of course I am, Tony. I realize now that I want to be with you,"

"Well, in that case, sure. How 'bout we go out for a movie tonight?"

Michelle nodded. "Yeah, okay. Sounds great," she smiled, "what time?"

"How about I pick you up at eight? You can choose the movie,"

"Yeah!" Michelle tried not to sound too enthusiastic but it was hard.

"Okay, see you then,"

The phone clicked, initiating the end of the call.

"That was Michelle," Tony told Jack.

"Yeah I guessed." Jack shook his head. "So you guys are going out now? What about Brenda and Rob?"

"Well, I never liked Brenda and it was one date, and Michelle said that she and Rob broke up."

"Great…I'm happy for you two,"

Jack then turned his attention back to the TV.

Michelle couldn't help but jump around the room and squeal with pleasure like a teenager. Tony was going on a date with her. One month of being oblivious to the fact that he was perfect in general and for her. Hopefully this date would be better than the last, and since this one was taking place at night, probably would be. She quickly showered and changed into a lavender knee-height sundress. She decided to let her hair down for the first time since she was 16. The curls cascaded down her shoulder in wet, uneven layers, causing parts of the dress to get a little wet. She settled for the regular makeup application and slipped her feet into matching lavender flats.

Tony picker Michelle up at exactly eight o' clock and couldn't help but gawk at her. He had never seen her with her hair down, and he felt almost blessed to be on a date with the woman he believed he loved. He'd tried to get over her, but he couldn't.

"Hi, beautiful," He said in almost a whisper.

"You're not too bad yourself,"

They shared an awkward laugh and then got going. The movie theater was three blocks from Michelle's apartment building, so they didn't really talk much. They ambled inside, and a sudden blast of cold air hit Michelle, and she shivered tremendously. Tony to his time to warm her up by holding her in a hug for a good minute. She silently thanked him and they went into the line.

"Tony? What are you doing here? I called you like a million times!"

It was Brenda.

"Oh shit," Tony whispered, turning away, pretending not to notice her.

"We slept together and you don't even call me?"

"You slept with Brenda?" Michelle demanded.

"We were drunk,"

Tony expected Michelle to be angry with him, but instead, she laughed an infectious laugh. He couldn't help but chuckle himself.

Michelle picked a chick-flick, but didn't feel like watching it, so she and Tony picked a seat at the far back of the theater and cuddled and made out for most of the movie. The date was certainly better than the last.

Tony drove her home, and walked her to her front door. She kissed him on the cheek and smiled.

"Good night," She said.

"Good night,"

Well, that's the end of Off the Ground! Hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it!