Alice closed the door of the morgue and switched the light off so that she could get changed without anyone disturbing her. She managed a quick wash, applied extra deodorant and perfume and was pulling on a fresh blouse as Matthew walked in. Alice pulled the blouse over her chest to cover herself and Matthew just stood there staring at her.

"Matthew! Stop staring!"

He walked over to her, wrapped his arms around her and kissed her; gently at first then with a little more but remembered Alice was still half dressed. Matthew leaned back and kissed her gently again then said, "you are very pretty Dr Harvey. Now get dressed and we'll get going to the pictures. If you're really lucky, I might buy you fish and chips on the way home!"

"You are awful Matthew!"

When Alice was fully clothed and makeup reapplied, they made their way out to Matthew's car then headed to the cinema.

"I've never been to the cinema Matthew."

"You're kidding with me?"

"No. I would have had to go alone and all those people…I…it would have made me…uncomfortable. I'm trying to do more things that scare me though."

"Take my hand and you'll be fine." He leaned in and kissed the side of Alice's head as they made their way into the pictures.

All the way through the film Alice held Matthew's hand; at the end she said, "that was amazing! What is that man's name?"

"Cary Grant and it's North by Northwest Alice."

"Can we watch it again? When is it on? He's very handsome, don't you think?" Alice turned to see Matthew putting on a petted lip, "what is it Matthew?"

"Is he more handsome than me then? Would you rather be dating Cary Grant than me?"

Forgetting that they were in a public place, Alice leaned over and said, "well, he is very handsome but since he's not here…you'll do!" then leaned in for a kiss. She regretted it the moment after she had done it.

"Sorry Matthew, I shouldn't have. I forgot where we were. I let my excitement run away with me." Alice stood up, reached for her bag and cardigan and said, "shall we go?"

Matthew stood and took her hand in his, then lifted it to kiss her knuckles.

"Alice, I'm not embarrassed to be out with you. I hope that's not what you are thinking. I know Ballaratt is a small place and word moves quickly but I was telling the truth when I said I'd like to get to know you more. You really have turned my head. Promise." He kissed her knuckles again, leading her out of the cinema hand in hand.

"Would you like some fish and chips Alice?"

"Yes…but would you mind if we share? It's late now and if I ate one to myself, I'll be up all night with stomach ache."

They sat on the bench opposite the fish and chip shop and ate their dinner, Matthew just looked at Alice and as he did, he said, "would you like to go on another date Alice? I'm no Cary Grant but I'm sure I could come up with something!" he nudged her with his elbow and both of them laughed.

"Yes. I'd like to if you would. What would you like to do?"

"Maybe I could take you out for a proper meal?" Matthew saw Alice hesitate with her response and before she could open her mouth he said, "there's a nice little Italian place not far from here. It's a quiet little place but I've heard the food is really good. Shall I try and get a table for tomorrow night?"

"I'm working late on the ward tomorrow and won't be done till 10 pm. Maybe another day?"

"It's closed Sunday and Monday, but I could see if there's a table on Tuesday? Plus, it won't be as busy as a Saturday night?"

"That would be lovely…thank you Matthew."

Matthew took the empty wrapper and placed it in the bin then handed his handkerchief to Alice to wipe her hands; when they were both ready, Matthew took Alice's hand and walked back to his car. On the way, Matthew turned and looked at Alice and said, "I'd rather not wait until Tuesday to see you again. What about a walk on Sunday?"

Alice just smiled at Matthew and nodded her head as they made it to the car. When they arrived at Alice's house, Matthew got out of the car, kissed Alice softly on the lips and walked her to her door. He made sure she was in and the door locked before he left. They both went to bed that night thinking of the other.