Part 25
Friday Caitlin walked into her apartment and headed to her bedroom to get ready for her date with Barry. She opened her closet to look for something to wear. She had no idea why she was so nervous about this date. It was just Barry. The same Barry that befriended her as a shy ten year old. The same Barry who for a month slept on her lumpy couch just to take care of her. Just then then there was a knock on the door. It was way too early for Barry so she very cautiously checked to see who it was. She let out a sigh of relief as she opened the door for Kara.
"What are you doing here Kara?"
"Well, I thought I would help you get ready for your date. Iris is out with Eddie. Alex has a date with Sara. She apparently is in town."
"Well come on in and help me find something to wear."
"I am guessing that you want to lose the high school principal look for the night?"
"Yeah."
"Well let's go see what you got."
Half an hour later Caitlin was in a black dress that hugged her curves in all the right places. It fell to just above her knees. Kara had curled Caitlin's hair leaving it in loose curls. Caitlin had put on a pair of diamond earrings and diamond neckless. Caitlin was still putting on her make up when there was a knock on her apartment door.
"Damn for once in his life Barry is actually on time." Said Caitlin
"You finish here. I will go let him in." said Kara
"Thanks Kara."
"Now remember this is Barry. Your best friend since you were like ten years old."
"I know."
Kara left Caitlin in the bathroom and went to open the door. She smiled at Barry dressed in a pair of blue pants, white shirt and a blue sport coat.
"You clean up well Mr. Allen. Come on in Caitlin is almost ready."
"Hey Kara. I didn't know you were going to help Cait get ready." Said Barry
"Neither did she until I showed up. Barry, don't you even think of breaking her heart. Because I will kick your scrawny ass if you do."
"Trust me I would let you."
Caitlin came out just then carrying a shawl and her handbag. Barry broke into a big smile when he saw her. He held out the flowers he brought for her.
"Cait, you look beautiful. These are for you." Said Barry
"Thank you. You look pretty good yourself." Said Caitlin taking the flowers from Barry.
"Well I am going you two have fun tonight. Call me Caitlin." Said Kara
"Thanks Kara." Said Caitlin
"Anytime."
Kara headed out and Barry watched as Caitlin put the flowers in water.
"So where are you taking me?" asked Caitlin
"Antonio's"
"I love Italian."
"I know. Ready?"
"Yeah."
Barry picked up her shawl and helped wrap it around her. After exiting the apartment he offered her his arm which she took. He then led her out to the car. He helped her in and drove to the restaurant. Once at the restaurant Barry helped her out of the car and they walked in together. After they were seated at the table, Barry ordered a bottle of wine for them to share.
"You really do look beautiful Cait." Said Barry
"You don't have to keep telling me that. Barry, I love you."
"Love you always my beautiful Snowflake."
Caitlin blushed at the attention Barry was giving her. The truth was none of the guys she had ever dated had treated her like this even on the first date. She took a sip of her wine. Barry reached across the table and took her hand in his.
"Cait, I know you are scared. But remember you are the one in charge. You decide how fast or slow we go."
"I know. I just have other things on my mind. Cecile called me this afternoon. The trial will begin a week from Monday. I don't have to be there until I testify, but I am still scared to see him again."
"You don't have to be. You know everyone will be there for you. All you got to do is call and Oliver will be there with Laurel and Sara will come too. Thea and Roy might not be able to come due to school. But everyone else will be there."
"Alex and Cisco will be called as witnesses. Seeing as they are the ones that found me. Your dad might be too seeing he was on duty in the ER when I came in and present during my exam. He was there to try and keep me calm."
"I will be there as much as I can. Cait, you will be fine. Cecile will make sure that you are ready."
"I know. But something scares me about that lawyer Dent."
"He is scum. He has connections to the mob in Gotham. He is an ex district attorney there. He was fired for letting members of the mob walk. They didn't have enough evidence to disbar him so he now is a defense lawyer."
Caitlin nodded. Their salads arrived and they started to eat. As the night went on they talked and just enjoyed each others company. At one point Barry pulled Caitlin onto the dance floor. She wrapped her arms around his neck and he gently placed his hands on her hips. They swayed to the music staring into each others eyes. As the song came to an end Barry leaned down and they kissed. Caitlin felt her heart beat faster something that had never happened with anyone else. When Barry took her home at the end of the night he walked her to her door and kissed her good night.
"Good night Snowflake sweet dreams." Said Barry
"Good night Barry. Tonight was wonderful. A near perfect date."
"What could have made it more perfect?"
"Nothing."
Caitlin opened her door and went inside. She sighed. The only thing that could have made it more perfect was if it had happened before now.