Ch. 6
He slept well that night. It felt good to lie in a soft bed since his muscles were sore from building chairs and moving the furniture around. He struggled to get out of bed when the early alarm went off but the thought of meeting Emma spurred him to get moving. He quickly got ready for the day and bounded down the stairs. Elsa and Liam were in the kitchen having quiet conversation and he was patting her stomach. It warmed his heart to see them both so happy.
"See you in a while." He called.
"Off so soon?" asked Elsa.
"I'm meeting Emma for breakfast." He said.
"Be there at 7 sharp!" called Liam.
"Aye, I'll be there." He said.
He was bundled up for the quick walk to her house. The snow was starting to melt but it was still cold at that hour of the morning. He walked with quick strides in an effort to get his muscles to warm up. His car should be arriving soon and he'd be happy for that. As he rounded the corner she was already waiting for him. Her car was running and she was standing outside watching him.
"Good Morning." She called smiling.
"Hello Sunshine." He said.
He walked over picked her up and spun her around. She laughed and pressed a soft kiss to his cold lips.
"Oh you're freezing." She said.
He held her close letting the warmth of her body invade his own. He brushed her soft hair back behind her shoulder so he could see her beautiful face.
"I'm warming up." He said grinning.
She smiled back at him with that gleam in her eyes. "If we go now then I can spend more time with you." She said.
He pulled open her car door and she sat inside. She pulled him down by his scarf and kissed him softly. "Thank you for being a gentleman." She said.
"Of course Lass. I'm always a gentleman." He said as he closed her door and ran around to other side to hop in. Her car was warm. He held his hands up against the forced hot air blowing out of the heat vent.
"Here, I thought this might help warm you." She said.
She handed him a Blue Bird to-go mug filled with hot chocolate. He took a sip and it was the perfect blend of cocoa and spices.
"Thank you. This is delicious." He said.
"I got up a little early today. I wanted to do something special for you. It's the big day." She said.
He leaned over and kissed her cheek. She grabbed hold of his hand and gave it a squeeze.
"I like our morning dates." He said grinning.
"Me too." She said.
It didn't matter how hard it was to get up this morning. This was worth it, she was worth it.
The roads were clear so that made for an easier drive to town. Most of the shops were still closed and had their evening lights still on. The Sun was above the horizon and the town looked eerily pretty. They pulled up and parked in her usual spot outside the café. It seemed they had a routine down now. He was at her door quickly to open it for her. This time she stopped him and kissed him softly. All of the small things he did for her really made such a difference in her day. It was nice to have someone as considerate as him in her life.
She held his hand as they walked the path to the back of the café. She pulled the keys and let them in. They unbundled their coats and hats leaving them on the hooks in the back. He had on dark wash jeans and the light blue sweater she bought him. He looked so handsome the way it complimented his complexion, his dark hair and his beautiful blue eyes.
"You look very nice." She said smiling.
"Thank you. Someone with great taste bought this sweater for me." he said.
"She must really like you. I'd say you look very huggable." she said smiling.
"Is that so?" he said.
He grabbed her and pulled her into a warm embrace.
"Yes, very huggable." She said smiling.
She stole a quick kiss before she got to work. She grabbed an apron from the pile and put it on. He watched as she brushed her hair back and focused her mind on the tasks she needed to do. He could see she was going through a mental checklist as her lips were moving and she was looking into space.
"You look beautiful today." He said.
She turned and smiled coming out of her trance. She kissed him softly on the cheek as she walked by starting her routine. It was hard to resist kissing him when he looked at her that way. She was wearing a tight pair of black jeans, tall boots and a fitted pink sweater. Her hair was in curls flowing around her shoulders. She'd taken special care to look good that morning hoping to catch his eye.
"Lass, how about I start on breakfast while you are working? Unless you want my help?" he asked.
She stopped in her tracks and smiled. "Oh Ok, that's very thoughtful of you. I won't be long and then I can help you. Are you making your delicious pancakes?" She said.
"Aye, that is what I was thinking." He said.
"Sounds amazing." She said.
He smiled, grabbed an apron and went to work making pancake batter. He listened to the sounds of her opening the café and getting things ready. He looked out the window and noticed the lights for the Snow Flake coming on as Liam and Elsa arrived. He was just about ready to start dropping batter on the griddle when he felt a pair of arms come around his waist as Emma hugged him from behind softly.
She pressed her face into his shoulder and breathed him in. "Thank you for coming here and doing this with me. I love starting my day with you. These have been the best days I've had in a long time." She said.
He turned around in her arms. He had flour splashed up his cheek and a grin on his face. She brushed her fingers lightly over his cheek to wipe it away as he gazed into her eyes. "There isn't anywhere I'd rather be. I don't think I'd be up this early for anyone but you." He said.
He leaned down and kissed her tenderly, relishing in the feel and taste of her lips. She tasted of chocolate and cinnamon. She smelled of strawberries. He leaned back to see her eyes closed and a smile on her face.
"How can I help you?" she asked.
"I'm just about to put these on the griddle. Can you grab some plates? Syrup?" he asked.
"I'll take care of all of it. You just get the pancakes ready." she said.
He leaned over kissed her cheek, and then he went to work on the pancakes. The griddle temperature was perfect so they were ready in no time. She'd set their table in the back with all the essentials for pancakes, poured some orange juice, and made them each coffee. He liked his with a little cream and sugar, she'd been learning a lot about him. She never joked about coffee so of course that was a priority to her.
"Grab a plate and stand right here Love." he said.
She took a plate and did what he asked.
"Hold still." He said grinning.
He flipped three pancakes onto her plate.
"Maybe we can charge extra for a show. You are amazing." She said laughing.
He laughed and plated his own pancakes.
They'd eaten their breakfast together a few times now and she liked this routine with him. She was so happy to wake up knowing she would see him first thing. She was so wired before she went to bed last night that she had trouble sleeping. When she woke up she was still excited because she knew she was going to see him. She'd woken up before her alarm so she could make him the cocoa. When she saw his smiling face coming down her street she felt it was all worth it. She might need an extra cup of coffee later but she'd take it happily.
"The pancakes were delicious." She said.
"Thank you, it's my own recipe." He said.
"I love that you can cook." She said.
"It's one of the many perks of bachelorhood that I had to partake in. I was alone a lot so I learned to cook for myself." He said as he sipped his coffee.
She put her hand over his and squeezed. He looked over and smiled sweetly at her.
"I know what you mean. I hate eating the food at the cafeteria and it can be expensive to eat out. I often do my own cooking too. I have a small apartment near campus but it's enough for me. I can't believe I only have one semester left." She said.
"It's a good feeling to be done. I suppose we will graduate around the same time." He said.
"Yeah, you're right. Hopefully separate days. I'd love to be there for you." She said.
He was touched that she thought that far ahead or that she would want to be there.
He picked up her hand and kissed the back softly.
"I'd love for you to be there. Honestly I thought about skipping it because I didn't want to burden Liam and Elsa because the new baby would be here." He said.
"Killian, you worked so hard. Of course you should go to your graduation. I WILL be there to cheer you on no matter what." She said smiling.
"Thank you, I hope you let me do the same for you." He said.
"I'd love to have you there for me. I'm sure my parents would be pleased you would come too." Said Emma.
She was looking at him with a hopeful smile. She was clearly as open and in this relationship as he was and he felt relieved about that. She didn't play games and she always said what was on her mind. It was refreshing.
"So is everything ready at the Snowflake?" she asked.
"Looks that way. I was told to be prompt at 7. I should probably get moving. Liam can be quite the tyrant when he's nervous." He said grinning.
"You're opening for lunch today right?" she asked.
"Aye. We're going to start slowly." he said.
She took the plates and he helped her clear the table.
"I'll be there." She said.
He stopped and smiled.
"You're coming for lunch." He said.
"We all plan to come." She said.
"You do?" he asked.
"Of course, it's the grand opening. We all want you to succeed. My parents have been talking to everyone in town. In fact we will be closed at lunchtime today." She said smiling.
"You will? That, That's amazing Emma. That's so nice of your family." He said.
She caressed his cheek and smiled.
"That's what friends and families do. We help each other." She said.
He was so touched by this gesture. He pulled her into his arms and held her tight. She let out a breath when he squeezed her and laughed. He couldn't believe that her family would close up to give the Snowflake a chance at their opening. He felt tears prick at the back of his eyes at the emotions he felt in that moment.
"Just when I think you can't be more amazing, you prove me wrong. " he said.
When he pulled back he noticed that she was wearing the little K pin on her shoulder. He touched it lightly and she smiled.
"Well my boyfriend does work there you know and he's a pretty good cook." She said smiling.
He loved that she kept things light. She never relished in praise or required it. She was just nice and caring. He really loved her tender caring heart.
"I have to go Love." he said.
Her parents started through the door just as they finished.
"Oh Good, perfect timing." She said to them.
"Hi, you two. Everything ready?" asked Snow.
"Yep, all ready. I'm going to walk with Killian over to the Snowflake. I'll be back soon." She said.
He was bundling up in his coat and she joined him.
"You alright with me walking you to work?" she asked.
"Of course, I'd love it if my girlfriend walked me to work." He said.
She pulled on her gloves and grabbed his hand.
"Let's go out the back." She said.
The street was coming alive as the businesses opened their doors. The Blue Bird was already getting a line as people started to arrive. She saw Ashley walking through the door so Emma had some time before she needed to run back. They were walking quickly since Liam was adamant about him being on time. The little bell rang as they entered the café.
"Good Morning! I hope you're ready for a fantastic day." called Elsa.
"Good Morning. Are you all ready?"asked Emma.
"We think so. I guess we'll know if we're not sooner than later." Said Elsa.
"Looks like you've a line forming already." Said Liam pointing out the window.
"Yeah, the usual crowd. Be prepared for lunch. Especially my Uncles. They can be very particular." She said smiling.
"Liam, Emma's family is shutting down their café during lunch hour today. They've spread the word asking patrons to come here." Said Killian.
Elsa stopped and turned with her mouth agape. Liam turned around and looked stunned.
"Emma, is that true?"asked Elsa.
"Yes. I hope you're ready." she said.
Elsa was hugging her in three swift strides.
"That's amazing. Love, I knew you chose wisely in this town." Said Liam smiling.
"Well, we want you to succeed. It's the least we can do to help you get started. I'd like to help you more if I can." She said.
Killian put his hand on her shoulder. She grabbed it with her own and looked up smiling at him.
Elsa suddenly had a worried look on her face.
"Elsa what's wrong?" asked Killian.
"It's nothing, I'm just worried about handling the crowd with just us." She said.
"I'm sure we can manage." Said Liam.
"It will be no problem." Said Killian.
"I'll be here. I'll help. Don't worry." Said Emma.
"You'd do that?" asked Elsa.
"Of Course! I've been working in a café for as long as I can remember. I think my parents even had me setting the table when I was in kindergarten. If you need me I'm here." Said Emma.
Elsa hugged her again. "Thank you so much. You're an angel Emma."
Emma smiled. "I better get back over there. Like I said, my Uncles get restless. You don't want to see them when they don't get their coffee."
Killian grabbed her hand to stop her. She looked up to see such adoration on his face. She smiled sweetly. "Thank you."
She kissed him softly touching his cheek. "See you at noon."
The little bell to the café went off as she walked out of the door. He was still trying to figure out how this amazing woman came into his life at the perfect time. He was also surprised how much he really liked this town and the people in it. He was already starting to get calls from the people Walter referred to him. He really was starting to think about where he wanted his life to go.
Emma rushed back across the street to help with the crowd. The breakfast rush was in full swing. She was thinking of a way to surprise Killian. He'd given her a charm bracelet to commemorate their special moments and she gave him a sweater. He won her a fluffy duck to cuddle with when he wasn't there. She would be going away to school and she wanted him to have something to remember her while she wasn't here. It was already going to be hard enough to leave and now she'd be leaving him too.
When the rush died down she went in the back of the café to talk with her parents. She dropped her apron on the counter and grabbed a carrot from the salad bar. Her mother and father were rolling the dough for tomorrows fresh rolls. They were working in sync like always, one would roll the other would put into the pan. She loved watching them work together.
"Hey Honey, everything ok up front? Do you need us?" asked Charming.
"Yeah it's all going well. I wanted to spend some time with you. I volunteered to help them at the Snowflake this afternoon. Elsa seemed worried when I told her that you were closing the Blue Bird for lunch today. They were also pleasantly surprised and really grateful." Said Emma.
"I'm glad you told her. I would have hated for her to have been bombarded. It's also really nice of you to help them." Said Snow.
"Liam was so shocked. He didn't know what to say and Killian was just so touched. Thank you both for doing this." Said Emma.
"Emma, we are a family in this town. We need to help our community thrive. We wouldn't have had it any other way." Said Charming.
She hugged them both together careful not to get flour all over her clothes.
"So, Killian seems like a really good guy." Said Charming.
Emma felt the blush creeping up on her cheeks. Snow smiled at her husband.
"He really is Dad. He is just the best kind of person." She said grinning.
"Don't think I didn't notice that little K on your sweater." Said Charming. He rolled his eyes as he continued to work the dough.
"About that. We decided to be exclusive and it's kind of our inside joke." She said.
"Your mother told me all about the romantic way he asked you and how he gave you the pin. Quite the tale." Said Charming smiling.
"He's a keeper Charming. Look how happy he makes our daughter." Said Snow.
"I'll admit I was skeptical about him at first but he really has proven to be a genuinely nice guy. I also like the fact that he can cook. It's always good to have an extra set of hands if you need them." Said Charming.
"So you are giving him your fatherly stamp of approval?" asked Emma.
He looked up and stopped working the dough. Emma waited in anticipation of what he would say.
"I am. It's like your mother said. He makes you really happy and that is what's most important to me. "said Charming.
She leaned up and kissed her father on the cheek. He had his hands deep in dough and flour but he smiled wide. "Thank you Daddy. It does mean a lot to me to hear you say you approve." Said Emma.
"I'm glad to hear you still care what dear ole Dad has to say." Said Charming.
"Of course I do. I care what both of you have to say. Since things have calmed down out front I'm going across the street. I'll be back for the dinner crowd." said Emma.
"Alright Honey. We'll see you there soon for lunch." Said Snow.
Emma nodded. She bundled up for the cold and head out the back door. Getting her parent's approval on her boyfriend was really important to her. She loved her parents and she wanted them to like her boyfriend too. In her mind he was a keeper too.
Preparation for opening was going smoothly at the Snow Flake. Elsa and Liam had all the food prepared and the tables were all set for customers. The afternoon sun was shining through the windows causing the crystal snowflakes to shimmer and reflect rainbows around the café. It really looked beautiful. Elsa came out front and looked around.
"Well, this is it." She said smiling.
Liam hugged her.
"The place looks great. You both did a lot of work." Said Killian.
"You helped as well and we're grateful to you. You didn't have to come here and do this. I know you're a free man. You've worked hard for your degrees. I'm sure your aspirations didn't include washing dishes with your older brother." Said Liam.
Killian scratched behind his ear. "Well, I hate to admit it but Storybrooke is growing on me." said Killian.
"I'd say it's more the influence of a certain sweet and kind woman that managed to capture your heart." Said Elsa.
"You're not wrong. She does make me want what you have. I had a vague idea of what I wanted to do with my life before I came but something about her makes me pause. I'm seeing my life in a completely different way and it makes me happy. I've actually started getting a few referrals from Walter too." said Killian.
"It may be selfish of me brother but I would love it if you would stay close to us. If that is because of Emma's influence then I'm all for it. Even if I have to watch you catching kisses in front of the window." Said Liam.
"No. Killian, you were?" said Elsa laughing.
"Oh Yes. The love sick fool was standing out there catching kisses yesterday." Said Liam.
Killian felt his cheeks getting warm. He smiled and looked away.
"Oh Killian, that is so sweet." Said Elsa.
Liam clapped him on the back and laughed.
"Never thought I'd see the day." Said Liam.
They all turned in silence when the bell over the door rang.
"Oh, I'm sorry. Am I interrupting? I can come back." said Emma.
"Hi Emma. No we were just discussing Killian's peculiar behavior out front yesterday. He seemed to be trying to catch bugs that didn't exist." Teased Liam.
"Brother!" said Killian.
Elsa punched Liam lightly in the arm.
Emma knew he was trying to embarrass Killian. He really was a lot like her father. Emma walked up next to Killian and wrapped her arm around his waist.
"Well, you know we've got a serious case of love bugs here in Storybrooke. Random outbreaks tend to cause people to do ridiculous things that they may never have done ever in their life but couldn't resist doing. Even if everyone in the café thought she was an idiot it was completely worth it and made her day when a certain someone responded to her. "She said smiling.
Killian leaned down and kissed her on top of her head.
"Liam, leave them alone. They are so sweet." Said Elsa.
"It's all in good fun." Said Liam.
"Just remember that I do have a photo of a certain someone in a reindeer jumper." Said Killian.
"What were we talking about, opening, lunch, right?" said Liam chuckling.
"Come on Honey help me in back would you?"asked Elsa.
Elsa mouthed the word sorry to Emma.
Emma smiled.
"So I take it you've never blown kisses before." He said.
"No, first time for me." she said scrunching her nose.
She did feel a little embarrassed that Liam caught them.
"I've never caught them before either." he said.
"I didn't mean to embarrass you; honestly I don't know what came over me. I'm never this ridiculous." She said.
He leaned forward and kissed her softly. "I like you being ridiculous. It made my day as well. I missed you and to know you wanted to see me made me happy. I will happily catch any kisses you want to throw at me. After all like you said there is a serious case of love bugs here." he said smiling.
He pulled her into his arms and she leaned up on her toes to capture his lips for a kiss. She cupped his cheeks with her hands. "Serious case of love bugs." She said smiling.
He hugged her tight and she pressed her ear to his chest.
"I'm glad you're here." He said.
"I've been thinking about you all morning." She said.
"Aye, same here Love. Thank you for coming over to help." He said.
"Speaking of help I need to look at your menu so I can familiarize myself with what you have. Are there specials?" asked Emma.
"Aye, let me get them for you. You are quite the professional." He said.
She stood by the window and saw the rainbows shining through.
"Wow, that's really beautiful. Look at the effect." She said.
"Aye, Elsa hoped that would happen. Liam bought them for her when she decided on the name." said Killian.
"It really is beautiful." Said Emma.
"Here's an apron, order pad, and a menu. Let's look at it together." Said Killian.
They sat together and went over everything she needed to know to help them. With thirty minutes until opening Elsa was running back and forth picking at things and Liam was trying to hold her together.
"Elsa, the place looks great. Go change the sign to open and let's show them what you can do." Said Emma.
"Love, please do the honors." Said Liam.
Killian stood by Emma and held her hand as Elsa went to the door. There was a line waiting to get in outside. She changed the sign to open, turned around and squealed a little.
"Liam, there's a line!" said Elsa.
Emma squeezed his hand. "You ready?" she asked.
"Aye." He said.
The patrons entered the café. Everyone had a look of awe on their face as they took in the décor. She heard a number of people comment on the crystals. She recognized all the familiar faces and greeted them to tables and delivering menus.
"Emma, I'm surprised to see you here." Said Leroy.
"Well I knew you would be here Uncle Leroy. How am I supposed to get through my day without seeing your smiling face?" asked Emma.
"Well I heard they have good food here. If your parents give them a seal of approval then I'm game to try." Said Leroy.
"Great, here's a menu. I'll be right back." Said Emma.
She nearly bumped into Killian as she was walking back.
"You ok Love?" he asked.
"Perfect." She said smiling.
The lunch hour seemed to go very well. The patrons were enjoying Elsa's dishes. She was giving away a snowflake cookie with each meal. Emma heard rave reviews about the frozen hot chocolate, the cookies and many other things.
She and Killian were working as wait staff and helping each other get through the shift. They heard a few crashes in back throughout the shift but it wasn't anything serious. Liam might have burned his thumb too. She was too busy to find out for sure.
Her parents came in about mid way through lunch. They greeted some of their friends before getting seated. Elsa gave them a special table and continued to dote on them. She couldn't stop thanking them for helping in so many ways. She didn't want to let them pay for their meal but her father insisted and he would let her comp them another time.
Liam was in the back preparing the dishes while Elsa was out front. Apparently Liam loved to sing while he worked. She could hear him crooning as she passed the front to get drinks. He had a really nice voice.
Emma kept an eye on her parents as she continued to assist the patrons. She did what she always did and she made the customers feel at ease. She and Killian worked together in sync to get the drinks and food out to the customers. They were having a lot of fun working together. She saw her mother watching them at one point smiling. She was in the front getting coffee when her mother approached.
"Emma honey, Thanks for helping them today. That was really nice of you to offer your time." Said Snow.
"It's the least I could do and I'm having fun being with Killian." She said.
"You and Killian work very well together. I'm feeling a lot better about Fiji every day." She said.
"Mom, I promise I'll take care of your baby. The Blue Bird will be standing when you get back. " said Emma.
"I know. You aren't a little girl anymore and you can handle it. Time has just really flown by. It seems like yesterday that you were folding napkins in the back with Daddy and I, barely able to reach the floor with your feet." Said Snow with a sigh.
"Mom, it's true. I'm not a little girl anymore but that doesn't mean I don't need you. I've been having a great time being home with you and Dad." Said Emma.
"Aww, Thank you Honey. That's so nice to hear." Said Snow.
She hugged her tight.
"Mom, you know these guys, I better warm up their coffee or they get grumpy; especially Leroy." Said Emma.
"Right. Dad and I are going to get back so we can prep for dinner. Why don't you take the rest of the night off." Said Snow.
"Are you sure?" asked Emma.
"Honey, you've opened the café twice this week and yesterday you worked through dinner. You're on break. Take a break. In fact take off tomorrow too." Said Snow.
"Mom, are you sure? You know I don't mind." Said Emma.
"I'm sure. It's almost New Years Eve." Said Snow.
"Right ,Killian and I are supposed to spend New Year's Eve together. Is there a gala this year in Storybrooke? I'd like to do something special."asked Emma.
"Why yes there is! The ladies auxiliary is taking care of it this year. I hear it's supposed to be magical. It's a formal event." Said Snow.
"Really, that sounds amazing. I've always want to go out to a formal New Year's Eve event. I hope Killian would go with me. That would leave me with one day to get a dress though." Said Emma.
"I'm sure if you asked him he'd go." said Snow.
"Ok, Mom I need to get this coffee over there." She said.
She leaned up and kissed her mother's cheek.
"See you at home later." Said Snow.
"Bye Mom." She said.
The rest of the shift went pretty smooth. She watched Killian in awe as he talked to the patrons and took care of them. It was amazing since he'd never actually done this type of job before. She loved watching him smile.
"Everything alright lass?" he asked as he passed her for coffee.
"Everything's great. My parents loved the food. They were really happy they came." she said.
"Elsa is beside herself. She still can't believe how amazing your parents are. She's probably going to be making a gift basket for them. It's something she likes to do." Said Killian.
"Aw, she doesn't have to do that. They were happy to help and they wouldn't want her to think she had to. She tried to give them free lunch too. My Dad would not have that." She said.
He looked around and stole a quick kiss. She smiled.
"Duty calls." He said holding up the coffee pot.
She left to take a new table and he went back to his old one. He was carefully watching Emma throughout the shift. She moved with such grace and fluidity. She knew just what to say to the customers and how to help them. If today was successful it was in part thanks to Emma and her family. They really did go above and beyond. He was starting to understand what it meant to be part of a larger family, a community of people who really care for each other.
Soon the lunch rush was over and the last patron left. Elsa moved the sign to closed. She turned around and squealed in delight.
"That was great!" said Elsa.
"You had a great crowd." Said Emma.
Elsa came over and hugged her tight.
"Thank you so much for your help today. We couldn't have gotten through this without you." Said Elsa.
"I think you would have been fine but just really busy." Said Emma.
"I think you rescued us Love, let her give you the credit. You were right about your Uncles and I don't think it would have done us any good to keep them waiting." Said Killian.
He snuck up behind her and put his arms around her giving her a squeeze.
"Emma, they are right. You saved us today and your parents are truly hidden gems themselves. Their kindness will not be forgotten." Said Liam.
"Aww, you are so sweet. I had a lot of fun today. I was just happy being here with you and I love that you let me be a part of it. It was a nice change of scenery. Alright if I put you on my resume?" Said Emma smiling.
"Of course lass! Let's get this place cleaned up for tomorrow so we can do it all over again." Said Liam.
Emma took a deep breath and looked around. They'd done a good job keeping things clean as the shift went by so it wouldn't take long. She and Killian worked together to wipe down the tables, setup for the next day and clean the floor.
They were both exhausted when they finished. She dropped the mop in the corner and when she turned around he was quick to catch her in his arms.
"Lass, you interested in hanging out with your boyfriend or have you had your fill of me today?"he asked with a hopeful expression on his face.
"I was hoping you'd ask. I've been given the rest of the day off, as well as all day tomorrow." She said kissing him softly.
"Really, that's wonderful. Does my tour guide have any great ideas for this evening?" he asked.
"My mother also told me that they will be having a formal gala on New Year's Eve. Would you be interested in going with me? I know we need to talk about plans but I was hoping you'd be into it. I've always wanted to go to the gala but I've never had anyone to go with." Said Emma.
"Sounds interesting, so you'll be in formal attire? I guess I'll need to make sure my suit is pressed." He said.
"Yeah! I'll need to take some time tomorrow to get a dress. I'm so excited." She said smiling.
"Mind if we take it easy tonight? I'm still sore from yesterday." He said.
"You are why you didn't say anything?"she asked.
She brushed her hand up and down his back gently.
"It wasn't that important but I'm starting to really feel it after carrying trays." He said.
"How about we just go back to my house and play games or watch movies? We've got a dart board, tons of movies, or medieval checkers is always an option as you know." She said laughing.
"Sounds great Love." he said.