"How's my hair?" Jade asks, nervously pulling her fingers through her curled hair to make it fall the way that she wants it to "Is it too much?"

"I think it's just enough." Cat assures her "You look great."

"Thanks." Jade sighs as she reaches for her lip gloss "I don't know why I'm so nervous, I really don't have any reason to be. It's just a date, right? There's nothing actually on the line."

"Sure..." Cat nods, a bit unconvinced "Has he told you where you're going? Y'know...just in case you don't come home and I need to tell the cops the last place you were?"

"He hasn't told me, claims it's a surprise." Jade tells her roommate with a shrug "I'll share my location with you though."

"Thanks." Cat laughs "You can never be too safe."

Jade's phone buzzes on the counter beside her, a text from Beck lighting up the screen to tell her that he has arrived and is waiting downstairs.

"He's here." Jade says to Cat as she frantically reaches for her purse "I've gotta go."

"I'm coming with you." Cat insists "I've gotta see what this guy looks like."

"Don't be weird."

"I won't be weird!"

Not really knowing what to expect from her date with Beck, Jade had dressed up a bit more than she had when she went out to the bar...but still kept things casual. The spring weather allows her to be comfortable in a midi-length sundress and sandals, with her own denim jacket this time to keep her shoulders warm.

She and Cat leave their apartment and use the elevator to travel down to the dorm's lobby entrance. Beck is waiting just outside the building's locked glass doors, also dressed nicely but casually in a pair of jeans and a white dress shirt.

"Holy shit, is that him?" Cat whispers as she and Jade walk through the lobby towards the exit

"That's him."

"He's hot!"

"You have a boyfriend, Cat."

"S'not a crime to look!"

"Hey." Jade greets Beck as she pushes the door open and steps outside

"Hey..." Beck smiles at her "You look great."

"Thanks." Jade can't help but smile back "Uh, Beck...this is my roommate, Cat."

"Hi!" Cat gives a small wave "I'm the roommate."

"S'nice to meet you." Beck laughs, extending his hand to shake Cat's "I promise I'll take care of her tonight."

"You better." Cat insists "I know what you look like now, I can pick you out of a lineup."

"Cat!"

"What?"

"It's fine..." Beck chuckles, turning to Jade "You ready to go?"

"Yeah, I'm ready." She nods as Beck takes her hand "See you later, Cat."

"See you!"

Cat lingers for a moment outside of the dorm, watching her roommate and her new mystery man walk hand-in-hand down the block. There had been something familiar about Beck that she couldn't place, but she supposes he could just have one of 'those' faces. Regardless, she's happy for Jade. Hopefully this new guy, whatever he ends up being to her, helps her feel a bit less upset about Marcus.

"So...are you going to tell me where we're going?" Jade says to Beck as they walk

"Have you ever been to Knickerbocker?" He asks her, turning his head to see how she reacts to the question

"The jazz place?" Jade is a bit surprised "Yeah, a few times. Kind of expensive though, isn't it?"

"Aren't most places in the city expensive?" Beck chuckles

"Yeah, fair enough." Jade nods

They walk a few blocks more to the restaurant, and then Beck jogs ahead a few paces to open the door for Jade. The place itself is like a more upscale bar and grill, with live jazz music playing. They sit in a booth along the wall, and order a bottle of wine to split while they examine the menu.

"Did you have any classes today?" Beck asks as they examine the menu

"Unfortunately..." Jade sighs

"Not enjoyable ones?"

"No, they are." Jade assures him "It's just getting close to the end of the semester is all. Things are starting to wrap up so deadlines are approaching and there's a lot going on. S'kinda stressful."

"I appreciate you taking the time to come out with me tonight then."

"I appreciate you asking me to come out with you." Jade smirks "It's a welcome distraction."

"I'll be your distraction anytime."

"Can I get that in writing?"

"I-" Beck opens his mouth to take the flirtatious conversation further, but is interrupted when the waiter comes to take their order

The moment is gone, and both of them realize it...but that doesn't mean there won't be an opportunity for it to come back later in the evening. Beck reminds himself that the whole point of tonight is to get to know Jade better, to see if their connection will pan out and is worth exploring.

"So, if the semester is almost done, what will you do for the summer?" He asks her once the waiter leaves

"My roommate and I are both taking a summer credit so we can stay on campus and keep our apartment." Jade explains "Otherwise, I'll pick up some extra shifts at the campus bookstore and try to save up some money."

One of the perks to having an on-campus job is that she can plan around her class schedule. While customer service can be annoying at times, Jade doesn't mind having the extra money.

"Will you see your family at all?"

Beck is already missing his, and he hadn't expected to...at least not this much. It was bad enough being away from his grandparents in Canada when he moved to the states, now he doesn't even see his own parents as much as he used to. He wonders what it's like for her, especially if she's staying on campus for the summer.

"My dad lives in Midtown, so I see him pretty often as it is." Jade shrugs "My grandparents visit over the Fourth of July every year, so I'll go back and stay with him for a few days while they're here."

"What about your mom?"

"I, uh..." Jade hesitates "My mom died when I was young."

"Oh, shit." Beck feels like an idiot for asking "Jade, I'm so-"

"S'okay." She assures him "People are always shocked when I tell the story, but I've told it so may times that I'm used to it now. It was a car accident, so it was sudden but at least it wasn't something like cancer where I had to watch her suffer for years. I miss her, obviously, but I've been at peace with it for a while now."

"Well..." Beck reaches across the table and takes her hand "I'm still sorry."

"Thanks..."

"Did your dad ever remarry?" He asks her "Do you have a step-mom?"

"No." Jade shakes her head "I think my dad is going to have a hard time ever loving someone who isn't my mom. They had me really young, so they were faced with a lot before they were ready for it all and they certainly had their issues and disagreements, but from what I can remember and what he tells me...they loved each other so much. He's tried to date, but I don't know if he'll ever be ready to fully let go of her."

"He never has to as long as he has you, right?" Beck points out "She lives on in you, doesn't she?"

"I guess so, yeah. I dunno...I try to honor her the best that I can."

"I'm sure she'd be proud of you."

"Thank you." Jade nods "Let's talk about something a little less sad though...tell me about your job. What is it exactly that you do for this television network?"

"I wish I could tell you..." Beck admits "But then I might have to kill you."

Beck winces internally. That might not have been the right joke to make after just having a conversation about how her mother had died unexpectedly. Thankfully, Jade seems to find his comment entertaining.

"Oh yeah?" She laughs "Did you sign your contract in blood?"

"My contract? No." Beck shrugs "My NDA? Yes."

"Wow, are you sure you're not a criminal?"

"Pretty positive." Beck smirks "At least last time I checked. I can tell you everything in about a month, I promise."

That statement makes Jade's stomach do a flip. By saying that, he's implying that he thinks she'll still be around in a month to share the details with. That means he thinks this is worth perusing and will actually go somewhere. She wants the same, or at least she thinks she does.

She likes him, she decides. Like...really likes him. Not only is he hot...and very good in bed...but he's smart and he's funny and he's interesting. He also...sees her, or at least she feels like he does. He's easy to be around, and he makes her feel like he wants to be around her too. That thought is a bit scary though as well. At one point, she had really liked Marcus...and that relationship hadn't exactly ended on great terms.

Over the course of the next few hours, Beck and Jade grow even closer to one another through conversation. They talk about anything and everything, from their families to sports to movies to what they want their futures to look like. Beck sees himself working this job for the television network for at least the next two years, possibly longer. Jade wants to work in the entertainment industry somehow, she's just trying to figure out if she wants to be in front of the camera or behind it.

They talk about the city, and Jade advises Beck on everything he needs to do and visit in order to experience it in all of its glory. She also advises him on how to assimilate into daily life, and not stick out like a tourist. Beck loves that Jade is a New Yorker through and through and is so proud of the city she grew up in. She can hold her own, and he likes that about her.

Before they know it, the restaurant is closing for the night and their waiter is not-so-subtly hinting that they need to pay their check and leave. Beck picks up the tab before Jade even has the chance to reach for her purse, causing her to protest but he assures her that he has no problem paying. In another circumstance she might fear that he would throw it back in her face later, that he might claim that she owes him something in return...but Beck doesn't seem like that type. His actions are genuine, at least that's how it seems to her.

"We could head back to my place, if you want..." Beck offers as they step out of the building and onto the sidewalk "I'm still unpacking and there's boxes everywhere...but s'got a great view. I'll make us some drinks, we can sit out on the terrance and then..."

He doesn't need to finish his suggestion, it's very clear what he is insinuating.

"As wonderful as that sounds..." Jade sighs as she drapes her arms around his neck "I should be getting home. I have an early class tomorrow, and like I said...s'getting close to finals. I shouldn't miss anything."

"Fuck.." Beck groans, leaning his forehead against her's

While he's disappointed, he understands. He doesn't want to be the reason her education is jeopardized in any way.

"I know, I'm sorry."

"S'alright." He assures her "I'll walk you back?"

"I'd like that."

The walk back to Jade's dorm seems much shorter than the walk to the restaurant had been, but that's most likely because neither Beck nor Jade is ready for the night to end yet. Even after spending hours and hours together, they want more time with each other. It's a sign that whatever is between them shows some real promise, and is worth continuing to explore.

"Well..." Jade sighs when they arrive outside her building "This is me."

"Sure is..." Beck nods "I had a great time with you tonight."

"Same here."

Beck leans in first, and Jade follows his lead. They can taste the wine on each other's lips as their mouths meet, excitement coursing through both of their bodies while they kiss goodnight.

"I'll text you?" He says quietly to her as they break away

"I'll be waiting." She nods

"Okay."

He stays outside the building as she goes in, watching her through the glass doors to make sure that she makes it safely onto the elevator before turning to walk away. He's still learning the neighborhood and isn't totally confident that he can make it back to his own place without needing directions, so when he makes it to a busier street, he'll stop to flag down a taxi.

Meanwhile, Jade takes the elevator up to her floor and steps off, her head spinning as she makes her way back to her apartment. She isn't sure if it's from the wine, her emotions, or a combination of the two. The door is already unlocked when she tries the handle, and Cat is awake on the couch in the living room when she enters.

"Hey." She smiles as Jade comes in "How'd it go?"

"It was wonderful..." Jade sighs, setting her purse down and sitting down beside her roommate

"Your tone says otherwise..." Cat remarks

While her words are saying one thing, Jade seems almost...upset.

"I really like him, Cat." She admits

"That's a good thing, Jadey." Cat laughs

"I'm scared."

"Why?"

"Because I really liked Marcus." Jade reminds her friend "And look how that turned out."

"Jade..."

"I'm serious!" Jade insists "I loved him, I thought I was going to spend forever with him, and then it all fell apart in an instant."

"It didn't fall apart in an instant." Cat shakes her head "He was a dick that wanted to control you and your every move."

"If I keep things going with Beck...we're either going to end up together or we're going to break up..." Jade admits "And that really scares me because what if I end up thinking he's the one and it all goes to shit again."

"That's what dating is!" Cat exclaims "They're not all going to be winners, but as long as things are going well...it's worth pursuing don't you think?"

Jade is quiet for a moment...staring down at her hands.

"Is it...going well?" Cat asks her

"It's going so well." Jade admits "He almost seems too good to be true."

"So keep seeing him!" Cat urges her friend "If things start to not go well, that's when you should be scared but as long as it's good, you should feel good."

"I do feel good." Jade nods "He makes me feel good. He invited me back to his place but-"

"You didn't go?" Cat shrieks "Jade!"

"I have class at eight tomorrow!"

"Alright...alright, this might be a good thing." Cat says "You slept with him the first time, but not the second time. If sex is all he's after, then he'll make that very clear. But if he's actually interested he'll-"

She's interrupted when Jade's phone buzzes on the coffee table in front of them. Jade reaches forward and grabs it immediately, a text from Beck lighting up the screen.

Thank you for coming out with me tonight. It reads Do you have plans this weekend?

"Look." Jade turns the phone for Cat to see

"Well...do you?"

"No."

"Tell him that!"

Hopefully I'm seeing you again this weekend ;) Jade responds back Otherwise no, no plans.

"Ooh that was good, I like that." Cat nods

"Thanks."

A bubble appears on Beck's side of the conversation, signaling that he's typing. It feels like hours before his response comes through, when in reality its only a matter of seconds.

Great! Friday night?

"You better end up back at his place..."

"Shut up."

It's a date :) She types back

Perfect! He responds almost instantly Can't wait :)

"Don't get too in your head about this, Jadey..." Cat rests a hand on Jade's shoulder "Not every guy is a Marcus."

"I know that..." Jade sighs "I just...the first two years with Marcus were fine, you know? What if I get two years down the road with Beck and things end up the same way?"

"That's just the kind of risk you have to take." Cat shrugs "But you'll never know unless you give it a try."

"I really like him, Cat..."

"He seems like he really likes you." Cat observes "I don't think he'd put this much effort in if he just saw you as something casual."

"But-"

"No buts!" She insists "Just enjoy the fun beginning stage. It's going good right now, so don't overthink it and ruin it. Just let things happen naturally and see where you end up."

"I thought I was supposed to be the practical one in this friendship?" Jade smirks "Look at you being all wise and shit."

"Everybody needs a break sometimes, right?" Cat laughs "C'mon, lets go to bed. I have an early class too."