Chapter 16

AJ told Harriett that he would be over right after work so he could watch the children for her so she could get ready for her date. After changing out of his uniform AJ picked up Allison and arrived at Harriett's house. He told her to go off and get ready and instructed young AJ to put a movie in to keep the other children busy. He went into the kitchen to begin to prepare dinner. Harriett took a quick shower, washed and blew her hair dry and then stood in front of her open closet door trying to decide what to wear. She saw her uniforms and knew she couldn't wear them and then she had her 'mom clothes' and her jeans, but that just wasn't right either. She had a few formal outfits that were in the back in dry cleaning garment bags but they were too much for a first date.

Sorting through her closet for what had to be the third time and deciding that she really needed to go shopping if she was going to be dating. Finally she pulled out an aqua dress that she knew that she hadn't wore in at least five years and praying that it would still fit. She put on the wrap around dress tying the strings around the waist moving to the mirror she realized that she was bustier than the last time she had this dress on and it made the dress a little sexier than she had planned.

Wondering if the dress was too much she decided to go down stairs she went into the kitchen and asked AJ's opinion. Turning around he took her hand and twirled her around, smiled and told her, "You look absolutely beautiful. Victor is a lucky man." He might have said more but at that moment the doorbell rang.

Smiling at AJ, Harriett went to open the door to find Victor looking sharp in a suit on the other side. Grinning he said, "You look wonderful tonight Harriett. I'll be proud to have you on my arm tonight," as he handed her a pale yellow rose.

"I think that goes two ways, Vic. Thank you for the rose, it's beautiful."

"Are you ready to go, or do you need to say goodbye to the children?"

"No, I'm ready to go if you are."

Leaving the house, he opened the door of the car for her and helped her inside.

Asking her first if she liked Oriental food and getting her confirmation that she did, he suggested they try Shogun. Telling him she had never been there but would like to try it, Victor started the car and before long they were at the restaurant. Helping Harriett out they made their way inside and were seated at the hibachi table where the chef put on a show, flipping the egg in the air and breaking it on the sharp edge and flipping shrimp around as though it were popcorn in a popper. He entertained them both until the meal was placed on their plates and then the chef left them alone to eat in peace. They both enjoyed the meal and decided to come back again one day soon.

Victor took Harriett to a string quartet concert and then they headed home. Knowing that the Admiral was inside watching the children Victor knew that he wouldn't be going in for coffee when he got Harriett home. Pulling up and parking in her driveway, he turned and thanked her for a wonderful evening.

"I really enjoyed myself. Thank you Vic I hope we can do it again soon," Harriett replied.

His hand came up and gently caressed her cheek, brushing her hair back from her face he asked her, "Harriett, may I kiss you goodnight?"

"I'd be disappointed if you didn't," she smiled softly.

To be continued….