Stephanie POV

Back at 'Michelle' there was a Spanish Inquisition going on. Somehow, Lula knew that I spent the night with Carlos. It's not like we did anything ahem much. There was some MA15+ kissing going on, but that's nobody's business. So, I just ignored all the looks and 'innocent' questions about my evening and got to work.

We're holding a modelling show consisting normal, everyday women. We're still looking for models and I need to find them within the next two weeks. The outfits aren't too revealing, just slightly seductive, and very flattering.

After a couple of phone calls and emails to various locations, I was looking forward to a quiet lunch. Just as I was heading out to buy something for myself, I glanced up and saw Carlos walking out of his SUV with a picnic basket. I could feel a smile tugging at my lips.

Most of the things that make me happy are just simple, quiet things. I like quiet walks with companionable silence. I like picnics with mats, jam sandwiches and sundresses. I like watching the sun rise, and I love reading a good book to the sound of rain.

In the time that I was lost to my musings, Carlos had walked into the store and was sitting on the other side of my desk, his eyes warm with laughter. The lines of tension which normally adorned his face had disappeared to make way for the crinkle of his eyes and the tug of a soft smile on his lips.

He silently indicated to the picnic basket he was holding and rose, moving over to my side and helping my stand. We walked, hand in hand, out of the office and to a small park that was fairly close to the office. There were a few toddlers playing on the swings and slides, while their mothers were keeping a close eye and chatting with their friends.

We found a shady tree and spread the picnic mat and sat down. Instead of jam sandwiches, there was cut fruit, a lasagne, still warm from the oven and a strawberry cheesecake. We also had two juice boxes to pair with our meal. I had a moment of stomach aching laughter as I saw Carlos glance at the juice box with disdain. He pouted (yes pouted) when I poked my straw through the foil and slurped into my juice, and then eventually joined me.

We enjoyed our meal, our lunch hour really encompassed an hour. We cleaned up our area and headed back to our respective jobs.

This had suddenly become a routine, every day at lunch, he's turn up with a picnic basket, we'd eat and talk and relax, and head back to work.

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I finally found a house that was to my liking, bought it, and moved in. I let Carlos worry about the security, but made sure that the bill actually reached me in the end. We had fun 'testing out' the furniture as we shopped together. It was an easy going relationship, and exactly what I need.

Contemplating all my previous relationships, I put on 'The Sound of Music' and got comfortable.

Halfway into the movie there was a sound, and my backdoor swung open with a bang. I stood there in surprise as a masked man stepped into my view. Next thing I knew was complete blackness.

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Carlos POV

I knew I needed to see her, but I also wasn't ready to commit full time to a relationship. I thought of all the things we could do instead and came up blank. Asking Lester was out of question, so instead I asked google:

'Places to take a girl on date'

Most of the websites looked cheesy, but one caught my attention.

Top 10: First Date Ideas on a website called AskMen. It seemed like a reliable source, so I surged on and clicked on the link.

10) Bowling

9) Hiking

8) Aquarium

7) The Theatre

6) Driving Range

5) Art Gallery

4) Local Music Show

3) Play Tourist

2) Ice Skating

1) Try New Cuisine

All these ideas seemed like a bit much. They were all too over the top and I really don't want to scare her away. Though the try new cuisine thing gave me an idea. We could go out for a picnic. It's nice, friendly and fun. It's intimate, but not intimidating.

I called Ella and she seemed a little bit too enthusiastic about getting me a picnic basket, and I knew she was playing me when I saw a stupid juice box in the basket, but Steph found it humorous, and well so did I. Maybe after a little while. We had a nice lunch and I found myself relaxing and enjoying the moment.

The next day I made my way to my apartment on seven to grab a bite to eat when I saw another basket ready on the kitchen platform with a neat Enjoy! Written on a note. I gave out a sigh at Ella's meddling, but the thought of spending more time with Steph was too appealing. I grabbed the basket and headed out.

This had somehow become Ella's hobby because every day I walked in for lunch, and everyday there was a basket waiting for me. I eventually gave up on being surprised and just expected a basket and some company for lunch.

Maybe relationships aren't too bad?

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Sorry guys! I know it's been a while with this one, but I like delivering quality, not junk :/ I hope you enjoyed this chapter.

My life has been really sucky for a while now. I can't concentrate on any of my subjects at uni, and get pretty anxious with everything. It's been a terrible year. Sigh. Please review and make my day. I went through a spell check, but there might still be errors.