Chapter 5 - Asking Her Out

Two days later, Dean had one of the Servants drive him back to the hospital for his first PT Appointment. He left him out in the car while he made his way into the hospital. Dean made a special trip back to the floor where his room had been and asked Nurse Pauline if Amanda was on the floor. She told him that she hadn't seen her yet today but that she should be in shortly. Dean was disappointed but headed to his appointment. The Physical Therapist really gave him a rough workout and he was in a lot of pain afterward. As he was leaving, he sat down in a waiting room chair to try to get the pain under control. He ended up dozing off for a short time and when he came to, he picked his head up and saw Amanda standing near the Nurse's station. Dean called out to her but she didn't hear him so he pulled himself out of the chair he was sitting in and hobbled over to where she was talking to one of the Doctors. When Amanda saw him, she smiled brightly at him and asked him how he was doing. He told her about the PT appointment and asked if she had a moment to talk. They walked back over to the waiting room and sat down in chairs across from each other.

"Amanda, I really enjoyed getting to know you while I was in the hospital. I think you seem to be a very interesting woman and I would very much like to take you out to dinner this week so we could get to know each other a little better and to show my gratitude for your kindness while I was in the hospital. I was wondering if you were available?"

"Oh Dean, you don't have to do that. I enjoyed helping cheer you up just like I do all the patients here. I'm just glad you were able to finally go home"

"No, really, it would make my day if you would agree to go out with me. Please say yes"

Amanda looked at Dean and realized how sad he looked. Her Mothering instincts kicked in and she realized that if she said no, she would hurt his feelings so "Well, okay, if you are sure. You really don't owe me anything and like I said, I'm not really ready to begin dating but if it means that much to you, I would love to have dinner with you"

Dean looked up from staring at his lap and realized that her raspy voice had just said yes. Really? She really was going to let him take her out on a date? His heart began beating faster and he couldn't control the smile that crept across his face. It made her feel good to see him smile. Amanda had a feeling that Dean didn't take many girls out because he seemed to be pretty quiet and reserved most of the time. He also seemed to be a little dull but she knew from their talks that he seemed like a really nice man and one that was responsible and dependable so it wouldn't hurt to go out with him.

Dean "What day would be..?" As Amanda said "I'm available either tomorrow night or Friday night". They both laughed as they realized they were both a little nervous.

Dean said "How about Friday night then. I will pick you up at 6pm. I have plans to take you to a really nice Restaurant so if you could dress formerly, that would be great"

Amanda laughed and said "What? My Bedside Bluebelle uniform would be a little under dressed? Is that what you are telling me?"

Dean smiled and said "yes, a little. Thanks for agreeing to go out with me, Amanda. I intend to make the evening very special".

"Oh, don't go to any trouble for me Dean. I don't get out much so just being able to have a night away from the family will be nice. I love my Mother and my children but sometimes it is nice to have some time with other people. Of course Mother will be all curious as to who I'm going out with so expect to meet her but I don't think it is the right time for you to meet Phillip and Jamie yet. I hope you understand".

Dean still couldn't believe how much this woman could say in one breath. He assured her that he understood and would respect her wishes. He politely shook her hand and said that he would see her Friday night.

As the elevator closed in front of him, Amanda was still looking at her hand wondering what kind of man shakes the hand of someone he just asked out. She soon shrugged it off and decided that Dean was just nervous and maybe a little bit different than normal men. She certainly hoped that she wouldn't regret agreeing to this date though she really didn't want to even call it a date.

TBC