Paul and Holly were at a French restaurant, one evening. It was a very hot summer day in New York City and while they were eating, a heavy thunderstorm came through. It was raining buckets, just as they were leaving.

They stood at the entrance and waited for the storm to subside.

"It's about four blocks to our apartment," said Paul.

"Yes, it is," agreed Holly. "We can just wait here for a few minutes."

"I wish I brought an umbrella."

"Well, it's too late now."

Suddenly, he smiled. "Holly, I've got a wild idea: Let's walk in the rain!"

"With this dress on? It cost me $45 at Macy's-on sale!"

"I'll pay for your dry cleaning bill, if you'd like."

She smiled. "That's a wicked idea, Fred-why not! Just a moment." She slipped off her pumps and picked them up. "I'm ready!"

He opened the door. They stood there for a few seconds.

"Who first?" asked Holly.

"I guess I'll go-after all, it was my idea."

"No, I'll do it. I'm barefooted-well almost!" (She had on stockings.)

She walked into the rain. So heavy was it, it soaked her in just a few second.

"Come on in, the water's wonderful!"

He walked out. He let the rain soak him. Then he walked close to her. They hugged and kissed.

"You look beautiful, dripping wet!"

"So do you, Fred!"

Due to the rain, the streets were empty and few cars were out. They walked gingerly, letting the rain fall on them.

"When it rained heavily, Fred and I would go out and play in it," said Holly.

"So, this isn't the first time you've done this."

"No, it isn't."

A large puddled had formed by a street corner. Seeing this, she stood in it and stomped her feet! Fred smiled.

"You're the wildest girl I've ever met, Holly!"

"And you love it!"

"Yes, I do!"

They hugged and kissed, again.

A few minutes later, they were back in Holly's apartment.

"I think I'll brew some coffee," she said.

"I think that would be a great idea!"

"You'd better take your coat off-shoes, too!"

"Ok."

He did as he was told, then he sat on the couch. She made the coffee.

"Sugar, cream?"

"Yes to both."

Five minutes later, she brought the coffee into the living room and sat next to him.

"I have a confession, Holly."

"You do?"

"I planned this."

"You mean the date?"

"No, I mean the walk in the rain."

"Really?"

"You know that new novel I'm working on, The Best Place?"

"Yes."

"I was considering a passage in it where Jack encourages his lover Mary to walk in the rain with him. But I was wondering how a girl would react to that if her boyfriend suggested that to him. So I was going to talk with you about that."

"But then, the situation presented itself."

"Yes. Well, not exactly...What I mean is, I had heard on the news that there was a chance of heavy storms today. So...that's why I invited you to dinner tonight."

"I see! But what if the storm never materialized?"

"Then I would've just told you about the passage and gotten your reaction to it."

"I see!"

"Are you upset with me, Holly?"

"Not at all, Fred! But I must tell you that how I reacted isn't necessarily the way how other girls would react."

"I know."

"And furthermore, I might not have reacted that way if another guy suggested that."

"Really?"

"It's just that I consider you to be very special, Fred."

"Oh, Holly!"

They kissed.

"I must say, taking your shoes off first was a nice touch. I might write that into the novel."

"Thank you, Fred. But now, my feet are cold!"

"Well then, let me warm them!"

"Thank you! Just a moment."

She peeled off her wet stockings. Then she put her feet into his lap, and he began massaging them. They drank their coffee.