"And… we're off."

"Good job, everybody," Link called out, always the leader.

"I've never had as much fun slow dancing," Tracy said, snuggling up to Link as they exited the studio. "But everything's different now… with you." She smiled up at him, and he smiled back at her.

"I wonder how things turned out with Seaweed and Penny," Link mused.

"They looked so nice when they left."

"Where'd they go, again?"

"Anthony's," Tracy said, trying to sound calm. Penny had never been downtown at night before, especially not with someone black.

"I'm sure they're fine," Link promised, putting his hand on Tracy's arm.

"Will you walk me home?" Tracy asked, putting Link's hand in hers. "I guess Ma already left without me."

Link nodded. "It would be my pleasure."

"Good job today," Tracy said, nudging him.

"Oh, everything's easy with you," Link grinned.

"So, did you ask Corny to talk to the other council members about going on tour yet?" Tracy asked, trying to be subtle.

"Agh!" Link smacked his forehead with his free hand.

"You forgot, didn't you?"

"Yep."

"Well, that's okay. We still have two weeks of school left."

"Don't remind me," Link groaned.

"Two weeks will go by fast," Tracy sighed.

"Oh, don't do that," he said. "Once summer begins, we won't need to be distracted. We can spend a little time at the studio, but most of my time will be devoted to a pretty little lady who I stole a dance with today."

"Promise?"

"Promise."

"Good." Tracy breathed in the smell of him as she snuggled close in the cooling air. "I couldn't imagine life without you."

"Well, now you're NEVER getting rid of me," he laughed. "We'll be on a tour bus together for two weeks, twenty-four-seven, going across the country with no way to turn back." He took a moment to think about this. "By the end of the summer, we'll be better singers and dancers than ever before. We'll get closer to our fans…"

"And closer to each other," Tracy added, smiling.

"I can't wait!" Link sang out.

"Me either."

"Well, see ya tomorrow, Trace. Remember, we got a double date with Seaweed and Penny at the drive-in on Saturday night, right?"

"How could I forget?" Tracy asked.

Link gave her a quick peck on the cheek.

"'Night."

"'Night."
Tracy sat down at the dinner table in her house, setting her bag on the floor at her feet.

"Homework?" Edna asked from the kitchen.

"No, it's a Friday," Tracy reminded her.

"That's right," Edna sighed. "We've got a whole weekend to spend together, right, hon? We could go shopping…"

"Uh, actually Ma, I've got a date," Tracy beamed.

"How nice," Edna said, feeling slightly hurt but not showing it.

"I'm sorry, Ma. This will be our first official date, and all. We've been waiting forever to…"

"I understand, hon. Maybe we'll do something – your father and I."

Tracy nodded, picking at the place of spaghetti Edna set down for her in slight guilt. She hadn't meant to make her mom feel left out, but she was in a real relationship now. Of course, Edna would understand.

"Hey, babe," Wilbur called, coming into the kitchen, "can you get your friend Mr. Larkin to come by after school tomorrow?"

"Awww, Dad," Tracy moaned, "you aren't gonna give him The Talk, are you?"

"Of course not. I just want an autograph."

Edna put her hands on her hips.

"Now, Wilbur, you're every bit as good of a dancer as he is," she pointed out, remembering one particular night not too long ago."

"Oh, just so I can sell them and say, 'I knew him when…' I heard he got a record deal, and it was a twofer – he 'n' Trace'll be singing duets for the whole United States to hear 'em," he said proudly.

Tracy cringed.

"When were you planning on telling us this, hon?" Edna asked.

"Soon…"

Edna grabbed her daughter in a bear hug. "We're so proud of you, hon. If you wanna do it, we support you."

"Oh, and um… we're going on tour this summer," she added hesitantly.

Edna and Wilbur exchanged looks.

"Well, you're only young once," Wilbur decided. "If this is what you want, go out there and get it!"