Thank you for all the love you've given to this story! Hope you enjoy this new chapter.

As always my gratitude to Jammequin for encouraging me to keep writing and to my wonderful beta heatherpeters.

*** I do not own the Blacklist or any of its characters. ***

Weeks went by and New York City changed from hot and humid days, to a nice Indian summer, and on to a cooler weather. Halloween decorations were up all over the city and as the days became shorter, the nights grew longer.

Reddington and Elizabeth had continued to meet two or three times a week, in addition to their scheduled honor thesis class, so that Liz could obtain all the necessary information to start writing. She interviewed him about cases she had reviewed, and tried to gather as many details as possible. He had shared numerous stories about various travels and incidents, and she was amazed by how much he had already seen and done in his life.

During one of their first coffee dates, Reddington had taken her to his favorite local coffee shop in the Village. He couldn't be bothered with the busy, noisy and overcrowded shops with their horrible and overpriced coffee and yuppie customers. He'd introduced her to the owner of "Coffee and Jellybeans", a peculiar little gentleman named Glenn, and since that moment Elizabeth had chosen this place to claim her caffeine fix.

Elizabeth truly enjoyed her time and every meeting she shared with Reddington. She didn't want to admit it, but she felt safe and comfortable around him. She'd read several case reports on this so-called notorious criminal, but instinctively knew he'd never hurt her and that he'd do anything to keep her from harm; that feeling warmed her completely.

It was Saturday morning, early November that they were having espressos when Elizabeth asked him out of the blue, "So what does the Concierge of Crime do for fun? I mean, you've told me all about your so-called Blacklisters, and all the things you've done to prevent being captured and I know that is definitely fun for you. But what do you like to do when you're not making a fool of police or the Feds?"

"You mean, what else do I like to do in my free time besides spending time with you?" Reddington answered while smiling at Elizabeth. She blushed when he looked at her and felt her stomach tighten up. "Well, why don't I show you. How about tonight? 8pm? I will pick you up at your house."

"OK, sounds like a plan," Liz replied. "What should I wear?"

"Whatever you want, you always look great Elizabeth. We're not going anywhere fancy, but that's all I am going to spill now."

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At exactly 7:55 pm Liz watched the black Mercedes pull up in front of her brownstone apartment. She had opted for a dark blue dress with white polka dots which framed her slender figure perfectly, combined with a brown button down wool sweater, along with matching purse and boots.

Reddington walked up to the door looking sharp as usual in a dark brown three piece suit with matching fedora hat and rang the doorbell. She opened the door and said hi.

"Good evening Elizabeth, it's nice to see you again. You look very lovely this evening."

She twirled around and gave him a short kiss on his cheek. "It's good to see you too."

"Shall we?" Reddington asked, offered his arm and led her to the car.

The car ride was only a few blocks long when the Mercedes stopped on 7th Avenue in front of a pizza parlor. She noticed a big red door next to the pizza place with a line of people waiting outside.

"What is this place?" she asked.

"My dear," he said, "please tell me you've heard of the Village Vanguard?"

She looked at him and said "Uhm no, should I have?"

"You mean to tell me you've lived in the Village for three years, and yet you have never experienced this venue?"

"No," she said. She saw his perplexed look and wondered if she said something wrong.

He just nodded his head and said, "Well you're in for a treat. Shall we?"

He got out of the car, walked around and opened her door. Even though there was a line outside, Reddington led her to the door and waved at the bouncers.

"Raymond," the biggest one of the two smiled, greeted him and opened the door for them. "It's good to see you again. It should be a great evening. We have your table ready. Hope you and your beautiful date have a wonderful night." As they walked through the door, Liz saw Reddington put a $50 bill in the man's hand.

They walked down a flight of stairs and came to a dark basement filled with a big bar, several bar stools and several tables. The walls were filled with frames of old black and white pictures and retro posters. She noticed that the place was almost shaped like a pizza slice, and in the tip of the slice, she saw a set up of different instruments, including a drum set and a piano. Currently there was jazz music playing through the speakers, but she figured a live band would start playing soon.

"Wow, this place is great" she said. "So this is where you hang out on your evenings off, right? This is amazing."

"Just wait until the band starts playing." He said. "The Christian McBride Trio is known for its jaunty and exuberant sets. You will love it."

"But before anything else, you will have to explain to me how on earth you've never heard of this place." he said while he smiled at her.

He walked to the bar, ordered them two Stella Artois bottles and handed her one. "Wow, I never would have guessed you for a beer man," she said.

"Well, apparently I did manage to keep some secrets," he laughed. "Did you know Stella first started brewing this beer in 1366?"

Elizabeth smiled at him and said, "No I did not, but thanks for that wonderful piece of information."

"Anyway, let's get to our seats." He showed her his favorite table. "I always ask for this table. If they seat you too close to the stage, all the lights shine on your table. I can tell from personal experience, it's not enjoyable. As you may have guessed, I prefer to have some privacy." He pulled out her chair, let her sit and then sat down next to her. He lifted his beer and said "Cheers, here's to your first experience of real music."

The band was still setting up to start their set, when Reddington asked her if she had any plans for Thanksgiving break.

"So Elizabeth, you will soon have a week off. Are you planning on going back home to Nebraska to visit your family?"

"No." Lizzie answered dry. "Since my father passed away I haven't really been back there. I only have one aunt left and we talk once in awhile, but that's it. I have no reason to go back there."

"So, what on earth will you do during your week off?" Reddington asked her as he took a sip of his beer.

"Well, I had actually planned on starting to write out my thesis and to begin studying for finals in December."

"What? No wild plans to go away with your friends and do some travelling to a far away place? This is your senior year in college, Elizabeth, you're allowed to have some fun in your final year."

"Well Samar is going to Israel for a week to visit her relatives, Ressler is going home to visit Audrey's parents for the first time and I think Dembe is going to visit his daughter, although I haven't seen him in some time."

"So, no plans for me," Liz continued. "I am actually quite happy to stay in the city, enjoy some quiet time in the apartment and get some work done. What are your plans, mister Reddington? Don't you have a wife and child somewhere?"

"No, I don't have a family anymore." Reddington said quietly.

"Well, miss Milhoan, I hope I am not running my luck here." He looked at her and asked, "How would you like to spend Thanksgiving Day with me? I've been known to make the best turkey this side of the Hudson."

"I would like that very much," Liz answered.

The lights dimmed, the music started and the owner of the bar announced the band. Liz looked over to her left to Reddington and watched a warm smile form on his handsome face.