Author's Notes: Sorry for the late update

Chapter Five:

"Is Zoe here?" Wade asked as he looked around Lavon's kitchen.

"Nooo,"

"Good, hot damn," He smacked the counter, "That woman is one hell of kisser. I wouldn't have thought someone so prissy could kiss like that."

Lavon just nodded his head and stroked his chin, "You two…kissed. That's good...wait how did you get a kiss. Last I heard you upset her pretty bad.""

"Yeah I know…" He rubbed his neck, "but I made it up to her in a big way."

"What big way?" Lavon leaned in, eager to hear.

"Well…you said go big so I did, let's leave it at that."

Lavon grinned, "What did you do? Huh, I wondered cause I remembered when you had that crush on Mary Rivers and you had stolen some of Mrs. Jenkins prize roses for her. I'm not sure how you would have topped that, but I want to know."

"Oh leave it be, I got bigger problems, I'm setting up a romantic dinner at the Rammer Jammer."

"You're what?" The former NFL player was shocked, "You can't take a girl like Zoe to the Rammer Jammer for dinner, besides that's not really taken her out, since you work there."

"Now relax…it's not going to be just some plain boring dinner at the bar, okay. Don't exactly got the funds for a night out on the town like she deserves, and its short notice, but I got a couple ideas that will make this work. I just need your help, man."

Lavon shook his head, "I can't believe this….you asked her out, you should take her somewhere nice…but I'll help. How did you get her to agree on a date anyway?"

"Yeah," Wade agreed rubbing his neck, "I think she could be going out with me a little out of pity which is kind of pathetic like, not my style, but like you said, take what you can get."

"I never said that."

"Well, you said second place was alright."

"Yes, that's true, but a pity date usually doesn't get you a second one."

"Well, that's why I got to make this one count don't I?" He said. "This is what I got planned, she liked my guitar playing alright…so she is alright with my type music I think we should get someone to sing."

"How do you know that?"

"What does it matter how I know?" Wade scowled.

Lavon was thoughtful for a second, "Did you serenade Miss Hart?"

"It's none of your business, you said go big so I did." Wade was still kind of embarrassed by the mushy thing he did last night, and by the lovey dovey things he was going to do, but he would get over it because it was Zoe but he sure was not going to hand over Lavon the reigns to tease him, "Anyway, I need to cook her something real good, I got things I can tryout. What do you think she'd like?"

"Well, I think she's partial to chicken, but you might want to try something a little fancier than fried. You could cook her Italian."

"Italian?" Wade frowned, "I don't know anything about Italian."

"You eat spaghetti don't you?"

"I'm not making spaghetti that's just as dumb as making hot dogs and cheeseburgers."

"No of course not, but that's Italian, just look up some recipes on the net. Some of that stuff's easy, just make the presentation nice and all."

"Okay," Wade started counting off his finger, "So music, food, and make the place look nice, some candles, I think, maybe flowers. What does Zoe like?"

"I don't know, we don't exactly talk gardening here," Lavon said.

"Okay, okay, well, what do you think she'd like. All girls like roses, but Zoe is not like all girls, so something pretty but different." Wade snapped his fingers, "I know, I know, she'll love them."

"What?"

"You'll see, I'll have stop by Laurel's and get her to put me some on order," he said out loud as he was thinking it, "Anyway, I just need you to help me clean the place, and all that."

"Oh boy," Lavon shook his head, "Why am I signing up for this. You know you better finally win the girl over, because I'm tired of all the drama you two bring."

"What drama?"

Lavon just continued shaking his head.

Zoe had avoided the Rammer Jammer for a couple days. It would feel weird going there when she had a date in a couple of days. She was still having trouble wrapping her head around the whole idea of going on a date with Wade (of all people) and it seemed the whole town felt the same way. The last couple days she got all kinds of looks from blushing to glares and some braver people would ask her if she was looking forward to her date. She was so happy to get to the car and away from it all when she saw George and Lemon coming her way, she still felt something like irregular pain in her heart, except it was kind of regular considering she was heartbroken.

"Hey," She said kind of tightly, "Buddy," She waved her hand, "and Lemon." Her voice dropped as she said the name as it was the fruit, sour.

Lemon gave her usually fake southern smile that she often reserved for Zoe because it said 'how delightful it is to see you and I would love to rip your head off' "Well hello, George and I are very busy and don't really have time for chatting with the wedding and all, so you understand if we just go on our merry little way." Lemon tried urging George forward.

"Well, actually Lemon," George spoke up causing the blond to tense. No doubt, she was still worried about the connection that Zoe and her fiancé had. He did kiss her after all. So Lemon knew he liked her, and even with all their history and love, it was sometimes hard for her not to be worried. Besides, she just did not like Zoe Hart, at all. "I was meaning to talk to you about something," He looked pointed at the dark brunette taking her by surprise.

"Okaaay shoot, not literally please…not that you would just…Lemon," She glanced over at the woman, "is she alright?" She looks like she is about to set the place on fire well…more like me. She thought to herself.

"Zoe, it's alright I know things have been awkward and probably will be for awhile but I still like to be friends like I said and well as your friend…I just." She stared at him, wondering what he was so nervous about. George rubbed his neck uncomfortably he was trying to figure out how to sound like a friend and not a jealous boyfriend. "I just heard a rumor that you are going on date with Wade."

Lemon was a little startled; George could not possibly believe the rumors were true. Those two were complete opposites, no way Wade wanted someone like…Zoe Hart. Not that she cared who Wade dated, it just was almost laughable, Wade was a bad boy with affinity for women of all flavors; he would never waste all his time with such a prissy outsider like her.

"Oh George," Lemon waved her hand at the situation, "You don't even have to worry, there's no way she go for him, she's way above having a little tryst." The future Mrs. Tucker always had a way of making a compliment sound completely insulting.

Zoe was surprised that all George's nervousness had to do with her date. It was kind of weird actually, but the emotion of irritation seemed to overrun her curiosity. She crossed her arms and maybe she did smirk a tiny bit, "Well, things sure do spread fast in this town but it's true, I'm going out with Wade."

George's mouth widened a little, he quickly looked over at his fiancé "Lemon give us a minute," He grabbed Zoe as her brown eyes widened, and she gave a tiny 'whuh' sound in shock.

"Wait, a minute…George," Lemon tried to call him back, but he was half way down the street already.

"What are you doing George?" The doctor pulled herself away and looked up with a slight glare. That did not last long, because really who can glare at George.

"Zoe, if this is about me picking Lemon...,"

"I told you, I understand. This isn't about you picking Lemon okay." That was a lie, because it was a little, but there also was the fact that Wade liked her, and he deserved a chance. They deserved a chance.

"I don't see how, when you are going a date with Wade. Look," He put a hand on her shoulder, "The guy is alright, we are kind of friends, but you got to know when it comes to women he is bad news."

Zoe sighed, because she knew George was looking out for her but it did not ease her mind at all that he was still so sweet to her. She gently pushed his hand away. The touch was warm in so many ways, but…she had to get over him. "I appreciate the gesture, really, and I do know about Wade's reputation. Believe me, I heard the talk, but I also heard from a reliable bird that he really likes me." She shrugged, "I just want to give it a chance."

"I don't know Zoe, I don't think you own him anything, and haven't you noticed that you could have your pick of men."

"Besides you, you mean," She half-heartedly teased him, "Buddy," she lightly punched his shoulder.

"Yeah," he sighed, "Anyway, I just don't want you to get hurt."

"Its fine, besides it probably won't turn into anything, Wade drives me nuts."

"Then why are you going out with him? I'm just don't understand this at all." He shook his head.

"Because I want to, what's it matter? If it goes sour, I'm going to be gone in a couple of months anyway, my year is almost up."

George frowned, "Well, that is just as good as any reason not to start a relationship right? You don't want to get too attached and not be able to leave." There was a tinge of bitterness in his voice, he did not want to her go, and he certainly did not want her dating someone like Wade. She could do better. He just did not get it.

Zoe sighed, "I guess that could be true…but," She shrugged. "You never know what is going to happen. I never thought I end up here in Bluebell, besides it is just one date. It's nothing to worry about; it might not even turn into anything."

George stared at her for a moment, "Okay, well I see you made up your mind, just be careful. You are still a good friend to me and I just want you to be happy."

"Thanks," She felt even worse then before as she watched him run back to Lemon…it was not enough. She shook her head. She had a date to get ready for.

"Lavon, Lavon," Zoe shouted out through the house. She had just waltz right through the living.

"What? And why didn't you knock we use southern hospitality here, means we don't always lock the door but you always knock." he came from the living room and he had been watching the game and did not liked to be interrupted.

Zoe rolled her eyes, "Sorry, okay its just…I don't know what wear."

"Oh no, no, no," He shook his head, "You are not asking me for fashion advice. I draw the lines on our friendship there."

"Come on, you know Wade, what's he like besides short shorts, and a tank top that barely covers. Besides, you know I don't have any girlfriends." She had that pleading tone in her voice which might usually work, but really this was crossing a line for Lavon.

"I'm not helping you get ready for your date. That's a woman thing; maybe you can ask…hey how is Rose doing anyway?"

"She's fine, but…her mom still won't let me around her."

"I'm sorry," Lavon said.

"Everything has been falling apart lately," Zoe throwing herself on the couch, "and I lot have it has been my doing."

"What happened to Rose isn't your fault," Lavon put a comforting arm around her shoulder.

"I know but pursuing George was just…stupid."

"I can't really argue with that," Zoe glared at him, "but I'm not judging, I made the same mistake, well actually my mistake was worse, at least you thought George and Lemon where over, and didn't kiss him in front of his fiancé."

"No, I just went on a crazy trip to New Orleans, even though I knew he was not okay, and kissed him. And this thing with Wade…well I don't know what's going on, but even if it goes nowhere, it will be nice to have….I don't know to at least try to."

"Now you got to give Wade a chance, he has got big plans for you tonight. You just wait and see. Now go," he pushed her back a bit, "Get dressed," She turned back to face him.

"But I still don't know what to wear…"

"Lavon Hayes doesn't do fashion advice, go call a girlfriend, can't you text a picture or something. Go, go,"

Zoe held her hands up in defeat, "Okay, I'm going, sheesh," She was out the door.

Now the place sure looked decent. Wade had cleaned up nice and spiffy even more so than usually, and when it came to the bar, he actually kept it pretty clean. Then Lavon had help with the decorations. Candles lit up the place everywhere and there were bright beautiful flowers everywhere, unlike she had seen before.

"They are beautiful," She said touching them lightly.

"They were one of mom's favorites, they are the state's flower, Camillia… but doc that's not what I remember most…" He stopped, he did not want think about his mother right.

"Wade?" she looked at the way his eyes seemed have a…she could not explain it…there was something sad about his expression.

"Let's get started," he pulled out a chair and his grin returned.

"Okay, I'm already impressed. You being gentlemen."

"I didn't know a New Yorker could appreciate southern hospitality," He teased right back, "thought your type likes to do everything themselves."

"Well," She smiled, "A good woman knows how to do everything herself, but she also knows how to get a man to do it for her, if she wants. Well…something like that…Gigi told me something like that once."

"I hate to say it that woman has a screw loose, remember that party you let her throw."

"She's my best friend."

"You need better friends, doc. I heard she slept with Judson, which why the hell did you want to go after him after that? It seems to me, that would be a sign that man was no good, if he was willing to sleep with your best friend."

Zoe frowned, she did not come for Wade to judge her on her love life or her choice friends, "Look who is talking," She spat without a thought.

"I know doc, but it was different, I never slept with your best friend and I never would have fooled around, if I had known you were into me. I thought well…well it is not exactly untrue, but doc let's not worry about all that tonight, okay."

She nodded, "fine."

"Okay so…" he glanced up at the clock, his entertainment should be here by now, but they were not. He wondered why, well it did not matter. "Anyway, guess I'll get our meals," He went back into the kitchen and grab the two plates of parmesan chicken, he was worried because while, he sure it would taste all right, it looked kind of like slop. He tried to make it look all nice like in the picture, but making things looking nice was not really his style. She stared at it, and frowned. "Just cause it don't look pretty doc, don't mean it ain't edible."

That was exactly what Zoe thought it meant, but she would give it a try. It would not kill her would it? She took a tentative bit.

"You don't have to be all delicate like...I've seen you eat before." She glared at him. "Oh I didn't mean that as it as insult, actually it's a compliment. It is probably the only thing you do around here that is like us."

"You know I was about to compliment you, but you always have to ruin it."

"Ah don't be like that doc, go ahead compliment me."

"I would but judging by your grin, I don't think your brain could handle your ego expanding even more." That just made him smile wider; they both knew she liked it. She saw him glance at the clock again.

"What's wrong? Got somewhere else to be?"

"No…just somebody else was supposed to be here to entertain us."

"Oh,"

"So doc ever heard how the town got its name."

"Because of the flower,"

"Have you seen any bluebells around here? The flower ain't got nothing to do with it. Doc, okay here it is: So there was this pretty girl who was in love with this farmer. Now they had this plan to get married and all that but she was promised to somebody else, some rich guy. So of course they decided that they would sneak off, but the father already knew of her affections for this boy. So at night he tied bells to her ankle so if she every tried to leave he would hear her."

"That makes no sense, couldn't she just take it off."

"It's a legend doc," He looked annoyed.

"Okay…okay, finish it,"

"Well, she did remove the bells and she snuck out with the boy, then she put them back on and…"

Suddenly Wanda ran into the Rammer Jammer, "I'm so sorry, Zoe but I need your help," She exclaimed. "Tom has been hurt."

Zoe and Wade both followed Wanda out a few blocks down, "How did you know where to find me?"

"Oh well I knew you be on a date with Wade,"

"Does everyone know I'm on a date?"

"No," Wade exclaimed, "just Shelley, the mayor, Dr. Brick, Lemon, George, Tom, and…"

"So the whole town knows," Zoe clarified.

"I say so doc," Wade stated, "What, worried about your reputation?"

"No, I think that was gone a long time ago. What's wrong with Tom?"

"Well, we were just loading up the equipment and all for your entertainment and…"

Zoe got wide eyed, "You hired Tom to be our entertainment." She could only imagined what Tom might do, give a long speech about how great she was or about the innocent of creatures…well…maybe he would have acted…still that did not seem so romantic….Who cared if it was romantic? Well, it was a date right?

"Of course not," Wanda replied, "Lavon hired me to sing,"

"She's got a nice voice you heard it," Wade stated. Zoe could not argue with that as they arrived to where Tom was wincing in pain.

"Ah Dr. Hart, I'm so sorry to have ruined your night," Tom spoke up.

"Its fine," Zoe replied, "You didn't ruin anything." Wade frowned; he wondered if that was bad or a good thing? "Where does it hurt?"

"My ankle,"

"Let me take a look, oh it just looks sprain, let's get you into the van so I can get a better look at the office."

"Alright Dr. Hart," Tom agreed.

"Oh my poor baby," Wanda gushed, "He will be alright?"

"Oh yeah, I just need to wrap it up and I'll give him some pain medicine and he will be good as new."

After a few minutes Zoe had Tom patched up and ready to go, "Here is some medicine, stay off it for a few days. You'll make sure of that, Wanda."

"Yes, ma'am," Wanda saluted her and went over to baby Tom.

Zoe gave Wade a half hearted smile, "Sorry, I guess I'm always on duty."

"No problem, doc. Food is cold, but I guess that is what microwaves are for, besides that was not the best part."

"What was the best part?"

"You'll see," He grabbed her arm and led her back to the Rammer Jammer but instead of going directly inside, he took her to his truck. "Come on,"

He drove a few miles down the road and they stopped, this was a wide field, "You ever trying catching fire flies?"

"What?" she asked confused.

"Come on let's go,"

She was surprised when they arrived down by the creek under the moon light. "Ever tried catching fireflies, doc?" Wade asked.

"What?"

"Come on," he grabbed her arm, "let's go," Zoe saw the let bugs with lights everywhere. It was not new to her, she seen them before, but still…there was something incredible about seeing so many at once. It was like the lights of the city, except there was something so much more special, and as Wade dragged her around. "Doc, first one to catch a firefly wins, and you can't kill it."

"Eww…why would I want to do that?"

"I don't know doc, okay on the count of three we are going to try to catch one." He told her, she nodded, "Three," and he dashed off.

"Cheater," she exclaimed as she tried to catch one without hurting. She had an urge to smack her hands, but she knew that would kill it. She tried to enclose her hands around it, but it always flew out.

"Caught it," She heard Wade yell.

"Cheater," She exclaimed, "You had to have."

"No, I'll show you," He let his hand open up and she watched the firefly fly out of his hand. She was mesmerized.

"Okay," he grabbed her hand, "Cup it like this, now when you seen one you got to scoop it," He pushed her hand upward, and then quickly bring your other hand down. If you come from the sides, it will fly outer there faster then Wilson when you are trying to give him a shot." Zoe smiled, he paid attention, Wilson was a six year old, who she always had to play some form of hide n seek in her office once he found out was getting a shot.

"Okay," She tried it a few times. She was kind of annoyed; she was not catching a single one.

"Relax Zoe," She kind of stopped, it was kind of nice the way her name sounded. She heard it before of course, but there was something maybe it was the glow of the fireflies that made it special tonight, and the fact he had been calling her doc more so then not. "It's just all fun,"

She smiled he was right, and instead of trying so hard, she just kind of chase after fireflies, and was kind of embarrassed when she realized Wade was watching her just as she caught one, "I caught one," She exclaimed jumped up and down.

"Be careful, doc," he cupped her hands, "You'll hurt it, now let it go." She smiled and watched it flutter away above them a warm glow, and she smiled. "Well, that's one lucky bug,"

She frowned, "because I didn't kill it."

"Well, there's that and…" he caressed her hands, "You got nice hands, I bet they could do nice things to a man." She jerked them away and smacked him lightly on the shoulder.

"Wade!"

"Oh come on, I'm not going to do anything but…" he grinned, "Doesn't mean I'm not thinking about it." She just shook her head, "I'm guy and you are a b…pleasant looking woman."

"Uh huh?" She stared him down, "really what you going to say?"

"Nothing, anyway, I guess we should be getting back. I'll pack up your food, it's getting late and I know you got work, so I guess…I should take you home now."

She actually was surprise, she did not want the night to end, but it had to. Wade took got her food for her to take later, and she did insist on it. She wanted him to know she actually liked his cooking, and she did not want to hurt his feelings…and there was so much but she was not sure what, but she wanted him to know she was trying.

When he walked to her door, she enjoyed it. It was sweet; nobody has done that since she was a teenager. She guesses it could be a southern hospitality thing, she was sure George walked Lemon to her door, but it was still nice, "Now do I have to be gentleman now doc and just kiss you on the cheek because I got to tell you after…" She quickly wrapped her arms around his neck and just let her feelings of appreciation lose.

She then let him go, "I had an amazing time. I don't know where this is going, but if I'm honest I like were it is going so far." Wade waited for her to disappear into her house before he shouted.

"Hot damn," and walked with a bounce in his step, though he would never describe it that way.

Author Commentary: Well, there's the date, don't worry; there is a plot, sort of. I got things I want to do, and an end point. So the reason this update took way too longer, obviously the length, there is more errors in longer chapters so it takes awhile to make sure I sift through all of them. Also I have very limited acess to the internet, so in the mean time I'll try to work on the story and I just got a new laptop. Yay!