(A half hour later)

"Where are you taking me?" Betsy asked as they headed down the freeway.

Dennis grinned. "Well, I'd hoped to surprise you but if you really want to know..."

She shook her head. "No, actually I'd rather be surprised. I love surprises, although I still can't believe that I agreed to go out on a blind date." Then she turned to

him. "But I like how it's turning out so far."

"So do I." Dennis said, finding it hard to stop stealing glances at the beautiful woman seated next to him in the passenger seat.

"Well, here we are." Dennis said as he pulled into the parking space.

Betsy gasped in disbelief. "Dennis, are you serious?"

"Well, if you'd rather go somewhere else, I'd be happy to-."

"No, this is great. I just... I can't believe it! The Italian Rivera! Do you have any idea how badly I've wanted to eat here?"

"You're kidding..." Dennis said as he got out of the car.

"No, I'm completely serious! This is just... Oh God, I'm sorry! I'm making a complete fool out of myself, aren't I?" Betsy said.

"Of course not." Dennis said.

He opened the passenger door and took her hand as he helped her out of the car.

"Oh... Thank you." She said, as though she was surprised by the gentlemanly gesture. The thought that she wasn't used to being treated this way saddened

him a bit. Times certainly have changed...Men were no longer the suave gentlemen that they used to be. However, he was determined to use the manners he'd been

taught by his father for the rest of his life. He saw how in love his parents were and he hoped that one day he and his kid sister Annie could find soul mates the way

their parents had.

As soon as Dennis and Betsy walked into the restaurant, the heavenly aroma of Italian spices filled the air.

"We have a reservation for Reed, party of two." Dennis said to the maître'd.

The maître'd scanned the list of reservations.

"Reed, you say?"

"Yes. Dennis Reed." Dennis replied, ignoring the maître'd's annoyed glance.

"Ah... Here we are. Right this way, Mr. Reed."

He led them to a secluded table in the corner of the restaurant. The fact that it was probably the most romantic table they had caused Dennis' anger to

dissipate.

"Well this is certainly... Nice, isn't it?" Dennis asked nervously as he and Betsy sat down at the cozy corner table.

Betsy sighed and looked around at the beautifully decorated restaurant. Dennis had to agree it was magnificent. Low lighting, romantic slow Italian music playing from

the speakers, and warm colors of mauve and gold added to the atmosphere, which certainly didn't need any help.

If Dennis hadn't known any better, he'd have sworn he was in Italy rather than an Italian restaurant a half hour away from one of the most prestigious

Universities in the United States.

"It's absolutely incredible." Betsy said.

"Have you checked out this menu?" Dennis asked.

"Oh..." Betsy said, her smile disappearing.

"Something wrong?"

"Well, it's awfully expensive. I don't blame you for being surprised about the prices."

Dennis felt a slight tinge of guilt and before he realized what he was doing, he reached across the table and took her hand in his. When she gasped in surprise,

he quickly released his grip.

"I-I'm sorry. I didn't mean to..."

She smiled shyly and he couldn't help but notice how beautiful she was. "It's okay..."

"So, you were telling me about your parents and your dreams." Dennis said after they had ordered.

Becky sighed and for a brief moment, Dennis almost regretted bringing up the subject.

"If you'd rather not talk about it..."

"No, it's all right. No one else seems to be interested. My parents certainly weren't. They had this idea that people who go to Yale are only aspiring to

become lawyers or doctors."

"I want to be a musician." Dennis said proudly.

"And were your parents happy when they found out why you decided to go to Yale?" Becky asked taking a sip of her drink.

"Oh absolutely!" He said, remembering how thrilled his parents were when he told them the news. "They couldn't have been happier and-."

He looked up; his heart aching when he saw the pain in her eyes. What kind of parents would want to destroy their child's dream?

"Well..." He continued. "My father would have preferred me to go into law, but I like to think he's proud of me."

"I'm sure he is." She said, smiling warmly as she reached across the table and took his hand.

The small gesture touched him deeply. It had been a long time since someone other than his family had cared about him.

They talked all through dinner, sharing their backgrounds, hopes and dreams.

"Thank you so much, Dennis. That was wonderful." Betsy said as they walked back to his car.

"I'm glad you enjoyed it." Dennis said. Almost as an afterthought he added; "Do you need to go home right away?"

Just as he expected, she gave him a surprised look and paused for a minute before answering.

"No... Why?"

"Well, I really enjoy your company, and I don't want this night to end. Care to join me for a drink?"

"I'd like that." Betsy said, blushing at the offer.

Dennis smiled; the thought of spending even more time with this beautiful woman filing his heart with joy.