Frankie fiddled nervously with his shirt as he pulled up to Maura's apartment building. 'Why am I so nervous?' he thought as he checked his reflection in the rear view mirror and flattened his hair once more. 'We've already kissed and held hands. Heck! We've even slept together and told each other 'I love you!' So why the hell am I so nervous?' This was the night. This was going to be they're first date and Frankie wanted everything to be perfect. He picked up the bouquet of flowers and stepped up to the building. He popped a breath mint in his mouth and chewed it up quickly before ringing the doorbell. He heard the buzzing noise and pulled the door open. He made it up the the 3rd level and knocked on her door.
Frankie's breath caught in his throat as he looked at Maura. She was wearing a navy blue shirt with white polka dots that hugged her curves in all the right ways and showed just a hint of cleavage and white pants that made Frankie want to reach out and grab her hips. Her hair was long and wavy around her shoulders and her make up was smokey making her look every bit like a gorgeous seductress. At a loss for words, Frankie thrust the flowers at her and managed to whisper, "These are for you." Maura smiled and graciously accepted her flowers. "Frankie! They're beautiful. Thank you... I've never gotten flowers before." she said softly as she buried her face in them. "You're welcome." he said as he cleared his throat. "Come on in, I just have to grab my purse and shoes." Maura said as she stepped aside to let him in. Frankie grinned and stepped in. Maura went to the kitchen to grab a vase for her flowers. As she arranged them, she noticed Frankie was oddly silent. "Are you alright...?" she asked hesitantly. Frankie looked over at her and said quickly, "Oh, yeah I'm alright... I'm just really nervous..." he said shyly. Maura let out the breath she was holding and said, Oh thank goodness. I thought it was something else." she said quietly. Frankie frowned and went over to her, pulling her into his arms and gently tilted her head up to meet his eyes. "What did you think it was?" he asked. Maura blushed and said quietly, "I'm sorry Frankie. I didn't mean anything by it. I'm just used to men eager to end their dates with me as soon as they can. I guess I was just afraid you were having second thoughts and you didn't want to date me anymore..." she broke off noticing the hurt expression in his eyes. "Maura, sweetheart. You really think I'm like all those other men...?" he asked searching her eyes. "I promised you I would never leave you, and I am a man of my word. I love you and I absolutely want to go out with you. I'm just nervous because I want everything to be 100% perfect. I want our first real date to be wonderful for you and I want it to be the best date you've ever been on." he said gently as he kissed her sweetly. Maura wrapped her arms around his neck and said, "I'm so sorry Frankie. I know you're not like the men I've dated and I know you would never leave me. I'm just not used to men putting so much effort into dates with me. Please don't be mad..." "I could never be mad at you, honey" he said as he hugged her tighter. "And those other guys don't deserve you." he whispered in her ear.
The sound of scuffling made the two of the jump. Bass was crawling towards them. Frankie and Maura laughed as they knelt down to pat Bass. Bass scooted in between Maura and Frankie and deliberately stepped on Frankie feet. "I don't like he likes me being so close to you." Frankie laughed. Maura laughed and said, "Well, he'll have to get over himself. Bass, you're not the only guy in my life anymore." she said as she picked him up and walked over to the living room and set him down on the carpet. She grabbed her purse and slipped her shoes on. "Are you ready to go, my love?" Frankie said as he offered her his arm. Maura smiled and took his arm. "Yes, I am."
They made their way downstairs and outside. Frankie opened the passenger's side door and helped Maura in before heading to the driver's side. As they drove, Maura reached over and took Frankie's hand. "There's no need to be nervous. It's just me." she said reassuringly. "I know. I just hope you like it." Frankie replied as he squeezed her hand. They held each others hand the rest of the way until Frankie pulled off onto a dirt road. "Where are we?" Maura asked as she looked around puzzled. Frankie just smiled and got out of the car and rushed over to help Maura out of her side. He pulled her into his arms and whispered, "I can't tell you! It would ruin the surprise" He turned her around but held onto her so her back was pressed into his chest. He whispered lovingly into her ear, "Close your eyes." "But Frankie, I won't be able to see. What if I fall?" Maura argued. Frankie wrapped his arms tighter and said, "I'll be your eyes. I promise you won't fall." Together they started walking slowly so Maura wouldn't trip. Maura could feel dirt, leaves, and rocks under her feet and wanted to panic but the feel of Frankie's arms surrounding her made her feel safe and protected. 'He would never hurt me.' she thought to herself with a smile. She felt Frankie stop her and said, "Are you ready?" Maura's body shook with excitement. "Yes! Please can I open my eyes now?" She felt Frankie's chest vibrate behind her as he chuckled, "OK you can open your eyes." Maura took a deep breath and opened her eyes. There in front of her was a small pier facing the ocean and the beautiful sunset. The sky was a mixture of pinks and blues. On the pier was a small table neatly made with a single rose in the center and seating for two. Next to the table was a basket of ice and a bottle of champagne. There were two meals waiting for them with big silver coverings to keep them warm. The cloth napkins were folded fancily and candles sat gracefully on the ivory table cloth. A trail of red rose pedals led them to the table.
Maura turned towards Frankie and threw her arms around his neck. "I love it! I don't know how you could think I wouldn't like it. It's beautiful!" Frankie rubbed his nose against hers and smiled, "I'm so glad you like it. So, you're not mad that we're not in an actual restaurant?" he asked. "Are you kidding? It's better than any restaurant. It's so sweet and romantic. Nobody's ever done this for me..." she said as she pulled his head down to kiss his lips. Frankie pulled her chair out to help her sit down and offered her some champagne. She gladly accepted and watched as Frankie carefully poured her some and uncovered her plate. The aroma of Mediterranean style chicken and pasta filled the air around them as they began to eat. They laughed, talked, flirted, held hands and completely lost themselves in each other. When the candles were so short, they were almost non-existent Maura squeezed Frankie's hand and pulled him up with her. Frankie chuckled in her neck and tilted her head up to kiss him. Together the two collapsed in the soft grass and they laughed aloud as they rolled in the grass, clinging to each other. Maura pushed Frankie down on his back and cuddled up in his arms and laid her head on his shoulder. She inhaled his masculine scent as she buried her face in his chest. Frankie kissed her sweetly and ran his fingers through her hair. Maura looked up at the sky and sighed softly as they gazed at the stars. Frankie rested the arm around her on her hip and used his other hand to move her hair from her face. He gazed adoringly into her warm hazel eyes and kissed her gently. Maura whispered, "Remember when you asked me out and you asked me to give us a chance?" Frankie smiled, "Of course I remember." "Well, I'm glad I gave us a chance. It was the most wonderful decision I ever made. And I'm so glad you gave me a chance. I love you, Frankie, more than you will ever know." "I love you too, Maura. I love you too... so much." Together they brought their lips together in a kiss full of passion, promises and hopes for their future.
The End.