Disclaimer: Still just own Paige and her family. Yup, that's about it.
I flipped through my copy of Writer's Digest, pausing at an article called "Pain Free Revision." Shifting uncomfortably in my seat, I scanned it quickly. I sighed, and snapped it shut. I wasn't a fan of airplanes. My eyes wandered the plane, bored. The loudspeaker came on and announced we were landing soon, and to buckle our seatbelts. I clicked mine shut, and leaned back against the seat.
0o0o0
Joe was waiting for me at the airport. He engulfed me in a hug. Laughing, I broke away and kissed him lightly on the cheek.

"I told you I'd come back," I glanced over at the conveyor belts. Suitcases were beginning to trickle out. "C'mon. Let's get my suitcase."

I spotted my suitcase right away. It was not very big, and a light neon orange. I reached out and grabbed it, pulling it off the conveyor belt. I set it down on the ground and turned to Joe.

"Ready to go?"

He nodded, and motioned to my suitcase. "I can carry that."

I grinned, and handed it over to him. We started down the long airport hallway.

"So," Joe said, looking over at me, "Does this mean you told your parents?"

"Yep, they took it better than I thought. Alex almost died. She's a huge Starkid fan," I replied, laughing, "Dad and Cassie thought me being locked in a basement was hilarious. Alex was pretty horrified."

Joe chuckled. "Still mad at Lauren?"

"Kinda. We should probably thank her. I doubt we were ever going to speak to each other again if she hadn't," I remarked, glancing over at him.

He agreed. We both went quiet. Both of us owed her one. As we neared the door, it opened automatically and we stepped into the sunlight.

"The vans down a level," Joe said, pointing to a staircase. I followed him down it, my suitcase bumping along behind us.

"There it is," Joe pointed to a large silver van.

Joe tossed me the keys, and I popped the back open. We put my suitcase there and then climbed into the passenger seat. Joe started the ignition and pulled out of the parking lot.

"So, want to go get something to eat?"

I nodded. "Where to?"

"What's your favorite restaurant?"

"Uh, probably Chilis. Is there one in Chicago?"

"Yea. The guys and I have been there a couple of times. Chili's it is."

Joe turned on the radio. After a few minutes I reached out and turned it down.

"My family's coming to visit in September," I remarked.

"Does that mean you're staying?" Joe's face lit up.

"Yup. If I find a decent apartment by September. Wanna help?"

"Of course I want to help. I bet Lauren knows where some good places are."

"I'll ask her then. Where is she?" I asked curiously.

"She wanted to come, but I told her I better go alone." Joe replied honestly.

"You should ask her to come to Chili's with us," I said, and the realized my mistake, "Oh, wait. Sorry. It's a date isn't it? I'm still new at this."

Joe laughed. "I did ask her. She said we should spend some time together. And then she told me my shirt looked stupid and that she'll she you tonight."

Snorting, I looked over at his dark grey Starkid t-shirt with 'Modern Dancer' on it. "You look great, Joe."

"Thanks," Joe said sheepishly. He turned into an practically empty parking lot. "Lucky us. It's not very busy."

Joe jumped out of the car and pulled open my door. He bowed. "My lady, your dinner awaits," he announced loudly.

"Shut up," I muttered, climbing out and following him to the door.

"How many?" A waiter asked us as we walked into the restaurant.

"Just two," he responded, glancing at me.

The waiter led us to a small booth in the far corner of the restaurant. Joe sat down on one side, and slipped into the other.

"My names's Jeffrey and I'll be serving you this evening," the waiter exclaimed, pulling out a small notebook and pen. "Can I get you anything to drink?"

"A root beer, please," I picked up a menu and began looking through
it.

"Same,thanks," Joe said. Jeffrey walked away, and Joe opened up his menu. "What are you getting?"

"No clue. Maybe a salad or something. What about you?"

Joe glanced down at his menu. "How about we do the $20 dinner for two thing?"

"Sure. What appetizer?" I scanned the list. "Chips and salsa?"

"Sounds good."

Jeffrey appeared with out drinks. "Ready to order?"

"Yea. We want to get the $20 dinner for two."

Jeffrey nodded. "Appetizer."

"Chips and salsa, and I want the chicken pasta," I spoke.

"I'll have the chicken fajitas," Joe added.

"Alright then, the chips will be out in a few minutes." Jeffrey assured us, turning back towards the kitchens.

I took a small sip of my soda and watched Joe fidget nervously with the straw wrapper. Smiling slightly, I reached across the table and put my hand on his. Joe blushed, and his hand relaxed.