You're my Date (4.07)

(In the lobby, where Natalie "appoints" Monk as her date for dinner)

"Congratulations. You're my date," Natalie declared.

Monk grudgingly let her take him by the arms and drag him away. Natalie explained that they had little time to change and freshen up before dinner, and that the dress was quite formal. Of course, Monk, being who he was, needed not change. However, Natalie had to take ample time to put on the new, black dress and apply makeup lest her mother complained again.

"Natalie, you know, I'm no good with dates. I mean, that's way up there in my fears list. It's just below skydiving. In fact, no, it's above it," Monk explained hesitantly.

"It's ok, Mr. Monk. It's just for tonight's dinner. Everyone will be there: my parents, the bride and groom, all our family and honorary guests. I cannot go there alone, and need backup. All you have to do is go in and stay with me through the dinner. And don't worry; I'll make sure that the cook cleans everything before preparing your food."

Monk's face barely lit up: he still showed a fearful and reluctant look. Natalie tried to give him her best puppy dog look, but seeing no avail, she went to the bathroom to change and hoped that he would be more amenable afterwards. However, knowing that it's Monk and he hardly ever changed, Natalie did not get her hopes up too high.

Meanwhile, Monk was still contemplating being her date. Besides having to share a table with so many strangers and eat questionable food, i.e. not self-prepared or sanitary, Monk had the difficulty of behaving as a date. How should he be as the "date"? His dating experience was limited: Trudy was his first and only, and they only dated sporadically while in college. Monk laughingly remembered how Ambrose said he was dating women when he was twenty-six. Besides those episodes, he would consider dating his area of least expertise. The last thing he wanted was to let Natalie down in front of her parents. She might quit.

Monk's thoughts were interrupted when Natalie stepped out of the bathroom. She was wearing a thin, black dress that covered her well – that's important for Monk – and accentuated her features. Monk stared at her for a bit, too long by his estimation, as he marveled at Natalie. Sure, he had had his share of women who appealed to him – Monica, for instance – but Natalie stood out on her own. She really was amazing, in every sense of the word.

Natalie was a bit flattered by Monk's interest. She hadn't expected a reaction from him, but obviously he approved of it. Rarely did she notice the manly side of her boss before. She did a small twirl and proceeded to break the silence, "Mr. Monk, how do you like it?"

It took Monk a while to word a coherent answer. He finally broke out of the trance and replied, "You look very nice. Perfect, in fact."

Taking his appraisal to heart, Natalie went on to apply the makeup. She started expecting the family dinner and an opportunity to spend some social time with Monk. Maybe dinner won't be a bad time after all, if she could convince Mr. Monk to stop separating his food and keep him from saying anything that might humiliate her in front of her parents.

(During the dance, after Monk danced and spoke with Teresa)

As Jonathan and Teresa resumed their dance, Monk reluctantly withdrew. She confirmed her guilt, but still did not reveal how she would act. Monk was at a dead end, and needed time to collect his thoughts and visualize a bigger picture. As he was leaving, he saw Natalie at the edge of the dance floor, beckoning him to come over and join her.

Monk walked over and faced Natalie. The song was a fast one, so Monk tried to make do but he wasn't being successful. Seeing Monk struggling to get in rhythm, Natalie slowed down and came closer to help guide him. Fortunately, he didn't back away and they were able to talk about Teresa and the case.

"She's definitely guilty and hiding something. I just cannot figure out how she's going to do it," Monk told Natalie.

"What are we going to do then? I hope the Captain has better luck," Natalie returned.

"Well, we have to keep trying. We'll find something, but for now, let's keep our eyes on Teresa. I think we have some time – maybe until after the ceremony."

Natalie suddenly dragged Monk closer. She hinted over the shoulder, where Monk saw Teresa looking at them. Obviously, Teresa was starting to get suspicious but thus far, Monk reasoned, she only suspected him knowing her past, not Natalie or anyone else in her family. To divert Teresa's suspicions off Natalie, Monk decided that they needed to pose as if they were really dancing instead of talking. Natalie smiled at him and indicated that she was thinking the same.

A new song changed, and Natalie sprang in joy, "Oh, Mr. Monk. Let's dance to this. I love Elton John and this song!"

"It sounds familiar. Isn't it from an animated motion picture production about a lion?"

Natalie silently chuckled at Monk's attempt to define a movie, specifically the Lion King. "Yes, Mr. Monk, it's from the Lion King, called 'Can You Feel the Love Tonight.'"

At Natalie's behest, Monk raised his arms to dance position and started swaying with Natalie. He admitted that it felt good, and reminisced about doing the same with Trudy many years ago. Now, he was with his assistant Natalie but it felt just as right. She smiled at him and urged him to keep swaying to the music with her in his arms. Monk had never felt this happy in a long time.

Natalie also felt a surge of emotion when dancing with Monk. There she was, dancing at the tune of one of her favorite songs, and the same that Mitch and she did on the first night of their honeymoon. Now, instead of Mitch, it was her boss whom she had taken a liking and strong respect. He looked handsome in his dancing mode, even though his attire was the same as any other day's. Natalie wished the dance could go on forever…

Teresa viewed them from afar with mild interest and wariness. She continued swaying with Jonathan but her attention was on them. She wasn't sure whether Monk and Natalie were really engrossed in the dance or just dancing for pretense. What she did see were two people who looked and acted like soulmates – living in their own world and dancing to their own tune. She knew that such would be impossible for her, for she was a black widow. She must not let them interfere with her mission.

The song having long ended, Natalie and Monk were still dancing to the music. They were unaware of the other dancers and the music, and totally engrossed in each other. A small cough from someone close by – perhaps Natalie's father – captured their attention. They looked away for a bit and then at each other.

"It looks like Teresa is gone," Natalie said slowly.

"Yes, she is," Monk confirmed.

"Shall we go off then?"

"I believe so. I'm going to check on Disher and Stottlemeyer."

"Ok, have a good night Mr. Monk." Natalie approached and gave Monk a small hug.

As they parted, each of them glanced back at the other and went their separate ways. The night was still young, but it sure was good.