Even with the close proximity of her apartment building from Remo's the drive seemed to take forever with the heavy silence that hung in the air. Jimmy's mood was definitely different; hurried and almost forced, worlds away from the sweet demeanor he had possessed earlier that evening. And now the way he was driving with erratic, jerking movements scared her. She could see her knuckles turning white as she grabbed the door handle hanging on for dear life. She knew he would never do anything to jeopardize her safety, but now she had to wonder. If she said anything his temper was sure to blow, but her conscience refused to let her fears go unnoticed.

"Jimmy, what's wrong? Why are you driving so fast?"

"I'm not driving fast!" He lied. "I'm just-."

She gasped as the bright headlights of an oncoming car came into view. "Jimmy, look out!" She screamed as he slammed on his breaks, narrowly missing the car. They were thrown foreword and had they not been wearing their seatbelts …. She shuddered at the thought. The car jerked into place and they sat still for a moment, both of them trying to catch their breath while Annie tried to still her racing heart. But she couldn't take any more of this. Her hand trembled, barely allowing her to open the car door and she slammed it shut, shaking the whole vehicle. She walked away from the car, no longer caring about the traffic buzzing around them. She was mere feet from her apartment and perhaps it was best just to go home on her own. Tears streamed down her face, making it difficult to see and she walked at a pace that was faster than normal. She just wanted the comfort of her own home, away from everything and everyone. The night had been completely ruined and she wished she knew why.

"Annie, wait!"

She stopped in her tracks, painfully aware of Jimmy's hand on her shoulder and the deafening sound of cars whizzing by on the busy street.

"Annie, thank God!" Jimmy exclaimed. "Are you all right?"

She whirled around, fire in her eyes. "No, I'm NOT all right, can't you see that? Damn it, what in the hell were you trying to do, kill us both? I thought-oh never mind what I thought!This was a huge mistake, going out like this, wasn't it? Isn't that what you're thinking? I don't know, maybe I'm delusional but I was actually starting to have a good time! Well, good night, Jimmy and don't ever talk to me again!"

She was about to walk off when he took her hand in his. "Annie, I'm sorry. I-. I know I ruined the evening and it was completely my fault. Just let me walk you to your apartment. I don't want anything to happen to you. After all, this is New York City and who knows what or who is lurking in the shadows."

She tried to hide her grin but it was impossible. "All right." She knew what was coming, but she enjoyed the suspense just the same.