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Here's the next update. Sorry it took so long. I know this isn't my best chapter, but it's setting up for more. Thanks for reading and I'd love to know what you want to see!

Jerome POV

Last night I barely slept again, I can't get Patricia out of my head. I keep trying to figure out what she thinks today will mean. I want it to mean that there may be a chance of a future for the two of us, but I'm worrying that she may think it just means we're friends.

I definitely want to be more than just friends with Patricia, but if that's all she's ready for I'll take it. At this point I'll take whatever I can get.

I mentally shake myself and try to clear my brain of all of the craziness that it filling it. I need to focus of having a good time with Trixie today, not planning our future together. I need to take this step by step and see what Trixie is thinking.

I lie there in my bed for a while thinking before I finally get up and get ready for the day. I get dressed and head out to the kitchen to see if Trudy has breakfast ready yet. "Good morning Jerome," Trudy smiles as me as I enter the kitchen. "You're up early."

"Couldn't sleep," I shrug.

"Well you're not the only one. Patricia's already in the dining room," Trudy informs me as she moves around the kitchen.

"Thanks Trudy," I smile as I head through the door leading to the dining room.

"Hey Trix," I smile as I find her sitting at the dining room table with a piece of toast sitting on a plate in front of her.

"Hey," she smiles as she looks up at me.

I take the seat next to her and turn to face her. "You ready for today?" I ask, really hoping she's as excited as I am.

She just nods, her green eyes on me. "What are we doing?" she asks.

"I was thinking we could head into town and walk around and maybe grab lunch or something," I shrug. "What do you want to do?"

"That sounds great," Trixie smiles at me. "What time do you want to go?" she asks.

"Ten-ish?" I shrug. I don't want to seem too eager, even though I really am. I want to spend time alone with Trix and I want to see where this is going to go.

"Sounds good," Patricia nods and falls silent. Something seems to be bothering her, but I don't know what it is. I really hope it doesn't have anything to do with us, but I have a feeling it may.

It was almost ten and I was sitting in the common room waiting for Patricia. "Ready Jerome?" Trixie asked as she came through the door.

I look up and smile at her. "Of course," I answer as I get up and head over to her. "Let's go," I extend my hand to her and she takes it. Our hands fit together like puzzle pieces. Surprisingly Trixie lets me hold her hand the whole way into town.

When we ready the town we make our way around the streets talking about anything that pops into our heads. It's almost like we've been friends forever, there is never an awkward loll in the conversation and when there is silence it's comfortable.

"Want to stop anywhere?" I ask as we pass a strip of small family owned stores.

I watch as Patricia's eyes scan the storefronts, stopping for a second on the bakery. "Let's go there," she smiles at me.

"Come on," I smile as I pull her along towards the door. We enter the doors and the sweet aroma of fresh cooked pastries fills my nose. It smells amazing.

I let Patricia lead me around the store to all of the glass cases of baked goods. Her hand is still in mine and it causes me to smile inwardly. Patricia actually seems to be enjoying our little 'date' that isn't really a date even though I want it to be.

"Want anything?" I ask as we finish our lap around the store. Trixie bites her lip as she contemplates the food in front of her.

"I'm going to get a blueberry muffin," she nods towards the muffins in the case in front of us.

"Two blueberry muffins," I say to the clerk behind the counter.

Trixie looks up at me in questions and stops me as I grab for my wallet. "I can pay for myself," she protests.

"I know you can, but you're not going to," I smile down at her and hand the clerk the money.

"Jerome," Patricia turns to me in protest as she finally lets go of my hand.

"It's on me Trix. Just let me do this," I say with pleading eyes.

"Fine," Patricia nods and takes her muffin from the counter. "But I'm paying for lunch," she answers as she walks towards the door, leaving me behind.

"Trix," I start to protest as I follow her out into the open air.

"Don't even bother Jerome," Patricia turns on me. "It's only fair," she sends me a flirt, yet mischievous smile.

"Fine," I roll my eyes and fall into step behind her as we continue to walk down the street.

"Thank you Jerome," Patricia says before taking her first bite of muffin.

"You're welcome," I smile as I bump Patricia playfully with my shoulder. We fall into a comfortable silence as we both eat our muffins.

It feels really great to spend time with Trixie and it seems as if she feels the same way. Yes, she's still the same stubborn girl I've always known, but something seems to have shifted between us. I know on my end that I have fallen head over heels for her, now I just need to get Trix to fall just as hard for me. It might take time, but I'm starting to get the feelings she'll come around.

Thanks for reading! I'd love to know what you think and what you want to see happen next.