Smiling and mentally patting myself on the back, I left the dress shop and began my walk home. Suddenly, I heard my name being called and I looked around for the source. Corny Collins was standing across the street and he was waving directly at me, waiting for traffic to slow down before he crossed the street. As he did a light jog toward me, I couldn't help but notice how handsome he looked. He was wearing a black casual suit, his hair was slicked back, and he was smiling a mile wide. Reaching the sidewalk, Corny stopped jogging and walked toward me with that glorious smile still on his face.

"Hey Lisa! I was just taking a walk and I noticed you leaving the dress shop. Get anything pretty?" I laughed and told him that no, I hadn't bought anything.

"I was trying to set up a deal for my sister. I told Mr. Pinky that it would be in his best interests to hire Tracy as a spokes girl for his store. It's the type of thing that would be mutually beneficial for the both of them." Corny looked thoroughly impressed before he asked if it had worked. As if the universe was answering for me, Tracy and my mother came dancing down the sidewalk past us. They didn't even glance my way but I was glad for it, I didn't want them knowing that I had anything to do with the deal. Corny shook his head then offered me his arm.

"I was thinking of heading out somewhere for dinner. Care to join me? My treat." I smiled and carefully took his arm. Together we walked until we found a cute little diner that Corny promised had the best malted milkshakes in all of Baltimore. We got a booth, ordered our food, and then began chatting about anything and everything. I noticed some people were staring but Corny didn't acknowledge it so I didn't let it bother me.

It surprised me though, how genuinely kind and funny Corny was. It wasn't all just an act for the cameras, like I had previously believed. Our food came, Corny had ordered a burger and I ordered a pasta dish that turned out to be more delicious than I had counted on. We continued talking and Corny kept the conversation flowing easily, never mentioning my sister once. Then he suddenly got serious and stared right into my eyes.

"Does your family always glance over you like that?" When I asked what he meant, he tilted his head curiously before answering. "Well the first time I talked to you, you really only talked about your sister. You played up the fact that she had auditioned and that she would be a great addition to the show. Then just now you've finished getting a deal for your sister that could be the great starter for her career, and you don't even want any thanks for it. Your mother and sister didn't even notice you standing there and I can't understand it. Whenever you're near, you're all that I can see. So how come everyone else treats you like you're invisible?"

I could feel the blush covering my face and then I realized that Corny was expecting an answer. I shrugged then looked at my plate as I answered.

"I guess I've always been the invisible one. I was always the one to stand back and let others take the spotlight. Tracy is just a few years younger than me but by the time she started getting her attitude and wanting the attention, I was more than willing to let her have it. While she was dancing around the living room in front of mom and dad, I was sitting in my room reading books. I'm just the quiet one and that's how it worked out"

Corny took my hands in his and I looked up into his beautiful blue eyes. He didn't really say anything even though I could tell he wanted to. Instead we finished our food, he paid the bill, and then we did something I never imagined myself doing. We went dancing together. Since it was a Saturday night, we went to a nicer club that allowed minors and danced to all the new music. Corny kept me laughing the whole night and I stayed out later than I ever had before.

When it was time to leave, Corny walked me home like a gentleman. I spent half of the time wishing he would hold my hand and the other half wishing that I was brave enough to take his. We got to my corner and he looked up at my dad's joke shop sign then chuckled. I gave him a short history of it and he said that he'd have to visit some time.

"Lisa I know this might seem sudden and I know that you might have plans but, would you like to do something tomorrow? Say around noon?" I nodded quickly and agreed before asking what he had in mind. "Well I'd like to maybe take you to lunch, then we can go catch a movie, and who knows after that. We can make a whole day of it, if you'd like?" I readily agreed and told him that I'd be ready at noon tomorrow. Smiling, Corny slowly leaned in and kissed me on the cheek before telling me goodnight then walking home.

Corny kept his word and knocked on my door at exactly 12 o'clock the next day. I had been ready for over 30 minutes but I wasn't about to tell him that. My mother and father hadn't even noticed that I was getting ready to leave, Tracy was at the studio practicing for the next show, and so I was able to leave without anyone asking any questions. I had left a note on the kitchen table in case anyone started wondering where I was but I didn't think that it would matter either way. The day went extremely well, full of fun and laughter and I found myself never wanting it to end. Later that evening, Corny brought me home and I could tell he wanted to say something. I simply stood there, hands folded in front of me, while I waited for him to get the courage to say what was on his mind. Finally he cleared his throat and began talking.

"You told me last night that you've always been the quiet one. That your parents have always looked past you in favor of your sister. You've been alright with that for the past 18 years. I'm beginning to think that there's a part of you that wants to break free. To stop being the perfect, quiet girl and to break out and be noticed. That part is just sitting there, waiting for the right time." He looked up at me and stared, though I could tell he didn't want me to say anything. "Lisa. My lovely little Lisa. I think that time has come. Break free, let loose, and just be whoever it is that you want to be."

After that, something happened that I couldn't have ever predicted. For the first time in my life, I let a man kiss me. The best part? I kissed him back.