Ann glanced at the clock yet again and groaned. Why was 11 o'clock taking so long to get there? She wished that she'd told Donald to pick her up earlier, but Macy's didn't open until 11 so it didn't make sense to arrive before then. Normally a trip to Macy's wouldn't be a big deal, but today was different. Thanks to winning "Do Something Crazy", she was now the proud recipient of a one-hundred dollar Macy's gift certificate!
Even now she couldn't believe it! The title of the game show certainly lived up to its' name. Never in a million years did she dream that she'd be digging up a cake with her bare feet! The idea made her a little queasy, but she was the type of girl who was always up for a challenge. After all, wasn't that what being an actress was all about?
The doorbell rang and she gasped in surprise, her heart skipping a beat. She practically floated to the door and flew into his unsuspecting arms, giving him an even more unsuspecting kiss.
"Well, it's nice to see you too, Ann." He said when she let go.
"Oh Donald, I'm sorry if I frightened you. I'm just so excited! Just imagine... me, with a hundred dollars to spend in Macy's of all places!"
He looked her up and down. "I must say, Ann, you look great!"
She glanced at her outfit; a blue and green shift dress with wide stripes and matching hat and shoes. "Do you think it's too much?"
"Um, no, it's great! I just-."
"Oh, it is too much, isn't it? I was worried about that. I mean I just thought that maybe some of the television stations or magazine reporters would be there, taking pictures! Just think Donald, me on TV!"
"But you've been on TV! Many times, in fact!"
"But not like this!"
"That is true. Well, we should probably get going, then. Macy's is waiting!"

"Oh, before we leave, I just want to make sure of something: Do you have the certificate?"
"Good question, Donald. Let's see." She dug through her purse and pulled it out. "Right here." She sniffed it. "Wow, it still smells of cake!"
"Can I see?"
"Here."
She gave it to him. He looked at it, then sniffed it. "It sure does!" He gave it back to her. "Well, let's go."
"Right away, Donald!"
They left. The subway stop was just a couple blocks from Ann's apartment. They entered, paid their fare, and waited for the train to the Macys stop.

Ann felt an excitement unlike any she'd ever felt before. She wasn't sure if it was because she was, essentially spending someone else's money, or because she'd worked so hard to win the contest. She brought the certificate to her nose and inhaled deeply, aware of Donald's laughter.
"Are you going to smell that thing all the way to the store?"
"I can't help it! It smells so good!"
"Well, let's just hope that the sales people at Macy's will honor it smelling like that."
Ann gasped. She hadn't counted on this. She looked worriedly at Donald. "Do you think that will happen? Oh, Donald, I'll just die if they won't let me use this certificate! I'll just die!"
His hand went to her shoulder. "Now honey, don't worry. I was just kidding."
"But what if it happens, Donald? Oh, I had all of these things planned out that I was going to buy and now it's all ruined!" She tried to hold back her composure, but it was no use.
"Honey, don't cry. Look, I'm sorry I brought it up. There shouldn't be any problem in using it. So what if it smells like cake? The store has an entire section that smells like perfume. And at Christmas, there's an entire section that smells like artificial pine needles! And let's not forget the gourmet food section that-."
"I get it." Ann laughed. She turned to Donald and kissed him. "How do you always manage to make me feel so much better, when I'm low?"
He kissed her again and smiled. "Because you're you."
The train came to a stop and the computerized voice called out the stop for Macy's on Fifth Avenue.
"That's us." Donald said, coaxing Ann from her seat.
Excitedly, she followed him out of the train and linked her arm through his. She could hardly wait to walk through the revolving door of the best place in New York.

"So, what were you thinking of buying?" Donald asked as they walked into the store.
"Well, I do need a new dress. And a pair of shoes, also. And I was thinking of getting something for you, as well."
"Me? You don't have to do that?"
"I want to!"
"Well, thanks, Ann! I need a new shirt, actually."
"Sure, Don."
"Oh, I'd be willing to pay the rest, if we go over the $100."
"Oh, Donald!"
"And if you're concerned about the certificate, we can always ask one of the staff about it, just to make sure."
"Good idea."

Ann paused and looked around, surveying the massive store as though it was her first time as a shopper. It was so large, it was hard to decide where to go first. If she went to the dress section first, Donald might think that she had forgotten about her promise to buy him a shirt. But if she went to the Men's department first, then he'd feel bad for not letting her browse for the dress she wanted. And there was the issue about the certificate. Again she felt like crying, although she couldn't understand why. She'd never gotten this emotional about shopping before!
A gentle hand fell onto her shoulder. "Why aren't we moving?"
She turned to see Don smiling, but she could barely manage a grin.
"Ann? What is it? What's wrong?"
"I'm just so... I don't know where to start! And what about this?"
He gently took the certificate from her. "Follow me."
Dutifully she followed him to the customer service desk in the middle of the store. As they waited in line, he put his arm around her. "First things first, we're going to find out about this certificate and then we're going to find the perfect dress and shoes. After that we're going to find a shirt for myself, and if anything else catches our eye, we'll buy that too."
She nodded enthusiastically and hugged him tightly. "Oh, I love you, Donald."
"I love you, too. And I think this lady at the counter would love us both if we took our turn and showed her the certificate."

They waited in line for a few minutes until it was their turn.
"Hi, can I help you?" asked the girl.
"Hi, yes. I recently acquired this gift certificate." Ann gave it to her. "I just want to make sure it's 'legit.' You see, I recently won it on this game show I was on."
"Let's see." She looked it over. "Oh, yes, it's quite legit"
"Wonderful! How does it work."
"I can give you the money right now."
"Sure, that's fine."
She opened her cash register and give Ann five crisp $20 bills. Then she also give her a sales invoice for it.
"Oh, thank you so much!" said an excited Ann.
"You're welcome." Then she looked closely at her. "I remember you, now; you're the girl from Do Something Crazy, the one who walked barefoot in a large birthday cake!"
Ann smiled. "The one and only!"
"You're daring; I would never do that!"
"Well, it was worth it to get that certificate."
"I'm sure it was! So, what was it like doing that?"

"Well, it was... interesting, to say the least!" Ann said, blushing a bit.
"Oh, come on, honey. It was more than interesting." Don chimed in. "You were great!"
"You certainly were!" the lady at the counter said. "Now, I know you're eager to spend your winnings, so I'll leave you to it. But be sure to let me or one of our wonderful employees know if you need anything; anything at all."
Ann turned to Donald, unable to stop smiling. "Didn't I tell you this was a wonderful place?"
Donald chuckled. "Well, actually no, but you didn't have to. I already knew it!"
"So, where would you like to start?" The lady asked.
"Women's dresses, please."
The lady's eyebrows rose, making Donald laugh. "Oh, not for me, of course. For her."
"Right... Women's dresses are upstairs, turn right when you get off the escalator. And remember, if you need anything at all, just ask!"
"We will!" Ann replied as she hurried toward the escalator, Donald's hand in hers.

Following the girl's directions, they turned right when they got off the escalator.
Along the way was the fur coat collection. Ann stopped to look at them-worrying Don!
Seeing his expression, she smiled. "I'm just looking, that's all; don't have a heart attack!"
He smiled. "Ok, Ann!"
To the side was a room; it was marked "Special Collection." Inside were the more expensive coats. Ann walked in, and Don followed.
One coat caught her eye. It was pure white.
"Donald, what do you think?"
"I think I'm afraid to look at the price tag!"
She looked at this tag. "This is $45,000."
"That's what I was afraid of!"
"With my $100, it would only be $44,900."
"You're exactly correct! By the way, why do you ladies get so excited over fur coats?"

A warm, familiar feeling came over her. "Oh, I don't know, Donald. It's just that fur coats... well, they're so... exotic and glamorous. I'm afraid I don't have nearly enough money to pay for one and I certainly don't expect you to buy me one. But it's lovely to think about owning one someday."
"Well, in the meantime, why don't we look at the dresses you were so eager to see before we got here? Perhaps we can find something in the range of, oh, I don't know... A hundred dollars or less?"
"Very funny, Donald. And don't think I haven't forgotten about the shirts that I promised you. After all, a deal's a deal. Now why don't you go your way and I'll go mine."
Donald froze. "Ann... what exactly are you saying?"
"I'm saying that I'll go over to the dress section and start looking and you go to the Men's department and pick out a couple of shirts-and whatever else you like. We'll meet at the register in say thirty minutes? Or you can take longer if you need to."
"No, thirty minutes is fine. I can't wait to see your new dress."
"And I bet you'll look mighty handsome in whatever shirt you pick out."
He gave her a quick kiss. "See you later."

She left the furs and walked over to the dresses. There was a special sales rack, so she gravitated over to it. One dress in particular interested her; it was blue with a flower pattern on it. A quick check against her skin showed that it might fit her. The tag showed $14.99, reduced from $19.99.
"What do you think of this, Donald?" she said.
And then she remembered; she told him to meet her later.
She thought to herself; why did she tell him to go? Did she perhaps feel a little guilty that she looked at the expensive furs? Was he worried that she would actually make her buy one of them?
She suddenly began to really miss him.

Ann sighed and clutched the dress in her hand. There was no telling when he'd be back. After all, she did tell him to take all the time that he needed. But she wished that she'd asked him to stay. Feeling timid, she took the dress over to the sales girl, who was hanging clothes on a rack. She turned and smiled at Ann.
"Will that be cash or charge?"
"Oh, neither. I-I mean, I don't want to buy this dress now."
"Very well, I'll return it for you."
"Oh, no! I mean, I do want to buy it... just not right this minute."
A look of annoyance crossed the sales girl's face. "Well, when do you plan to buy it?"
"Oh well, you see, I want to show it to my boyfriend, but he's in the men's department trying on shirts. Would you mind holding the dress for me for a few minutes while I go and get him? I really want him to see it."
"We can't hold merchandise. It's against store policy."
"Please... just for a few minutes? I promise I'll be right back."

"Well..."
But before the girl could answer, Ann saw someone coming by.
"Neverminded, I think I'm going to get this!"
The girl smiled. "Good!"
She ran over to the person.
"Donald!"
They hugged and kissed.
"I'm sorry I asked you to go!"
"That's ok, Ann! I couldn't stay away from you!"
She showed him the dress. "What do you think of this?"
He looked at it. "Nice. But I'd like to see you wear it before deciding!"

Ann squealed with excitement. "I thought you'd never ask!" She handed Donald her purse, smiling at the look on his face. "Thank you." she said as she kissed him.
She disappeared into the dressing room and removed her clothes. 'Please let it fit, please let it fit'. She said to the mirror. The dress went on effortlessly and she smiled at her appearance. It was absolutely perfect! She had no idea where she would wear it and to be quite honest, the last thing she needed was a new dress, but she'd worked hard for that gift certificate and darn it, she was going to use it to its fullest!
When she emerged from the dressing room, she went to the three way mirror and turned around, pretending that she was a model posing for the latest cover of Vogue.
"What do you think?" She asked the sales girl and Donald.
"It's wonderful! Very becoming." the sales girl said.
"It's all right." Donald started, his hand thoughtfully on his chin.
Ann's smile faded. "What do you mean it's all right? Don't you like it?"
"I do. It's just... it's missing something."
"Oh, I know, I should probably get some matching shoes and if there's enough left over, perhaps a handbag?"
"Well, I was thinking of something else. It doesn't look quite right."
"You hate it!" Tears began to threaten, but Ann pushed them away.
"No, of course not. It's just... well, turn around."
"Okay, like this?" Ann held out her arms, turning in a full circle.
"Not quite honey. Turn your back to me."
"I certainly will! Especially if you hate my dress, Donald Hollinger."
"There! Now it's perfect!"
"I can't believe you just-what? Wait, what do you mean now it's perfect?"
"Well, I couldn't very well let you walk around with your dress unzipped, right?"
The sales girl laughed softly. "Shall I ring it up for you?"
"Do it quickly before she has a chance to say no. She's going to be the prettiest girl in New York City, not that she already isn't."

Ann threw her arms around her fiancé."Oh Donald, I do love you!"

"I love you too, honey!"
"Ok, let me change back."
"You do that, Ann."
She went back to the changing room.
"I recognize that girl from somewhere," said the shop girl. "But I can't quite remember."
"She was recently on a game show," said Don.
"Oh, yeah-Do Something Crazy!"
"That's right!"
"She walked barefoot in a cake, didn't she?"
"Yep-and she won a $100 gift certificate for this store-that's why we're here."
At that moment, Ann came out wearing her regular dress and carrying her purse and the dress.
"I'll take it," she said.
"Wonderful!" said the girl. "We were just talking about you; you were recently on Do Something Crazy, weren't you?"

"Yes I was! And I won!"
The salesgirl laughed. "Well, welcome to Macy's! It's always nice to have a celebrity in our midst."
Ann blushed. "Donald, she called me a celebrity! Can you believe that?"
"Of course I can! And you are a celebrity!"
"But not like real actresses. You see, I'm kind of just getting started." She said to the sales girl.
"Don't listen to her." Donald said. "Ann is an actress in every sense of the word!"
"I can tell that you're destined for big things!" the salesgirl said.

"Yes, I hope so, thanks!"
"Will that be cash, or charge?"
"Cash."
The girl processed the order and put the dress into a bag.
"Nice meeting you, honey! And you too, sir." said the girl, when she finished.
"Thanks," said Ann. Donald also thanked her. They started off.
"Where to, next?" asked Donald.
"Shoes."
"Ok, lead the way!"

The shoe department was bustling with activity and for a split second Ann was afraid that they'd never get inside. "What's going on?"
"Looks like some kind of riot!" Donald replied.
"No, it can't be. But something's definitely going on." Ann walked over to the counter where the line stretched all the way around the department.
She waved her hand, trying to get the sales girl's attention. "Miss?"
"The line starts back there." The sales girl responded.
"Yes, I can see that, but why?"
The sales girl's eyebrows rose. "Why? Well, as you can see, this is the beginning of the line."
Ann laughed, even though she didn't appreciate the woman's attitude. "Yes, I understand that but why is the line so long?"
"Because of the sale."
"Sale?"
"Hm hmmm.. You see, once a year Macy's has a half off sale on all of their shoes."
Ann's eyes sparkled. "Half off, you say?"
"That's what I said."
"Thank you. That explains everything."
She walked over to Donald and took his hand, wading through the crowd. "Come on Donald, we have some shoes to pick out."

He smiled. "Yes, ma'am!"
There was a rack of shoes prominently displayed. Ann walked over to it and began looking at them. One in particular that caught her eye was a pair of blue strapped dress sandals. She picked them up.
"Donald, what do you think?"
He looked at them. "I think they'll show off your pretty feet very nicely!"
She smiled. "Oh, Donald!" Then she looked at the price tag; they were $14.99 reduced from $29.00. "They're only $15; what a deal!"
"Yes, they are! Will they fit you, though?"
"Well, let's find out!"

Eagerly Ann waded through the crowd until she found an empty seat. A salesperson approached her right away.
"How can I help you today?"
"I'd like to try on these shoes, please. Size six."
"Certainly ma'am. I'll be right back."
She waited, somewhat impatiently for the salesman as he disappeared into the crowd. "Oh, Donald, what if they don't have these in my size?"
"Don't worry about it. There are hundreds of shoes to choose from."
"Yeah, but there are also hundreds of customers."
Before Donald could respond, the man returned, carrying a box. Ann's eyes brightened.
"I'm sorry it took longer than I anticipated. I have here the last shoe in this style. It's quite popular."
"I just hope it fits."
He sat down on the stool opposite her and smiled. The shoe went on effortlessly and she had the strangest urge to shout. Instead she laughed, somewhat nervously. "I feel like Cinderella."
"You look like Cinderella too, in more ways than one."
When Donald kissed her cheek, she blushed. This had turned out the be the most wonderful shopping day she could ever remember.

"I'll buy them!"
The clerk smile. "Excellent!"
She took the shoes off and put them back into the box.
"Ann, honey!" a friendly voice said.
She looked around. A girl was sitting just a few chairs down from her.
She smiled. The girls got up and hugged. They said hi, then they walked over to Don.
"This is Dorothy Lawson. She's one of my dearest friends! Dorothy, this is Don Hollinger, my boyfriend."
"Pleased to meet you." He shook her hand.
"My pleasure," said Dorothy.
"We were in a commercial, recently," said Ann.
"We played in a fountain together," said Dorothy.
"With dresses on!" added Ann.
"Oh, yes," said Don. "I remember you pointed out when it was on tv. That sounds like it was fun to do!"

Dorothy laughed. "You better believe it was! Most fun I've ever had in front of a camera, anyway!"
Ann laughed, taking note of the way Don's cheeks flushed. "I think we're embarrassing him!" She turned to Dorothy. "What are you doing here?"
"Shopping, what else?"
"Well, I knew that but I never dreamed we'd run into each other in the same store, much less Macy's! Things in here aren't that cheap, you know!"
"When I heard about this shoe sale, I had to come! So what about you? It looks like you've done quite a bit of shopping! Did you get a part in a movie? A television series? Commercial?"
Ann did her best to hide her disappointment. If only... "No, actually, I won a gift certificate on a game show!"
"A game show, really? Which one?"
"Do Something Crazy."
"I don't think I've ever seen it. What'd you have to do? Tell them the capital of France? Even I wouldn't know that."
"It's Paris." Donald said.
Ann eyed him annoyingly. "Donald, leave her alone!"
"Really? The capital of France is Paris? Gee, I thought Paris was just another city." Dorothy replied.
"Paris? Just another city? Hardly." Ann said. "Although I wouldn't really know. I haven't been there... yet."
"We must go, sometime. Just you and me. What do you say?"
"I say yes!" Ann replied.
"So what answer did you give to whatever question you had to answer to win this certificate?"
"Well, it wasn't exactly a question. I had to walk on a cake barefooted!"

Dorothy giggled. "And they gave you a gift certificate as a result of doing that?"
"It was in the cake! I had to pick it out with my feet."
"Oh, I see! I'd say that was worth it!"
"Yes, it was!" They giggled together.
"By the way, what shoes did you pick out!"
"They're right here-" She looked at her bare feet. "Oh, I forgot, I took them off!" She went to her seat and picked up the box. "Here they are." She gave them to Dorothy.
She opened the box and looked at them. "Cute! What do you think of mine?" She had on a pair of low-heeled sandals.

Oh, Donald, look! Aren't those nice?"

Donald smiled, but Ann could see that it was one of those 'That's nice, now can we please leave?' smiles. "Oh, yeah, those are really nice. Great color."
"Thank you, Donald."
"Well, it was nice to see you, Dorothy." Ann said, nodding discreetly at Donald. "We'd better pay for these. I hope there won't be any problems using this gift certificate."
"I can't imagine why." Dorothy said. "I mean, really, why would they give you a gift certificate if they won't let you use it?"
"She has a point." Donald replied. "Ann, don't worry. I'm sure everything will be fine."
Ann felt a tinge of worry. She wanted so much for Donald to have the things he'd picked out; the new shirts in particular but if the gift certificate wasn't honored, they'd either have to put all of their purchases back or pay for them out of their own pockets. She wasn't about to let Donald pay, but she didn't have the money for such extravagances. She tried not to worry, but worry came anyway. It was difficult to hide it, but she did her best.

She put her regular shoes back on and picked up the shoebox. She and Donald went to the cash register and she paid for the shoes.
Afterwards, she looked at her wallet. "I have about $50 left," she said sadly.
"Easy come, easy go!" said Donald.
"Yeah."
"Listen, Ann, if you don't want to get a shirt for me, you don't have to. I quite understand."
"Donald, I promised I'd get you one, and I'm a girl who keeps her promise!"
"Well, ok."
They went to the directory. Men's clothes were on the third floor, so they went there.
"Do you prefer a dress-up shirt, or a dress-down shirt?"
He thought for a bit. "Dress-down. I have more than enough shirts for work."

"All right, dress-down it is. What color?"
He shrugged. "I don't know. Anything's fine, I guess."
"Anything's fine!" Ann nearly shrieked. "Donald, don't you want to have any say in what color you wear? Now I'd suggest blue because it matches your eyes."
He smiled and kissed her. "If blue is what you suggest, then blue it shall be!"
"But if we can't find anything you like in blue, then how about green?"
"Or both!" Ann grinned.
Donald raised his eyebrows. "Both, huh? Well, this should be interesting!"

They began looking at the shirts. Ann pulled one out; it had a psychedelic blue pattern on it. She showed it to him. "I think that'll look good on you."
He looked closely at it. "Hmm. . . maybe. How much is it?" He looked at the price tag. "Only $11.99, reduced from $19.99."
"That has possibilities," she said.
Meanwhile, she had pulled out another shirt. It was in the style of a Hawaiian shirt, and had a green abstract pattern on it. "How about this?"
He looked at it, then at the price tag. "Only $10.99. I think I like this one, too."
"Try them on, Donald."
"Ok."
He went into the changing room. A couple minutes later, he came out with the blue shirt on. "What do you think, Ann?"

"I like it!" she said, unable to stop smiling. It was a style that he rarely wore, but wished he would wear more often. Who knew it took a Macy's gift card to get Donald to wear more casual clothes? Of course she loved when he dressed up; he always looked wonderful in his suits, but he had a fun side to him; a side that he rarely showed. But she had a feeling that the colorful shirts would definitely help. "Try the other one on!" she called to him.
He disappeared into the changing room and after a few minutes came out. The Hawaiian shirt brought out the color of his eyes. He looked very handsome. "Oh, that one looks even better!"
"All right, I'll get this one!"
"But I like the other one, too!"
"Do we have enough money on the gift certificate?"
"If we don't, I'll pay for the rest myself."

"Oh, no, that's all right, Ann."
"I insist! Together, they'll be about $25. I'll still have some money left over."
"Well, ok. Let me change back."
He went into the changing room and put his regular shirt back on. He came out with the two shirts.
"We're getting burdened with all these purchases!"
She laughed. "Yes, we are!"
A clerk walked over to them. "May I help you?"
"Yes, we're getting these two shirts," said Ann.
"Very good. I can handle it. This way, please."
He led them to a counter and they paid for the shirts."
"I'll tell you what," Said Donald. "Lunch is on me."
"Sounds good."
"We have a nice restaurant on the top floor," said the clerk.

"Can we go there, Donald? Please? I've never eaten lunch in a department store before, much less Macy's. And since this is Macy's, how could it be anything less than wonderful?"
He grimaced at the thought of eating in a department store. It just didn't seem right. After all, department stores were for shopping.
"Please, Donald?"
When he looked into Ann's pleading eyes, he smiled. How could he say no?
"All right. Where is this restaurant again?"
"Top floor."
"Can you point us in the direction, please?"
"The elevator's over there."
"Oh, but what are we going to do with all of these packages?"
"Allow me. I'll take them over to our Customer Service department and you can pick them up there."
"See Donald? Everything is working out!" Ann said.
"You're right, honey. You know, lunch on the top floor of a department store might be... romantic."
Ann smiled and kissed him. "Donald, you always know the perfect thing to say!"

"Thank you, sir!" she said to the clerk.
He smiled. "You're welcome! Oh, can I have your name, please?"
"Ann Marie."
"Just Ann Marie?"
"Yes. You see, Marie is my last name."
"Oh, I see! They'll be waiting for you in Customer Service. That's on the basement level. Just give them your name."
"Thank you!"
She and Don went to the elevator. The car came and then went to the top floor. There was a short hallway with various doors. At the end was an entrance. A sign read "Macy's Eats."
"'Macy's Eats'-I like that!" said Ann.
"Yes, that's a clever name."
They went inside. It was a full service restaurant, not a cafeteria.

This was not at all what Ann was expecting and she gasped audibly, her eyes moving about the room. It was beautiful, decorated in shades of soft pastels that gave it a romantic feel. She turned to Donald and smiled.
"Oh, this is lovely! Not at all what I expected!"
"You were expecting something less?" Donald quipped.
"No, of course not! I just..." She slapped him playfully on the arm. "Oh, you know what I mean!"
"I do, and you're right. I wasn't expecting this, but I could certainly get used to it!"
A Maitre' d appeared. "How many in your party?"
"Oh, two please."
"Right this way."
He led them to a table that had the most incredible view either of them had ever seen.

They continued looking out of the window while their waitress came by.
"May I help you?" she said.
"Oh, I'm sorry!" said Ann.
"That's ok. It is a beautiful view!"
"Yes, it is! I think I would just like an iced tea, for the moment."
"Certainly. And you, sir?"
"Coffee with cream and sugar."
"That's fine." Then she looked closely at Ann. "Excuse me, a moment: I remember you from somewhere."
"Probably the show Do Something Crazy."
"Oh, yes! You were the girl who walked in a birthday cake!"
"Yes, that's right!"
"You're brave; I would've just taken the money!"
"Well, it was worth it for the gift certificate!"

The waitress smiled. "It's nice to have a celebrity in our midst."
Anne blushed. "I'm hardly what you'd call a celebrity. I mean, a game show isn't exactly-."
"Well, actually I meant the movie you did."
"Movie?"
"Yeah, weren't you in 'A Time to Remember?' with that actor... oh what is his name again?"
"Michael Snarps."
"Yes! That's him!"
Ann was astonished. "You remember that?"
"Of course! what a great movie! And so sad at the end."
"Well, I-wow, you really remember that movie?"
"Ann, she just said she did, didn't she?"
Ann glanced at Donald and then the waitress. "I'm sorry for acting so ridiculous, but you know, I am an actress and, well you see, I just didn't think anyone had seen that movie. It... well, it didn't do too well when it was released."
"Ann, honey, don't be so hard on yourself." Donald said. "It's a great movie."
"You have to say that, Donald. As my boyfriend, you're legally obligated to compliment my work."
"Honey, there's nothing legal about it. I really liked it!"
The waitress stood there and suddenly Ann stopped talking. "I'm sorry, we're taking up your time. Thank you, for remembering my movie. I'm so glad you liked it. And yes, it was sad at the end."
"Can I have your autograph? If it's not too much trouble."
"Of course!"
The waitress tore out a page from her order book and handed it to Ann. "This means so much to me!"
"Who should I make it out to?"
"Brenda. I'm an actress too! Or at least I want to be someday."
Ann quickly but neatly wrote 'To Brenda with love from Ann Marie'. "Now, can I have your autograph?"
Brenda gasped. "Mine? You want my autograph? But I'm-."
"I want to be the first to have your autograph and then I can say that I knew you when you were just starting out!"
"Oh my..." Brenda tore out another piece of paper and quickly wrote something and handed it to Ann.
Ann glanced at it and smiled. "To Ann with love from Brenda Berent.' Thank you, Brenda. I'll cherish it."
Brenda looked around nervously. "I suppose I should take your orders, unless you're not ready yet. I can come back."
"No, it's fine. We're ready. And thank you for being so nice to Ann and all." Donald said.
"Thank you, Mister-."
Donald extended his hand. "Hollinger. Donald Hollinger. I'm pleased to know you."
"Likewise."
"Okay, I think we're ready to order."
"What'll it be?"

"I think I'd like the open face roast beef sandwich."
"They're wonderful! And you, Miss Marie?"
She looked at the menu for a bit. "A club sandwich, please."
"They're good, too. Be right back with your drinks." She left.
"Well, I think you've just made a new girlfriend!"
She smile. "Yeah, you're right!"
Donald grew serious. "Ann, I have a confession to make."
"A confession?"
"Yes. You see, when I left you for a few minutes, I had an 'ulterior motive.'"
"An 'ulterior motive?'"
"That's right. You see, I was picking this up for you."
From has coat pocket, he produced a jewelry box.
"Donald!" she said, excitedly.
He gave it to her, and she opened it. Inside was a silver ring. Looking at it, she saw that it had an inscription around it: ANN+DON FOREVER.
"I bought it a few days ago, but asked them to put that special message on it, first. When you said you wanted me to leave for a few minutes, I thought that would be the perfect time for me to pick it up."

She half expected him to lower himself to one knee and propose, but they both knew they weren't ready for that yet. Still, there was a small part of her that hoped.
"Donald, does this mean what I think it means?"
His smile faded. What do you think it means?"
"I don't know, really. I'm just... so flattered by this! It's so unexpected!"
"Well I just wanted to do something special for you."
"Oh, Donald!" She jumped from her chair and kissed Donald repeatedly, giving no thought to how crazy she seemed.
The waitress came by with their drinks and smiled. "Well, what's this?"
"I'm sorry." Ann stammered, returning to her seat. "I just-look what Donald gave me!" She held out her hand, displaying the ring.
The waitress' eyes widened. "Oh my, that's beautiful! Congratulations! When's the big day?"
"Big day?"
"The wedding day?"
Ann glanced worriedly at Donald. "Oh well, we don't really..."
"Well, don't worry about that. Some engagements last for years!"
"Really..." Donald said. "Thank you."
"Your meals should be here shortly."
Ann sighed. "I'm sorry, Donald. I didn't mean to imply-." She glanced at her ring. "It's just so beautiful..."
This time it was Donald who stood and went to her. "And so are you." he said, planting a kiss on her lips.

The waitress smiled. "I'll be right back with the food!"
"We can't wait!" said Ann.
Before she left, she put her hand on Ann's shoulder. "You're a lucky girl, honey!"
Ann smile. "Yeah, I guess I am!"
The girl left.
"And I'm a lucky guy to have you!"
"Oh, Donald!"
He sat back at his seat, and they waited for their food, while drinking their drinks and looking out the window at the amazing view.
"This has been a perfect day-thank you, Donald!"
"Well, this wouldn't of happened if you didn't win that gift certificate."
"True."
"Thanks to your amazing feet!"
She slipped her shoes off. "These things?"
"Sure, Ann!"
At that moment, the girl came with their food.

"Ann, put your shoes back on!" Donald said in a quiet, but harsh tone.
She did as she asked. "Sorry. It has been a long day and all of that walking around really takes a toll on a girl, you know?"
"Yeah, I-Well, I don't know about a girl, but it takes a toll on us guys too."
The waitress sat the plates of sandwiches on the table. "Here you are."
Ann's eyes widened. "Oh, this looks wonderful!"
"It really does." Donald agreed. "Thank you, ma'am."
The waitress laughed and toyed with her name tag. "Elizabeth, please."
"All right, Elizabeth."
"Can I bring you anything else?"
"Ann?"
"No, I'm fine."
"We're fine." Donald said. "Thank you."
"All right. I'll be back to check on you in a little while."

They began eating.
"This roast beef sandwich is really good!" he said.
"My club sandwich is good, too. Oh, can I try your roast beef?"
"Sure."
She brought her fork and knife over and cut a bit of his sandwich up and ate it.
"Wonderful! Daddy serves this at his restaurant."
"How does it compare?"
"Just as good as this."
"Don't say that to him!"
She laughed. "I won't!"
They continued eating. The waitress eventually came back.
"How is everything?"
"Perfect!" said Don.
"Thanks!"
"Oh, sorry I took my shoes off," said Ann.
She smiled. "That's ok, you're not the first!"
"I think I might like dessert, how about you?" said Don.

"I think desert sounds great. Besides we need something sweet to top of this wonderful day. So what will it be?"
"You pick, Donald."
He turned to the waitress. "Um, what do you have?"
"Oh, lots of things. We have apple pie ala mode, cheesecake with strawberry topping, or our decadent chocolate lava cake."
Ann could practically taste the deserts. But it was only fair to let Donald pick. "So what will it be?"
"How about one of each?"
"What?"
"One of each, please. We'll share them!"
"Donald, are you sure?"
"I've never been more sure, and you're not changing my mind, Ann Marie!"
The waitress smiled. "I'll be right back."
"I can't believe you did that!" Ann said.
"Sweets for my sweet." Donald replied, leaning across the table to kiss her.

The waitress left. Don and Ann finished up the rest of their sandwiches.
"This has been the perfect day," said Ann. However, there was sadness in her voice.
"So, what's wrong?"
"It'll end, soon!"
"That's ok; we'll have plenty of other perfect days."
"Yes, that's true."
The girl came back with their deserts. She had several little things on various plates and bowls. "Here you go!" she said.

Ann's eyes widened. "Oh my! How will I possibly choose?"
"Just do what I do." Donald suggested. "Pick one and then you can have the others!"
"Oh Donald!"
Each decadent dessert was more wonderful than the previous ones. The flavors of chocolate, cheesecake, and strawberry melted in her mouth. "I don't even want to know how many calories are in these!" Ann laughed. "Donald, will you still love me if I gain a hundred pounds?"
"You can't gain that much weight eating so few sweets. But even if you do, I'll still love you."
Ann gazed into Donald's eyes. "What would I do without you?"
"Well, you wouldn't be here with me enjoying these deserts. Wow, these are out of this world!"

They finished their desserts.
The waitress came. "How was it?"
"Wonderful!" said Ann.
"I think I'm ready for the bill," said Donald.
"Sure, here it is."
She finished writing it up and gave it to him. Then she took out another slip of paper and wrote something on it. She gave this to Ann.
"Call me sometime."
On it was written Brenda Littlejohn, and her phone number.
Ann smiled. "I will!"
With a smile, the waitress left.
"You HAVE made a new girlfriend!" said Donald.

Ann laughed. "I have, haven't I? Well, one can never have too many friends!"
"My sentiments exactly. So, are you going to call her?"
"Of course. We can go out for coffee or something!"
"It may be the start of a beautiful friendship!" Donald replied in his best Humphrey Bogart impression.
"Well, what should we do now?"
Donald looked at his watch, causing Ann to sigh. It was a sure sign that the day would soon come to an end. And she really didn't want it to.
"Well, since this day was mostly for me-after all, if I hadn't won the Grand Prize, we wouldn't be here-I'll let you choose."

"Ok, we can't walk around New York City with all those parcels, so I suggest we stop off at your apartment first."
"Good idea, Donald."
"Oh, let me take care of the check, first."
He looked at it, took out his wallet, and put down a $20 bill.
"You're pretty generous!" she commented.
"Well, why not!"
The waitress came by, at that moment and picked up the check. "I'll be right back with your change."
"Keep it."
"Oh. Thank you!"
They got up.
"I'll call you soon, Brenda."
"I'll look forward to it."
"Hey, maybe we'll end up in a movie together!"
She smiled. "That would be nice!"
They hugged. Then Ann and Donald walked out of the restaurant.
"Now, the guy said that customer service is in the basement."
"Right, Donald."
He called the elevator, and the car came.

They stepped into the elevator and the doors closed. Ann's heart fluttered with excitement and a little sadness that their day at Macy's was almost over. But she knew that good things were coming.
Once they reached Customer Service, they pushed the revolving door until they were outside. The fresh air was a welcome change from the stuffiness of the store.
Donald hailed a cab and the car arrived almost instantly.
Where to?" the cab driver asked.
"344 West 78th Street" Donald replied. He gestured Ann into the cab while he talked to the cab driver. The driver opened the trunk and allowed Donald to load the parcels.
Ann slid across the worn leather seat and waited for Donald to join her. She wrapped her arm around his sleeve. "Hasn't this been the most wonderful day?"
"And that's only part of it." Donald replied.
When she was certain that the driver was paying them no mind and that his eyes were on the road as they should have been, Ann turned to Donald and gave him a quick kiss.
"That was nice." Donald said. "But what was it for?"
"For everything." She replied.

They sat back and enjoyed the ride, eventually stopping at her apartment buiding.
"$2.25, please," said the cabbie.
Don handed him $3. "Keep the change."
"Thanks, buddy!"
They got out and the driver helped them with their parcels. They went into the building and into Ann's apartment.
She flopped on the couch and kicked her shoes off. "I'm bushed!"
"Me too!" He sat down beside her. They rested for a bit.
"Could you help me with these packages, Donald?"
"Sure.
After they determined which were hers and which were his, they took hers into her bedroom.
"Ok, sit down on the couch for just a bit, Donald; I'm going to surprise you."
"Ok, Ann."
He sat back on the couch.
After a few minutes, he heard her say, "Ta da!"
She was dressed in the dress and shoes that she just bought!

"Look at you!" Donald exclaimed.
Ann twirled around like a ballerina. "Well, what do you think?"
"I think you look wonderful."
She smiled and kissed him. "Thank you, Donald. And I know you're going to look wonderful in the new clothes you bought."
"Thanks to you."
"Me? What makes you think I would have anything to do with it?"
"Well, if you hadn't participated in the game show, you wouldn't have won the gift certificate and we wouldn't have gone to Macy's and-."
She stopped him with a kiss and laughed. "Point taken."
"So, are you ready to go?"
"Like this?"
"Why not? You look great! I want to show you off to all of New York."
"Donald, you're sweet!"
"Well, I try to be!"
She looped her arm through his. "Let's go!"

"But, where to?"
She thought for a bit. "Let's just keep it open."
"Sounds good."
They took the elevator to the lobby and left the apartment. They walked down the street for a bit.
"You know, ever since coming here, I haven't really explored this neighborhood, much," she said.
"You haven't?"
"Except for the nearby stores where I get my groceries."
"I see."
Walking a bit, they came across a circular fountain.
"Excuse me a moment, Donald."
She walked over to the fountain. She sat on the side, took off her shoes, and put her feet in the water.
"My feet hurt from all that walking we did in Macys!"
He smiled. "I see! How's the water?"

"Oh, it's heavenly, Donald. You should try it!"
Donald laughed nervously. "No, I don't think so."
"Why not? It's not illegal." She looked around the fountain. "At least I don't think so. There are no signs that say it's not permitted."
"Right, but-."
"But what?"
"Well, I'd feel kind of silly."
Ann frowned and put her hands on her hips. "Donald Hollinger, are you saying that I look silly?"
"No! I'm not saying that at all! I just meant that... Well, I'm wearing a suit and all."
"That's no problem." She stepped out of the fountain and removed his jacket.
"Ann, what are you doing?"
"Just making you more comfortable!" She folded his jacket and placed it on the flat edge of the fountain. Then she knelt down and began rolling up his pant legs to just below his knee, one leg at a time. "There! How's that?"
"Fine, but-"
She stepped into the fountain. "Come on in, Donald. The water's fine!"

"Well...remember when you had me wade in that creek, and I fell in? That was before I was meeting your father for the first time."
"That's true, Donald. But this is different. Come on!"
"Ok, if you insist!"
He quickly took his shoes and socks off. Then he stepped into the water with her.
"This is nice," he conceded. "Ann, you are truly a free-spirit; and I guess that's one reason why I love you so much!"
They kissed.
She looked around for a bit. "Oh, wow!"
"What?"
"This is the same fountain where they filmed that commercial I was in!"
"You mean the one where your friend Dorothy was in, with you?"
"That's right."
"What a coincidence! And now, your in it again!"
She giggled again. "Yeah!"
They walked around for a bit, then sat on the side with their feet still in the water.

"Donald?" Ann asked, after a lengthy silence.
"Yes honey?"
"Do you think I'll ever be a famous actress?"
"Of course. What makes you think you won't?"
She sighed. "So many things. Bad reviews, movies that flop-."
He stopped her with a kiss. "Enough of that. You're a wonderful actress and you have a lot of talent. It may not happen tomorrow, next week or even next year but I have a feeling you're going to be very successful."
"Donald? Will you still love me after that happens?"
He pulled her into his arms and kissed her. "You better believe it!"

He looked at her. "You've still got your stocking on!"
She giggled. "Yeah! I couldn't take them off easily."
"So, any jobs coming up?"
"An ad for tv dinners. I'm a housewife who gets yelled at by my husband for not having dinner ready for him when he gets home."
"Horrors!"
"Exactly."
"Well, Ann, I promise I'll never do that to you."
"I'm sure you won't!"
They sat quietly for a bit. Finally, Ann got up. "Well, I think we should be going, now. It's..." She looked at her watch. "4:42, already."
"Almost time for dinner."
"Right."
They dried off their feet and put their shoes back on.

"So, shall I take you out to dinner? What am I saying? Ann would you do me the honor of taking you out for dinner?"
"That sounds wonderful, but you've done so much for me already."
"Is that a yes?"
"Well.."
"Look, today's been a perfect day. My taking you out to dinner would make it even more so."
She couldn't help but kiss him. "How did I get so lucky?"
"Well, you worked hard at winning that contest."
"I mean finding you."
Donald grinned. "Oh... Well, that was just fate, wasn't it?"
"If I hadn't been working at that newsstand..."
"And I hadn't bumped into you in the lobby..."
"Fate is wonderful, isn't it?"
"It certainly is."

They started off.
"Any good restaurants around here?"
"I'm not sure. Like I said, I haven't really explored this area too much."
"Well, this is as good a time as any."
"Right, Don."
They walked for a bit. One place was called the Vineyard. Don looked at the menu in the window. "How does this place look to you?"
She also looked at the menu. "I see it's not TOO expensive!"
"That's true!"

"All right then. The Vineyard it is!"
They walked inside and Ann was pleased at the ambiance. It was colorful, but not overly so and the place was quiet. After the busy day they'd had, she appreciated the silence. It was romantic as well.
"Two please." Donald said to the host.
They were led to a table near a large window, where they had a wonderful view of the New York skyline.
"This is nice." Donald remarked.
"It certainly is." Ann agreed. "Thanks for choosing it."
"Well, I just looked in the window."
Ann laughed. "Well, then thanks for looking in the window."

"No problem!"
They perused the menu. Meanwhile, the waitress came.
"What would you like to drink?" she said.
"I'll have a coffee," said Don.
"Me too," said Ann.
"Ok, two coffees." But before leaving, she looked intensely at Ann. "Pardon me, but weren't you the girl on that game show Do Something Crazy?"
"Ann, you've become a celebrity!" said Donald.
She smiled. "I sure have!" Then she turned to the girl. "Yep, that was me!"
"Wow, you were great on it! I don't think I would have done that!"
"It was worth it for the gift certificate."
"I'm sure it was! It was $50 for Macys, right?"
"No, actually $100. My fiancé and I just spent it, earlier today."
"That sounds wonderful! So, what was it like, digging up a cake with your feet?"

Ann laughed. "It was quite an experience. Unlike anything I've ever done. Very... squishy."
"Wow, I don't think I could do anything like that."
"Even for a hundred dollar gift certificate to Macy's?" Donald asked.
The waitress thought for a moment. "For Macy's? Absolutely! Just think of the things you could buy for that kind of money! What am I saying? You already know! So what did you buy? If you don't mind my asking."
"That's no problem." Ann replied. "Well, I bought a dress and some shoes and Donald got some shirts and ties. It was quite fun!"
"I can imagine." The waitress replied. "Maybe someday I'll win a prize like that. Must be wonderful."
"It really was."
"Well, I guess I should get back to work. So what would you like to drink?"
"Champagne, please."
Ann's eyes widened. "Donald!"
"Nothing but the best for you, Ann."

The waitress smiled. "We have some New York Champagne that won't break your budget too much."
"That sounds fine," said Donald. "Two glasses, please."
"Oh, and the coffee, as well," added Ann.
"Sure. I'll be right back."
"Oh, and by the way, this dress I'm wearing was one of the things I bought today. The shoes, too!" She showed herself off to the girl.
She smiled. "Cute! Well, take your time with the menu."
She left.

After ordering their dinner, they sipped their champagne and admired the view from the large picture window.
"It's a beautiful night." Donald remarked.
"It certainly is."
"A beautiful night for dancing, isn't it?"
Ann looked over at Donald. "What?"
"Dancing? You know, slow music, our arms around each other?"
Her heart sank. "Oh..."
"What's wrong?"
"Where do you propose that we do this dancing?"
"Well, I was thinking..."
"Oh Donald, not a nightclub! It's been a long day and my feet really hurt. I love these new shoes, but I really want to get out of them and I'm sure you want to change into something more comfortable, don't you?"
"I-I suppose."
Ann felt like crying. She'd hurt his feelings, after all he'd done for her. "Donald, I'm sorry. That was insensitive of me. I was just thinking of myself. So if you want to go dancing in a nightclub, then... let's go."
He reached for her hand across the table. "No, I don't want you to be uncomfortable. We can go home."
"But Donald..."
"Actually I was thinking about going home anyway. Yours or mine, it doesn't matter."
"But what about the dancing?"
"We both have music at our apartments and carpeted floors. Our feet wouldn't hurt because we could take off our shoes. And there wouldn't be anyone there to bother us. We'd be..."
"...alone." Ann said in unison with Donald.
The waitress appeared with their food and sat the plates on the table in front of them. When she was gone, they looked at each other. And when they spoke, they did so in unison.
"How fast can you eat?"
"How fast can you eat?"

"This fast!" She ate the last morsels of her dish-spaghetti-and downed the rest of her champagne. "How's that-HIC!"
He smiled. "I'd say that was a bit too fast!"
She giggled. "Yeah, I guess you're right!"
The waitress came by. "Would the two of you like dessert?"
"No thanks, I think we're ready to leave," said Don.
"Ok, here's the bill." She gave it to him and left.
He studied it. "She was right; the champagne didn't break my budged TOO much!" He took out a $20 bill and put it on the plate with the bill.
"Donald, you're too generous!"
"That's ok, Ann; you can pay me back when you're a famous Broadway actress."
"That I'll do!"
The waitress came by, and he handed the bill too her. "Keep the change!"
"Oh, thank you!" She looked at Ann. "It was wonderful meeting you!"
She smiled. "My pleasure! Hey, maybe you can appear on Do Something Crazy."
She laughed. "Yeah! With my luck, they'll make me wallow in mud!"
"True! But think of the prize you might win!"
They both giggled.
"Nice meeting you, honey!" she Ann.
"You too!"
Ann and Donald got up and left the restaurant.
They decided to go to Ann's apartment. So they walked back there and went in.
She flopped on the couch and kicked off her shoes. "I'm bushed!"
"Me, too!" He sat next to her.
She put her arms around him. "Thanks for this day."
"You're welcome. And we'll have many other days like this."
"Oh, I hope so!"
She got up-barefooted-and walked to her record player. She put on a record of mood music and walked back over to him. "Want this dance?"
"Yes, Ma'am. Just a moment please."
He kicked his shoes off and got up. They danced cheek-to-cheek to the music. After a couple minutes, he looked over at the door.
"What you you looking for?"
"You're father; he always manages to come by when we're doing something that needs a bit of explaining!"
"Yes, he does do that!"
They looked at the door, but no one burst in.
"Well, I guess the coast's clear!"
"Oh, Donald!"