Around lunchtime on Friday, Danny told his family about Paulina and her plans to meet them for brunch on Saturday.
"I have something to tell you guys," Danny said, trying to sound casual.
His parents, Jack and Maddie, exchanged a curious glance, but nodded encouragingly. "What's up, kiddo?" Jack asked.
Danny hesitated for a moment before blurting out the news. "I have a girlfriend."
Maddie's eyes widened in surprise, while Jack's face broke into a wide grin. "That's great, son! We're happy for you. What's her name?"
"Paulina Sanchez," Danny replied, feeling a sense of pride.
Jazz, who had been quietly observing the conversation, suddenly piped up. "Paulina Sanchez? Isn't she that popular girl at school?"
Danny nodded sheepishly. "Yeah, that's her."
Maddie's curiosity was piqued. "So, Danny, tell us more about Paulina. Where's her family from?"
Danny thought for a moment before responding. "Her family is from Colombia."
Jack nodded thoughtfully. "Colombia, huh? That's interesting. We'll have to ask her more about that when we meet her."
Danny's heart skipped a beat. "Speaking of which...she wants to meet us for brunch tomorrow."
Maddie's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Tomorrow? That's wonderful! We'll have to make sure to make a good impression."
Jack chuckled. "Don't worry, kiddo. We'll be on our best behavior."
Later that day, Danny and Paulina decided to head to the mall to find the perfect outfits for their brunch date.
As Danny was searching for the perfect shoes to match his outfit, Paulina sent him another text message.
"Hey, just to let you know, the attire is casual but formal-ish," Paulina wrote. "You know, like a nice casual restaurant."
Danny raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the description. Casual but formal-ish? What did that even mean?
He thought about asking Paulina for clarification, but then he decided to just go with his instincts. After all, he knew his parents would be there to provide some guidance.
Danny continued browsing through the stores, searching for the perfect shoes. He passed by a few stores, but nothing caught his eye.
Just as he was about to turn a corner, he heard a familiar laugh. He turned to see Paulina, standing in front of a clothing store, holding up a yellow sundress.
"Paulina!" Danny exclaimed, feeling a surge of excitement. "What are you doing here?"
Paulina smiled, looking beautiful in the yellow sundress. "I was looking for an outfit for tomorrow," she said. "I just found this dress, and I love it."
Danny's eyes widened in admiration. "You look amazing," he said sincerely.
Paulina blushed, looking pleased. "Thanks, Danny. You look great too."
Danny smiled, feeling happy to see Paulina. "Thanks. I was just looking for some shoes to match my outfit."
Paulina nodded. "Oh, yeah! I was thinking we could go together and find you the perfect shoes."
Danny grinned, feeling grateful for Paulina's help. "That sounds like a great idea."
Together, Danny and Paulina browsed through the stores, searching for the perfect shoes to match Danny's outfit. After trying on several pairs, Danny finally found the perfect pair of sneakers.
As they walked out of the store, Paulina turned to Danny and asked, "Want to come over to my house and try on our outfits together?"
Danny nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah, that sounds like fun."
When they arrived at Paulina's house, her mom greeted them warmly. "Hello, Danny! It's so nice to finally meet you."
Danny smiled, feeling a little nervous. "Nice to meet you too, Mrs. Sanchez."
Maria smiled, her eyes sparkling with warmth. "Please, call me Maria. We're not formal here."
Paulina gestured to the stairs. "I'm going to go try on my outfit for tomorrow. Want to come up and try on yours too?"
Danny nodded, and the two of them headed upstairs to Paulina's room. As they changed into their outfits, Maria came upstairs to join them.
When Danny emerged from the bathroom, wearing his navy blue polo shirt and sneakers, Maria's eyes lit up.
"Ah, Danny, you look very handsome," she said. "But, I have to say, I think you might want to change into something else. The weather is supposed to be cool but warm in the mid-50s tomorrow."
Paulina nodded in agreement. "Yeah, Mom's right. It's not going to be warm enough for that outfit."
Here is the revised continuation of Chapter 3:
Maria turned to Paulina, who was still holding up the yellow sundress. "And Paulina, I don't think that dress is a good idea for tomorrow. It's going to be too cool outside."
Paulina looked disappointed, but Maria quickly reassured her. "Don't worry, m'ija. You can wear something simple but cute instead. How about a cherry red long sleeve shirt, black jeans, and those black and red Jordan 11's you love so much?"
Paulina's face lit up. "That sounds perfect, Mom. Thanks!"
Maria then turned to Danny. "And Danny, I think you should wear something a bit warmer too. How about a royal blue shirt, black jeans, and those royal blue and black Jordan 1's?"
Danny nodded, feeling grateful for Maria's fashion advice. "That sounds like a great idea, Maria. Thanks!"
As Danny changed into the outfit Maria had suggested, Paulina changed into the cherry red long sleeve shirt, black jeans, and black and red Jordan 11's.
When they both emerged from the bathroom, Maria smiled approvingly. "You both look great! I'm so glad I could help."
Paulina grinned, feeling happy and confident in her outfit. "Thanks, Mom. You're the best!"
Danny smiled, feeling grateful for Maria's help. "Yeah, thanks Maria. We really appreciate it."
Maria smiled warmly, her eyes shining with kindness. "You're welcome, Danny. I'm just glad I could help. Now, what are you two planning on doing for Saturday?"
Paulina and Danny exchanged a glance, and then Paulina spoke up. "We're actually going to meet Danny's family for brunch. It's going to be my first time meeting them!"
Maria's eyes widened in surprise, but then she smiled warmly. "Well, that's wonderful! I'm sure you'll make a great impression. Where are you planning on going for brunch?"
Danny shrugged. "We're not really sure yet. We were thinking maybe somewhere casual but nice?"
Maria nodded thoughtfully. "Hmm, that sounds like a great idea. There are a few places around here that might fit the bill. Let me think for a moment..."