I cleaned up our research materials and hauled the dilapidated cardboard box back to its rightful place among the broken heirlooms in the attic. Then, after taking my second shower of the day, I called Quinn.

"Hey," I said after she picked up. "Remember that date I went on last night?"

"Oh, yeah, with Brad! How'd it go?" She responded.

"Absolutely terrible. Brad was a redneck from who knows where. Just looking at him made you think he should be out in the woods shooting squirrels or something. His manners were even worse. He was a complete pig, really, and I'm glad I'll never have to see him again."

"Aw, babes, I'm sorry," Quinn huffed. "I should never have had you sign up for those online dating things. Well, at least we know better now. Do you need anything to cheer you up? I'm about to leave work and I can stop on the way home."

"Actually, I found something to cheer me up. Well, someone." I laughed out loud as Quinn gasped. Her dramatics never failed to bring a smile to my face.

"Yep." I continued. "And just wait 'til you meet him. He looks like the fourth Hemsworth brother or something. And he's a complete gentleman – probably the sweetest guy I've ever met. He has these eyes that seem to always change color – but like in a good way – and he's got the cutest, purest smile, and—"

"Whoa whoa whoa," Quinn cut me off. I could imagine her putting up her hand as a sign that I was once again talking way too fast. "I'll be over at your house in 15 minutes, then you can tell me the whole story."

"Okay, deal. See you soon," I said, still excited.

"Bye-bye now," Quinn laughed and hung up.

I flung myself down on my bed, my wet hair splayed around my head and my arms opened widely to the sky. I closed my eyes, remembering the clean, woody smell of Sam's shirt and the way his arms felt wrapped around him, like the whole world was standing still. I drifted to sleep with a smile on my face, only to be woken ten minutes later by Quinn.

"Seriously? I got off the phone with you—" she checked her watch, "twelve minutes ago. How did you already fall asleep?"

I sat up, rubbing my eyes and still smiling over my thoughts from earlier. "I don't know. All the excitement wore me out, I guess."

"Well, just be glad you left your door unlocked so that I could come wake you up. Now, what's got you so happy about this boy you just met?" Quinn asked, curiosity getting the better of her. "What happened last night? Tell me everything."

"So," I began. "It started as I was walking out of the bathroom..."

The story took me nearly twenty minutes to tell. By the end, Quinn was fully engrossed in my tale, her jaw dropping in some places and her anger coming out in others.

"His phone? Right then? Dean, you are such an idiot." She shouted in exasperation, flinging herself dramatically into my pillows. Then the next second, she melted at my descriptions of Sam. I told her everything he had said, except for what we said to each other in the bathroom. That felt sacred, private. It was a violation of trust to tell it to anyone, even Quinn.

"And he's meeting me here at 7:00," I finished. "Quinn, what do I do? This needs to be perfect."

"Don't worry, honey," She grinned, already tying back her curly brown hair and rolling up her sleeves. "I'll get it all taken care of. Let's get your dinner all ready. After that, we'll get you looking so good that he won't be able to resist you." She winked while my face warmed yet again.

I looked at my watch. 5:30. "We'd better hurry."

"We'll have plenty of time," She reassured me, linking her arm in mine. "Now, tell me more about this Dean character - is he single?"

I had to laugh as she wiggled her eyebrows. Then, we walked down the stairs arm-in-arm.

******

After putting together our meal, Quinn rummaged through my closet, piecing together outfits effortlessly. I checked my phone, and was surprised to see a message from an unknown number. Opening it, I immediately filled with happiness.

         Hey Grace, this is Sam. I realized I hadn't texted you yet and wanted to make sure you had my number. Can't wait to see you (again) tonight! <3

My heart fluttering a little, I wrote back,

         Hi Sam! You've got the right number. I'm excited for tonight too – I hope you like what I've planned!

I got an almost immediate reply.

         If you planned it, I know I'll like it. How could I not? I have to get ready now... see you soon.

I repressed the urge to once again flop back on my bed and fall asleep to thoughts of Sam. Instead, I began trying on the various outfits Quinn had picked out. After my fifth try, Quinn gasped.

"That's it. That's the one."

I stepped cautiously up to the mirror and slowly twirled, getting the full effect. I had to agree with Quinn – this outfit was perfect.

My friend had put together the perfect pieces for both the date and the weather. My top felt like something out of a fairy tale: a white bodice with long sleeves billowing around my arms. A scarlet plaid miniskirt covered my legs, with dark tights to keep my legs warm. Matched with wine-colored booties, the ensemble was something I would have never picked out for myself but that fit my personality perfectly.

I hugged Quinn. "You are a miracle worker."

"You know it!" She responded, her golden brown eyes laughing. "Now, about your hair..."

Quinn fussed over me for almost an hour, playing with my makeup and redoing my hair. By the end of it, I almost didn't recognize myself.

My auburn hair was curled, falling softly past my shoulders with my front pieces pinned to the side. My cheeks were a soft pink, and my eyelashes curled innocently in front of my glitter-covered eyelids. My lips, in contrast, were as bright as cherries. I was the epitome of the innocent schoolgirl cliche, but I was delighted by it.

"You think he'll like it?" I asked as I peered into the mirror.

Quinn leaned over my shoulder. "The more important question is: do you like it?"

"Yes. Yes, I do."

"Well then, you have nothing to worry about!" She smiled reassuringly. "Why are you nervous? You both like each other. Now, go, have a good time!" She wiggled her eyebrows. "And when I say good time-"

"You're an idiot." I jokingly pushed her away. Then, looking at my watch, I realized that it was 6:40.

"I only have 10 minutes!" I panicked. 

"Why are you worrying? Everything is taken care of. Just put on some perfume and grab your purse and you are good to go."

I blew out a calming breath. "Ok, ok. You're right. There is no reason for me to worry." Despite saying this, I couldn't sit down, pacing restlessly until Quinn grabbed me.

Quinn sighed as she looked over. "Girl, chill," she admonished me. "You know what? We're having a dance party."

"Right now?" I asked incredulously.

"Right now," she said decisively, already going over to my record player. Picking out her favorite album, she set the needle with a practiced hand, and in a moment The Beatles' album 1 was blasting.

"Come on!" She danced over, the fading sunlight dancing on her warm brown skin. She grabbed my arm, and soon, despite my fears, I was laughing and spinning around as careless as a child.

A knock on the door startled us. I looked at my wall clock - 7:00, on the dot.

Quinn came up next to me, rearranging and smoothing my ringlets. "You are a smart, beautiful, sexy lady. We have already established that he likes you. Now go on your date and have a good time!" She gave me a hug. "You're going to be fine." She whispered in my ear. "But, if he starts messing with you, just give the word and I'll come and beat the living daylights out of him."

I laughed at that. "I don't think you'd be able to if you tried, but thanks for the offer."

I squared my shoulders and opened the door. "Damn," I heard Quinn say under her breath.

Sam stood at the door in a fresh suit. He smiled shyly, almost like a schoolboy, as he held a bouquet of roses.

"Hi Sam!" I say with a smile, my cheeks flushed from dancing and the music still blaring in the background. "You're right on time."

"You know it." Sam smiled. "Oh, these are for you." He handed me the roses.

"Oh, they're lovely," I say, breathing in the soft, sweet smell.

"Just like you," Sam's eyes shone softly.

Quinn tapped me on the shoulder, and I jumped, embarrassed. Sam cleared his throat and shifted his gaze too quickly to the new face.

"Hi, I'm Quinn," my friend introduced herself as she stuck out her hand. "And you must be Sam. Grace has told me all about you." She smiled cunningly. I quickly pulled her back.

"Here, can you put these in some water?" I asked, imploring her with my eyes.

"Of course!" She said sweetly. Leaning in confidentially, she whispered in my ear just a little too loudly, "You weren't kidding about the fourth Hemsworth vibes. How did you find him in a truck stop? I should come with you next time!"

"Go!" I whispered back fiercely, putting the roses in her hands.

"Okay, okay," She relented, then turned around again. "I can see that you two want to be alone. I shall be in the kitchen... by myself... eternally alone..." She put a hand up to her forehead in mock despair. "Unless, of course, someone has a brother I can be with." She winked at Sam, then ran into the kitchen laughing as I chased her off.

"Sorry about her," I said, turning back to Sam. He just laughed.

"She's quite a character. Maybe I should introduce her to Dean. Also," he continued, cocking his head to the side as though he were listening intently, "I like your music taste. This is one of my favorite songs from this album." I Want to Hold Your Hand  played obnoxiously loudly in the background.

"Oh no, don't you dare," I threatened him lightly. "Those two together would be absolute chaos. Now hold still..." I had taken one rosebud from the bundle before I handed it off. Now, I tucked the blossom into Sam's coat pocket.

"Perfect," we said in unison.

"Oh please, say to me," he began singing along to the record, painfully offkey. "You'll let me be your man."

"And please, say to me," I finished, holding out my hand, "you'll let my hold your hand."

"I'd love to," Sam smiled, lacing his fingers in mine. "Ready?"

I smiled up at him. "I can't wait."