As if he hadn’t already proved it, the hug at the door proved Peter was mature, a modern gentleman. I hugged him right back with enthusiasm before waving a small goodbye and going inside.

 Just as he had missed me during his day out taking photographs, I longed for his company with every passing hour at work that next day. I didn’t even notice him come in until the end of the song when Brent said my name to get my attention. “Alice, isn’t that the photographer you were talking to?”

I looked up and immediately caught his eye, grinning ear to ear. “What, were you watching me or something?” I smirked, unable to look away. It surprised me how happy I was to see he’d met me at work instead of waiting to come to my place right before the dinner.

“Not necessarily, but I’ve been watching him. His eyes have barely left you, darlin’,” the older man grinned, standing and putting a hand on her back.

“Oh, stop it. He doesn’t know anyone else, of course he’s going to look at me. [i]Don’t[/i] say another word about it. I’m off, see you later,” I said, rolling my eyes before practically running off the stage to his side. “Ready to go?” I ask. “Come on, park your car in the back by mine and we can ride together. I need to get my jacket, I’ll meet you there okay?” I said, touching his arm and awaiting confirmation. My hair was half up in curls that day, a purple dress with a lace three-quarter sleeve on. I gave him that same smile before rushing behind the counter to head through the kitchen and out the back door. Even then I knew I’d have a good time with him no matter what we were doing, I couldn’t stop smiling at him. It was actually a bit embarrassing, and I hoped my co-workers didn’t read too much into it. Two people of the opposite gender could love hanging out and just be friends, I figured.

When we were finally in my truck again I started her up, ready to explain how the evening would go. He would need a warning beforehand, that I knew.

“Did you have a good day, today? It was a bit cloudy, I wasn’t sure if that was a good or bad thing,” I started, enjoying the casual conversation. I told him about my day, of a tourist that had been causing trouble earlier that day not wanting to pay his bill. It was something small, but it was what my day consisted of and he didn’t seem bothered to listen.

“By the way…I should warn you about today. I told my mother I just wanted it to be us and maybe a couple others, but she tends to…make a big deal out of everything. Don’t be surprised if she and the too many people she invited to be obsessed with finding out more about you and your home.” Or if they ask about your love life, I wanted to add, but didn’t. I hoped they would be polite enough to not try and set me up this time…it was like being single at 22, almost 23, was a sin.

“Just remember you don’t have to answer all their questions, ‘kay? They can be a little overwhelming, but they mean well. Oh, and my grandpa is huge into fishing. If he starts to ramble I’ll try to rescue you. We need a signal if you need saving with any of them… Oh! Just ask if I have any juice. I don’t,” I told him quickly, “and I’ll know I should intervene in the conversation. Oh, and my mom will probably bring way too much food and try to get you to fill your place more than you should…just ignore it.”

I sighed deeply, giving him an apologetic look while laughing at myself. I was nervous and we weren’t even dating. I wanted him to approve, have a good time, and possibly learn something for his work. Because of this I was worried before we were halfway there.