New Scene: The Date (Part 1)

After the two had eaten their dinner at Applebee's, Nick brought Hope back out to his car, opening the passenger side door for her as he had done every time so far. Once he got into his own seat, he smiled at her. "Enjoying yourself so far?" he asked with a smile.

Hope nodded.

"Good," he said, "But it's only going to get better tonight."

Hope chuckled. "Good luck topping how much I enjoyed you picking up the tab for dinner," she teased.

Fifteen minutes later, he opinion changed completely as he pulled into a parking spot in a vast field full of cars. Looming above them was the brightly lit ferris wheel of a carnival. After a moment to let the sight of the carnival sink in, Nick opened his door and then circled his car to let Hope out. He helped her out of her seat, bringing her up to eye level with him. Her face was mere centimeters from his face. "This is kind of awesome," she breathed softly.

Nick smiled. "Glad you think so." He leaned in to kiss her, only to find himself face to face with her fiery hair as she turned her head to take in more of the carnival.

"We're going in, right?" she asked, "Or just looking at it?"