“Wait.” Ann says as Nicholas looks back at her. She looks at him, takes a deep breath and says. “I was wondering…if you are free…maybe we…”

“I would love to go out with you Ann.” Nicholas says giving a bright smile as he cuts her off. “But I’m busy today, maybe tomorrow?”

“Sounds good.” Ann says trying to contain her excitement. “I have to go.” She says as she quickly opens her apartment door and runs in. She sits on the couch, her heart pounding and her body trembling. She smiles, happy that she finally managed to ask out Nicholas as she hugs a pillow next to her. Taking her time to calm down she gets up excited for tomorrow, hoping all will go well. A few hours later there is a knock on her door. Not expecting any visitors at that time, she opens the door to find Benjamin.

“Hi, Benjamin.” She says pleasantly surprised.

“Hi, Ann.” Benjamin says. “You look nice.” He says awkwardly as she looks down at her sauce-stained apron and messy appearance.

“Thanks…” Ann says weirdly.

“Sorry, I just didn’t know what to say.” Benjamin says trying to better the situation. “Can we talk?”

“Sure… Come on in.” Ann says as she opens the door.

“Actually…” Benjamin says standing at the door. “Can we go out? Dinner’s on me… unless you have already made dinner?”

“No, I haven’t.” Ann replies.

“Great, I’ll meet you downstairs.” Benjamin says swiftly. “Take your time, I’ll be waiting.”  Benjamin jolts away leaving Ann to wonder what had happened. Regardless, she gets ready and goes to meet him and he drives her to D&Zzzz, a popular restaurant in the neighbourhood.

“This is a lovely place...” Ann says clearly a little nervous.

“Is everything alright?” Benjamin asks noticing Ann’s discomfort.

“No, I am fine… just takes me a while to adapt.” Ann says calming herself. “You know we can get separate cheques.”

“That is not necessary, I asked you to meet me out of the blue. It’s only fair.” He replies smiling. Ann continues to wonder why he asked her out in the first place. He did not say much on the car ride over but had only superficially complimented her outfit. After ordering, there was nothing else left for them to do, but to discuss why he wanted to see her.

“So, why did you want to see me Benjamin?” Ann asks.

“Please, it's Ben.” He says as he continues. “It’s about this counselling.”

“Yes. I have already booked your appointment.” She says enthusiastically.

“What? I’m a busy man Ann… how could you know when I’m free?” He asks surprised.

“You told me that night…” She says. “You don’t remember…”

“I do remember.” He says though he recalls nothing. “The reason I called you here was because I changed my…”

“Hey…” Benjamin and Ann look back and see Benjamin’s best friend Tom and Nicholas at the door calling out and waving at them.

“That’s him…” Ann whispers as they wave at each other. “Followed your advice, I asked him out and he said yes…” She says excitedly as Benjamin nods, pretending to know what she’s talking about.

“What are you doing here?” Tom asks as he and Nicholas come to their table.

“We were just having dinner.” Benjamin replies.

“Hi Ann.” Nicholas says as Ann smiles.

“You two know each other…” Tom asks as he smirks.

“Yes… This is Ann. And Ann this is Hugh Tompkins Jr.” Nicholas says introducing them to one another.

“Wait, the Hugh Tompkins?” Ann asks surprised.

“The one and only.” Tom replies smiling. Hugh Tompkins Jr. is a famous jazz composer and musician. He is not only known for his music but good looks and charity work.

“I love your music…” Ann says as they begin a conversation. Benjamin gets annoyed at this development.

“What are you sitting so glum for?” Tom asks smacking Benjamin’s shoulder. Benjamin smiles and takes a sip of whiskey. “You know what would be a great idea, let’s have dinner together.”

“That sounds great.” Nicholas says as they sit down at the same table. Ann is nervous being around someone famous who she admires, Nicholas quickly taking note of this tries his best to make her feel at ease. In all of this Benjamin sits quietly barely speaking as he continues drinking. After a great dinner, they decide to meet for drinks at a bar. Nichols and Tom stay at the table for a few moments to discuss certain things as Ann and Benjamin go to the bar. After they order some drinks, Benjamin who is clearly tipsy begins to speak.

“Listen Ann, I don’t want no counselling.”