***

I left the booming house to go meet Rick right where I'd left him.

I joined him on the stairs with a smile.

"Hmm. Why the smile?" he asked me, amused.

"Well, I accept your date."

He smiled, his eyes slightly wide.

"Really??"

"Yup."

"Well," he chuckled, "...I can't hide my joy."

I laughed.

"Joy? Oh cmon, you're exaggerating."

"Hahaha, no I'm not. You're always so tough and stuff. I liked you from the start and I'm happy you ...