Shy Pilot

Chapter 3

"Girls, are you sure I look okay?" Lizzie asked for the millionth time while looking at her reflection.

The other nurses rolled their eyes and reassured her, "Liz, you look absolutely amazing. There is nothing to worry about," said Martha, "and could you PLEASE tell us how you secured a date so quickly?"

Lizzie was about to retell the events of meeting Danny, until she saw him by the corner of her eye. He was dressed out of the tank top he was wearing earlier, into a nicer shirt and khaki pants. His tousled hair was now combed and styled a bit, and in his hands was a flower, ready to be given.

"I'll tell you all the details again later, right now I gotta go," she waved bye to the others and told them that she won't be out too late. Martha, Evelyn, and Barbara threw a series of thumbs ups towards her before heading home. Then, she rushed over to Danny with a bright smile.

"For you," said Danny as he gave the flower to Lizzie. She took it gratefully, "Oh my goodness, a carnation? It's so pretty Danny, thank you."

"A pretty flower, for a pretty girl."

Lizzie can already feel her cheeks turn pink. How can someone be so shy, yet so charming? She put her arm in his and asked, "Soooo what are we doing?"

"Well I was thinking we go for a walk, there's a nice park we could check out."

Danny led them to a beautiful park with such beautiful scenery. They walked around talking, joking, and making each other laugh the entire night. It was a simple date, nothing too special, but Danny and Lizzie loved getting to know each other. It was as if time slowed down for them to spend time together. It was perfect.

"Ok ok, favorite ice cream flavor. Now this has a LOT riding on it Danny, you absolutely cannot mess this up."

"Hmmmm. Well it's gotta be vanilla for me, I mean, come on. It's the original, nothing beats that."

Lizzie stopped in her tracks in disbelief, "Vanilla?!? You've gotta be kidding, Danny," the male laughed as he shook his head, "but what about chocolate?"

"Well yea, it's nice but c'mon Lizzie. Chocolate over vanilla?"

"YES! Any day, and just for saying that, I don't think we can see each other anymore," Lizzie smiled mischievously as she walked farther down the road, leaving Danny behind.

Danny noticed her little smile and stopped in front of her and looked right down at her with his honey-colored eyes. He made sure to get real close, because he knew it would make her flustered, "Oh I see, in that case, what can I do to see you again?" He tucked in a strand of hair behind Lizzie's ear, and she was definitely screaming internally, "Uh, well. You can drive me home, and then we'll see."

Danny drove her home that night. Lizzie could already feel herself fall for Danny, and she knew it wouldn't be long until she was head over heels. With Danny, Lizzie felt so relaxed to be around him, like she felt free to be herself with him. The brunette looked up at the stars, and was fascinated by how bright they were that night. Then, she looked at Danny and compared his smile to the stars, and somehow his smile was brighter.

When they got home, Danny stepped out of the car to open the door for Lizzie, showing off his true gentleman-ness. Lizzie beamed up at him and gave him a kiss on his cheek, "I had a really great time with you Danny, thank you." He smiled at the brunette, feeling warm inside for making her feel happy, "Of course, beautiful. Should we make plans for a meet time?"

"Hmm, I will... think about it," Lizzie said as she laughed internally at the cute pouty face Danny had on. "In that case, take your time."

Lizzie waved him goodbye as she started up the steps to the house she shared with the other nurses. She got ready for bed, and couldn't help smiling about her date with Danny. And she hoped he noticed what she left in the car.

When Danny got home, he took a second to smile to himself about the amazing night he just had. He looked over at the passenger seat to see a handkerchief with the initials E. F. embroidered.
"How clever of her," he thought, and started the car up again to drive back to Lizzie's.

He started pacing back and forth, thinking about what to do. "She's probably asleep already, maybe I should give it back to her tomorrow. No. No I have to give it back, it's the gentleman thing to do. Wait what if her friends answer the door, what the heck do I do then? I should go home. NO. DANIEL WALKER YOURE GOING TO GIVE THE HANDKERCHIEF BACK."

Ok, so he was a... little... bit indecisive at first, but he mustered up the courage to knock on the door.

After a few moments, he started waking out, thinking that everyone was asleep and he'll just come back in the morning. Until a voice called out, "Danny?"

He turned around to see Lizzie in her night dress. Startled, he looked away trying to be respectful and held out the handkerchief, "You uh, you left this in my car. I thought I could give it back to you tonight, but you were sleeping, and I'm so sorry to wake you up I shoul-"

Lizzie cut him off before the poor pilot continued to ramble on, "Oh Danny, you're so sweet. Thank you."

Danny shoved his hands in his pockets and awkwardly said goodnight before heading back to his car, "Goodnight Lizzie."

"Goodnight Danny, and oh! I have to tell you something."

He turned around to see Lizzie grinning right back at him, "I'd love to go out with you again sometime."