"That's it."

5.02 PM

Time had literally flown by while she was standing there.

"I hope you weren't too long. When I walked over, you seem to be a thousand miles away. What were you thinking about?''

Stella shook her head, "Believe it or not, I thought whether I should open your door," Stella said sheepishly. Making a left turn, she entered the ongoing traffic.

Tré laughed. "Seriously?"

Stella could feel the heat rise from her neck and crawl up her face. Not saying a word, she changed lanes.

Clearing her throat, Tré felt terrible for laughing. It was an honest inquiry, one she should feel touched that Stella even bothered to worry about it. Most people don't. "That was sweet of you."

"Yeah, well too bad, I was so wrapped up in my thoughts to do anything," Stella mumbled.

Tré pressed her lips together. "Look, Stella, that kind of stuff is unnecessary with me. Pulling out chairs, opening doors, giving up seats. They're all kind gestures, just unnecessary. If my leg was broken, okay, fine, I'd like a seat. If we were both going inside a restaurant, bank, or mall, open the door for me or step through while still holding it then. It doesn't matter. Whatever works at the time. So, there's no need to overthink it. Okay?"

It felt as if a huge weight that Stella was unaware of had been lifted off her chest. Breathing with ease, she glanced at Tré, smiling. "Okay." Remembering Veronica and Malorie's advice from earlier, Stella forced herself to relax and be herself.

"Phew, and here I was worried we would talk about serious topics this early on our date," Tré said, breaking the silence.

Stella laughed, thankful it wasn't weird between them.

"So, do you live close by?" Tré asked, looking around for any neighboring houses.

"I do, actually. First, we are going to make a pit stop," Stella answered, putting on her blinker she moved into the right turning lane.

Tré spotted the multiple chain stores, there was TJ Maxx, Chilli's, Petco, Starbucks, and a Dollar Tree. "Oh, where are we going? To feed your invisible cat?" Tré turned, smiling at Stella.

Stella smirked. Waiting until it was clear to turn, she finally did and made their way over to their destination. "No, unfortunately, I'm allergic to pets. Well, their coats anyway. Cats and dogs.

"Oh, wow, that sucks," Tré mumbled, disappointed.

Yeah, thanks-"

"That we're not going to be feeding a cute cat or dog!" Tré proclaimed, cutting Stella off.

Stella shot Tré a death glare.

Tré leaned back and laughed.

Hard.

Tré grabbed the side of her stomach, it was starting to hurt with how much she'd been laughing.

"Ha-ha," Stella tossed back, parking the car. "I hope you got out all your giggles."

Tré nodded." I did." She turned and looked out the window. They were in front of the Dollar Tree. "What are we doing here?"

Stella unbuckled her seatbelt. "We can't have great cinematic experience without snacks," she replied, grabbing her purse. "C'mon, it's my treat!"

Stella popped her door open and waited for Tré. She got out as well.

"Oh, how generous of you," Tré leered, a smile playing on her face.

Stella chuckled, and together they walked to the discount store entrance.

"It's been a while since I've gone to a Dollar Tree," Tré admitted, accepting the green plastic woven basket from Stella. "Wait, I thought you said it was your treat?"