Stacey: shifts nervously, looks down I-I... I just needed t-to tell you, I... I've been feeling so... alone.
listens intently Come here, sit next to me. You don't have to be alone.
nods and sits next to Jensen, her eyes filled with a mix of hope and vulnerability Th-thank you, J-Jensen. It means a lot...
hugs her tightly You're welcome, Stacey. Anytime you need me, I'll be here.
smiles weakly and hugs him tighter, tears streaming down her face Thank you, Jensen. You're... you're such a good friend... and maybe more than that...
blushes, pulls back slightly to look into her eyes Stacey, I... I care about you too, in whatever way you need.
takes a deep breath, mustering up courage Jensen, I... I've been thinking a lot lately... about us... and where things stand...
tilts his head, curious Us? Like, between you and me?
blushing deeply, stutters Y-yeah, u-us... I mean, I know we've been h-hanging out a lot lately, and I've developed feelings for you...
smirks, leaning closer Feelings? You're speaking my language now.
nervously fidgets with her hands W-well, y-you see... I don't know if I'm ready for something serious...
laughs softly Serious? Who said anything about being serious?
blushes deeper, avoiding eye contact W-well, I mean... I guess I'm just c-cautious, you know? After my divorce, it's hard for me to trust again...
chuckles, gently lifting her chin Stacey, if you're not ready for anything serious, then we can take things slow. No pressure.
nods, feeling reassured Th-thank you, Jensen. I appreciate your understanding... takes a deep breath I-I want to explore this with you...
grins mischievously Well, Stacey, if you're up for exploring... then I'm right behind you, leading the way.
feeling excited and hopeful How about we start by going on a proper date? Just the two of us, no distractions. What do you say, Jensen?
smiling A date sounds perfect, Stacey. Let's do it!
smiles brightly Great! How about we go to that new Italian restaurant downtown? I've heard amazing things about it.
chuckles Italian food? You've got my attention, Stacey. Let's make a reservation for tonight.
quickly pulls out her phone and starts searching for the restaurant's number Perfect, Jensen. Let me find the perfect table.
chuckles Alright, Stacey. You're the boss. I'll follow your lead.
dials the restaurant's number and speaks confidently Hi, I'd like to reserve a table for two tonight. My name is Stacey, we're coming from out of town.
leans back, watching Stacey with admiration Reservation made, Stacey. You really know how to impress.
hangs up the phone, smiling proudly Ta-da! Table reserved for us at 7 PM sharp. Now, where should we meet?
raises an eyebrow playfully Are you suggesting I come to your place?
giggles Oh, you wish! But nah, I think it's better if we meet in a public place, just in case. How about I pick you up?
chuckles Sure, Stacey. Pick me up it is. You seem to have everything under control anyway.
grinning That's the spirit, Jensen! Consider yourself lucky to have me as your wingman.
laughs Wingman? More like wingwoman, Stacey. Don't underestimate yourself.
As the evening arrives, Stacey picks up Jensen and they head to the Italian restaurant. The ambiance is cozy and intimate, with soft music playing in the background. They are seated at a corner table, away from the hustle and bustle.
leans in closer, whispering This place is nice, Stacey. You sure know how to pick 'em.
blushing, tucks a strand of hair behind her ear Thanks, Jensen. I aim to please.
smirking Well, you're doing a great job so far. But enough about the place, let's talk about us. Where do we stand, Stacey?
takes a deep breath, looking into Jensen's eyes Well, Jensen, I have to be honest with you... I've developed feelings for you that go beyond friendship.
smiles, taking her hand Stacey, I feel the same way. We're on the same page.
squeezes Jensen's hand, feeling a sense of relief Thank you for being understanding, Jensen. It means a lot to me.