They sat down side by side.
The moon reflected on the water in front of them.
For the first time in a long while, Mia felt neither fear, nor anger, nor sadness.
Only a deep sense of peace.
She slowly turned her head toward Fran.
"Fran…"
"Yes?"
"Thank you."
Fran smiled.
"Well, if this keeps up, I might end up winning the gold medal for 'thank yous.'"
Mia burst out laughing.
"No, I'm serious."
His smile softened.
"You have no idea how much better things have been since you came into my life."
Fran didn't answer immediately.
He looked at her.
Mia looked back at him.
Their smiles gradually faded. The silence changed. It became more intimate.
Fran slowly moved his face closer to hers.
Mia didn't move. A few inches separated them. Then even less.
Their breaths mingled. Fran hesitated for a second. Then he began to close the remaining distance between them.
Ring!
Mia's phone rang.
They both pulled away abruptly.
Mia blushed.
"My phone!"
She hurriedly pulled it out of her pocket.
She looked at the screen.
Rose.
"Hello?"
"Oh, finally!"
Mia frowned.
"Rose?"
"Didn't you see my calls?"
Mia looked at her phone.
"No… I'm sorry."
"Okay, fine. But where are you?"
"Why?"
"Because Cid and I are worried about you."
Mia fell silent for a moment. Cid's name reminded her of the evening's events.
She lowered her eyes.
"You didn't need to worry."
"Mia…"
"When I left the party, I ran into a friend I know. He offered to take me out to help me clear my head after what happened."
Rose sighed.
"I see."
Then her voice softened.
"But when are you coming back?"
Mia looked at Fran.
"Now. I'm coming back."
"Okay. I'll be waiting for you."
"See you soon."
"See you soon."
Mia hung up.
She stared at her phone for a few seconds.
"Sorry, Fran."
"No…"
Fran smiled.
"It's okay."
He stood up.
"Besides, it's getting late."
He held out his hand to her.
"Come on. I'll take you home."
Mia smiled at him.
"Okay."
She took his hand and stood up.
Together, they headed back to the car.
Fran put the tablecloth, the basket, the glasses, and the candles away in the trunk.
Mia watched him silently. A faint smile appeared on her face. She had just spent an evening she would probably never forget.