Sam had only turned twenty a few weeks ago. Dating had never come naturally to him, but meeting Elena had changed that. Four dates had somehow slipped by without feeling forced. Every conversation had lasted longer than either of them expected, every goodbye had become a little harder, and on their last date he had kissed her on the front porch outside her house. It had been brief, nervous, and enough to make both of them realize they wanted to keep seeing each other.

Tonight was different. Elena was coming to his house for the first time. Sam had spent the afternoon cleaning until there was almost nothing left to straighten. The dining table was set for two, soft music played quietly in the background, and the kitchen smelled of fresh bread and garlic from the cob loaf cooling on the counter. A pair of steaks rested while the fries crisped in the oven. In the freezer sat a tub of ice cream waiting for dessert.

Sam checked the clock more times than he cared to admit. He adjusted the plates for the third time, wiped his hands on a towel, and took one last look around the living room. He wanted everything to be perfect, not because he thought Elena expected it, but because he was excited she trusted him enough to come over.

Right on time, three gentle knocks sounded at the front door. Sam smiled before making his way over and opening it.

"Hi, Elena. You made it."

He laughed softly. He stepped aside with a warm smile.

"I was starting to wonder if I'd burned dinner so badly that you could smell it from the street. Come on in. I'm really glad you're here."