Kiss your frogs - a modern fairytale

Planning an almost date

*Maisie*

When I am off from my shift I go into the other park, just as myself, to see Daniel and Danny’s show. It’s the first time I have a chance to see it. I have been talking a lot with Daniel the last week and I promised him to come see the show.

One of the cast members down in the front, let me stand just in front of the rope, so I have a perfect view of the stage.

The show starts with Danny in his superhero outfit, and I got to give it to the kid. He is extremely athletic, doing back and front flips from standing with no problems. He reminds me a bit about Tabitha, a sack of fleas, running each their own way.

Then Daniel walks on stage, looking very much attention grabbing in a black wig and a leather outfit. I got to admit that he has this ... air about him ... something that kind of makes you lose your breath a bit looking at him.

I must admit to being a bit torn about him. Daniel has started hinting that he wants to invite me out on a date. But I swore of men long ago, especially men in show business and I just don’t dare trust him.

He is good ... Well they both are, they definitely stand out, leagues above the others on the stage in skills and I can’t help feeling caught up in it. My eyes sliding to Daniel over and over. I truly get why he is a star.

At some point he walks down front and around the stage and as he walks close past me his hand graces mine and he winks at me, sending a hot chill up my spine.

When the show is done I go out to the backstage area, finding Daniel still in costume but with his wig off. He flashes me a great smile. “Well hello darling ... always a pleasure seeing you”.

“Hi Daniel, great show ... very intense”. I smile back at him, before letting him pull me into a warm hug.

As he lets me go I feel arms hug me from behind tightly and Danny’s happy voice. “Hey honey pie, did you see how awesome I was ?”

I reach back to pad his head. “Hi sweetie, I saw you ... very impressive”.

He chuckles happily and let me go. “Thank you ... and sorry but gotta run, I need to shower. Tabitha is going to take me horseback riding”.

“Have fun and remember to wear a helmet ... both of you”. I say, giving him a stern look, making him nod before he runs off.

I am happy to see those two have become good friends. It takes her focus off Aiden, who with no doubt has tried to keep a distance. And even though Danny might have an eye for my daughter, she seems to only see him as a friend, so I feel quite safe.

“So you are off now ?” Daniel looks at me.

I nod. “Yeah, for once it fitted with the show”.

“Any plans ?” He sits down and pulls off his boots, stretching his feet with a satisfied sound.

“No ... not really”. I shrug. “Going by the store on the way home to grab some food, then maybe catch a movie on Netflix”.

He bites his lip. “I am off now too, we could go somewhere and grab some early dinner ?”

I swallow ... that sounds awfully like a date. “Sorry Daniel, but I am kinda beat, I just want to relax, you know no noise and hassle”.

“What about I join you then. I could honestly use a relaxed evening too”. The smile he gives me is so hopeful that my stomach knots up.

“I’m not sure that’s a good idea Daniel. I haven’t cleaned ... and I am like really tired and ...”. Honestly I don’t know what to say, I just don’t want him to think I am interested in starting anything.

His face kinda falters and he nods. “Sure ... no problem, I understand”.

I honestly can’t stand him looking like that. “You know what, if you give me ... an hour to clean a bit, then okay yeah ... let's do this, like a friendly dinner and a movie”.

“Sure, no problem”. His face lights up in the most brilliant smile. “I need to walk Buddy anyway”.

“Oh your dog right ? Why don’t you bring him, so he doesn't have to be alone at the hotel ?” I love dogs and Daniel has talked so much about his.

His smile widens even more. “Oh thank you darling, that’s so sweet ... but I am kinda looking after Danny’s dog Trixie too ... so I don’t want her to be left alone”.

“Then bring her too, I love dogs”. So he really cares for animals, that's a great thing in a man honestly.

*Daniel*

I feel bubbly and giddy.. this is a big step. Honestly I have spent the last week falling helplessly under Maisie’s spell. And she has been nice and everything, but very clearly kept me at an arm’s length.. she told me she is done with men and love.

“You know what, let me bring the food, okay ? Then you have one thing less to worry about”. I hope she will let me.

She sighs and gives me this ... very motherly look. “I guess you are going to be stubborn about this, right ?”.

“Yup ... so just humour me okay ?” I give her my best charming smile.

“Okay then”. She shakes her head slightly. “You’ll get your way on this one”.

I bow lightly. “Thank you my lady.. is there anything I have to consider when getting the food ? Any allergies or things you absolutely won’t eat ?”

“No ... I am not really picky and I have no allergies”. She tells me. “See you in about an hour, I’ll text you the address”.

“Sure ... see you”. I give her a small wave as she leaves and then I hurry to get out of costume. I need to shower and get ready. I also need to pick up some food. I want to surprise her with something good.