"Can we go somewhere to talk privately? I really have something I need to tell you."

Michelle looks at Angela who has a huge grin on her face. She gives Michelle a wink and then takes the microphone from Danny.

Releasing the microphone, Danny never takes his eyes off of Michelle.

"Uh, what would you need to tell me? I don’t know you and you…" she hesitates.

Danny urges her on. "What?"

"Well, you seem really popular," she says meekly. "I saw those women with you and your friend."

"Obviously, I'm not too popular. I have never seen you before and you just admitted you don’t know me. Look, I won’t hurt you. I just want to talk. Please?"

Michelle stares into the onyx pools of his eyes. She swears they are hypnotizing her. Then, reluctantly, she agrees to talk to him.

They head outside, amongst stares, specifically Jesse’s. Michelle feels really awkward. Surely, Danny doesn’t find her appealing, so what could he want? And hopefully, Jesse won’t make a scene.

Once outside the campus center, Danny directs Michelle to a bench. They sit down.

"So, what is it you want to tell me?"

"I think you’re beautiful."

Silence.

"Did you hear me? I think you’re beautiful."

"I heard you."

"Well, do you want to know why I think you’re beautiful?"

"No."

"You don’t believe me, do you?"

"No. I think you could have any number of women. Women that are sultry and willing to give you whatever you want. I don’t compare to them."

"You’re right. Not that I have this huge ego or anything, but women have never been a problem for me. As far as comparisons go, they don’t compare to you."

"What do you mean?"

"After a while, a person needs a relationship with substance. You know, stuff to make it last forever. When I fall in love, it will be forever."

"That’s the song you were singing. You have a nice voice."

"Thank you. And you’re beautiful. Do you sing?"

"Uh, actually, I do."

"I bet your voice is just as beautiful as you are. Can I call you tomorrow? You look really tired and like you need to rest."

"It’s that obvious, huh? I really didn’t want to come here tonight."

"Why not? Are you going through something personal?"

"Yes, you could say that. And that’s why I don’t believe you. My experiences tell me that I can’t trust men who appear to be interested in me. And I definitely feel I’m out of my league with you. You’re a very attractive man and I’m sure you attract a lot of women. I could never live up to your expectations."

Danny just stares at Michelle. She’s definitely the one. He takes her left hand and kisses it and then turns it over and kisses the palm. Michelle quickly pulls her hand away and gets up to leave. She gives him one last glance and then rushes back to the campus center.

Quietly, Danny says, "You’re wrong Michelle Bauer. And I won’t give up until we are one."

_____________________________

Jesse calls everyday. Three times a day. I refuse to see or talk to him. He must have realized that Drew really wasn't whom he wanted. Too bad. I've had six months to get over him and I do believe I'm over Jesse Blue.

It's because of Danny Santos. Sure, I'm not going to get involved with him, but he did help my low self-esteem. And he's gorgeous.

But I'm not the type of woman someone as gorgeous as Danny Santos would date. No. I'm just little ole me.

It will be one week tomorrow since I left him on the bench outside the campus center. I had to leave. He was just too...good. What would he see in me? It must be a cruel joke.

I stare at myself in the full-length mirror. My jean dress is fitting a little more snug than usual. Gotta lose a few pounds. The dress comes just above my knees. I'm glad it has long sleeves, just in case it's chilly today. It buttons down the front. Hmmm. Maybe I'll leave the first three buttons undone. Yes, that looks better. Very curvaceous. Probably too curvaceous. Oh well, I'm not changing.

My curls are tamed today. I'll take a headband just in case my hair decides to eventually do its own thing.

I survey myself once more and then head downstairs for breakfast. No classes today, but I'm meeting Angela on campus. She has one class today and then we're heading to the mall.

As I make my way down the back stairway to the kitchen, I hear voices. Several voices. When I get to the landing, I realize that Danny Santos is here. And he's talking to my brother, Rick and his wife, Abby.

"Hello."

"Hey honey. Your friend from school has been waiting for you. Abby and me are off today so we're heading out and will probably be gone all day. Now that you've come down, we'll be going."

"Uh, okay. Hi Danny."

"Hi Michelle."

Rick and Abby leave and I'm left alone with Danny Santos.