Michelle thought for sure that Luke was about to kiss her. To kiss her right there in the middle of a tea shop with a whole bunch of people around. And just when he had her heart racing and her nerves quaking, he backed off, and Michelle breathed again. Perhaps she wasnt quite ready for such public kissing just yet.

She could see confetti stuck in her hair on her shoulder, and she reached one arm up out of her cloak, using the other arm to keep it closed about her body, and shook out her hair a little, sending confetti flying into the tea of the people at a nearby table. She didnt come close to removing all of it, however, and would likely still be finding bits of it later that night when she brushed her hair before bed, little pink reminders of the day.

Michelle followed Luke to a table, happy to see that they would have a window to look out of during awkward moments, but drew back when he tried to take her cloak. Oh, no, she said quickly. Id like to keep it. Thank you, though. Its justwell Im still so cold from the walk in the snow and allI need to warm up. This was a lie. Michelle, in fact, was no longer cold at all in that very warm tea shop. The truth was that Michelle was very self-conscious about the dress she was wearing. This isnt to say that it was vulgar or obscene as far as dresses went. In fact, it covered quite a lot of her skin. But the dress was made to be a close fit as it was, and Michelle was accustomed to wearing her clothes a bit too large in an effort to hide her figure. The resulting problem was that Michelle wished shed worn something else, but it was far too late to change her mind. She would keep her cloak on all day if need be.

Eager to avoid further discussion on the matter, Michelle sat down at the table, her hands folded in her lap. Youve a lot of confetti in your hair, you knowand on your shoulders, she told him, a little smile working at her lips. I really think that pink is your color. Its very becoming.